The ritual killer Movie review 2023

The Ritual Killer is a thrilling story of a detective and a professor's quest to capture a notorious witchdoctor who mutilates his victims for a sinister purpose. Despite law enforcement's constant pursuit, the killer continues to carve hapless innocents across two continents, leaving a trail of gruesome crime scenes.

The film follows two disjointed storylines that poorly connect, making it difficult for the audience to follow. The primary character's strange flashback scenes offer unnecessary exposition and filler that does not impact the actual plot, straining the pacing for an already lean runtime.

Former NFL star Vernon Davis stands out as the scarred and merciless antagonist, bringing a menacing presence to the screen. In Rome, Italian detective Mario Lavazza and his task force investigate a horrific crime scene where a young woman has been tortured in a twisted ceremony, with the murderer methodically excising several body parts. Meanwhile, in Jackson, Mississippi, detective Lucas Boyd and his partner kick down a hotel room door and rescue a runaway girl from a pervert, with Boyd grieving over the loss of his teenage daughter and inflicting severe justice.

At nearby Milsaps College, Mackles, an African studies professor, lectures his students on the dark arts of tribal medicines, unknowingly becoming involved in the investigation. Lavazza chases a suspect through Rome's streets at night, but the physical juggernaut, Randoku, eludes him with ease, shredding every cop in his path with a specialized blade. Lavazza and his team struggle to keep up with Randoku, who is also wanted by Boyd, as another mutilated victim is found.

Boyd heads to Milsaps College to speak with Mackles, who reveals that Randoku practices Muti, a disturbing tribal medicine. With this information, Boyd, Mackles, and Lavazza must put together the pieces to find Randoku and his sinister eventual goal. The chase scenes are intense, with Randoku's constant running around becoming comical at times.

Despite the film's thrilling plot, the police work involved in the mystery is borderline farcical. The film never shows how the Italians found Randoku, and Boyd stumbles upon him with little effort, as Randoku seems to hold up a sign for the cops to identify him.

The Ritual Killer's subplots lack substance, with the time spent on Boyd's tragedy and Mackles' African roots not amounting to much. Boyd could have easily uncovered Randoku's Muti-inspired agenda with a simple Google search, making the subplots feel unnecessary.

The Ritual Killer is a production of Wonderfilm Media, Black Diamond Films, Lervolino & Lady, and Bacardi Entertainment. It will have a concurrent VOD and theatrical release on March 10th from Redbox Entertainment and Screen Media. Overall, The Ritual Killer is an entertaining yet flawed film, with a thrilling plot that could have been executed better.

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In the gripping mystery-thriller film "Ritual Killings," Detective Cole Hauser is on the hunt for a twisted murderer committing ritualistic killings in a small Mississippi town. Hauser's character seeks help from an anthropology professor, portrayed by the legendary Morgan Freeman, who is an expert on the ancient rituals being performed.

Directed by George Gallo and produced by a talented team including Andrea Iervolino, Monika Bacardi, Joe Lemmon, Bret Saxon, and Jeff Bowler, "Ritual Killings" promises to be a suspenseful and dramatic cinematic experience.

The film's talented writing team includes Bob Bowersox, Jennifer Lemmon, Francesco Cinquemani, Giorgia Iannone, Luca Giliberto, and Ferdinando Dell'Omo, who have crafted a narrative that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Set for a limited theatrical release on March 10, 2023, alongside a simultaneous streaming release, "Ritual Killings" has a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes and is distributed by Redbox Entertainment. The film boasts an aspect ratio of Scope (2.35:1), promising stunning visuals and a cinematic experience unlike any other.

With a cast and crew of such caliber, "Ritual Killings" is sure to be a must-see for fans of the mystery-thriller and drama genres