The Ritual: A Dark, Haunting Journey Into the Heart of Fear

The Ritual (2017), directed by David Bruckner, is a chilling and atmospheric horror film that taps into the primal fears of the unknown, the supernatural, and the deep, dark forests that can hide both beauty and terror. Based on Adam Nevill's novel of the same name, the film follows a group of friends who embark on a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness, only to find themselves caught in a horrifying, otherworldly trap. As the tension builds and the danger escalates, The Ritual explores themes of guilt, survival, and the eerie weight of the past.

With its slow-burn horror, mysterious folklore, and psychological depth, The Ritual offers a fresh take on the survival genre, blending elements of folk horror with psychological tension. It’s a film that doesn’t just rely on jump scares or gore to create fear—it taps into the universal fear of being lost, of being hunted, and of being utterly alone in an uncaring world. Here's a deep dive into the world of The Ritual, a film that lingers in your mind long after it’s over.

The Plot: A Nightmare in the Woods

The story of The Ritual begins with a tragic event. Four friends—Luke (Rafe Spall), Phil (Arsher Ali), Dom (Sam Troughton), and Hutch (Robert James-Collier)—are mourning the death of their friend, Rob, who was brutally attacked during a robbery. In an attempt to escape their grief and to honor Rob’s memory, the group decides to take a hiking trip through the Swedish wilderness. But their adventure quickly turns into a nightmare when an injury forces them to take a shortcut through an eerie forest.

The woods are vast, dark, and full of ancient trees that seem to swallow them whole. As they trek deeper into the forest, they begin to encounter signs that something is horribly wrong—strange markings on trees, unnerving sounds in the distance, and an overwhelming sense of dread that grows stronger with every step. The further they go, the more it becomes clear that they’re not alone in these woods. Something is watching them. Something ancient. Something powerful.

As the group’s survival becomes increasingly desperate, they realize that they must confront not only the terrifying, supernatural forces hunting them but also their own psychological demons and the unresolved guilt that each of them carries. As tensions rise, secrets come to light, and their bond of friendship is tested to its breaking point. What begins as a simple hike quickly spirals into a battle for survival against an unstoppable force from another world.

Themes: Guilt, Survival, and the Supernatural

At its core, The Ritual is a story about guilt and survival. Each of the characters is dealing with their own personal demons, and the forest acts as a metaphor for the darkness inside them. Luke, the central character, is particularly burdened by guilt over his role in his friend Rob’s death. This unresolved guilt is a major driving force in the film, affecting his decisions and the way he reacts to the dangers they face in the woods.

The film uses the forest as a symbol of both external and internal fear. On one hand, the woods are an ancient and unsettling place, home to strange creatures and supernatural forces. On the other hand, the forest mirrors the psychological torment each character is enduring, forcing them to confront their pasts and their own weaknesses. The supernatural forces in The Ritual are not just physical threats; they represent the internal struggles that the characters can’t escape.

Another key theme is the idea of survival, not just in a physical sense, but also in an emotional and psychological sense. The characters are pushed to their limits, both by the terrifying creatures stalking them and by their own personal demons. The question of what it takes to survive—how far you’re willing to go, what sacrifices you’re willing to make—is at the heart of the film.

The Supernatural Horror: A Folk Horror Masterpiece

One of the standout features of The Ritual is its use of folk horror, a subgenre that taps into ancient legends, primal fears, and the supernatural forces of nature. The film takes inspiration from Nordic folklore, weaving in creatures and ancient deities that have long been a part of Scandinavian myth. The creature in The Ritual—a nightmarish being that is part human and part beast—draws from ancient traditions of forest spirits and gods, creating a sense of ancient terror that feels deeply rooted in myth.

The design of the creature is both terrifying and tragic, embodying the dark mystery of the forest itself. It’s a being that doesn’t just want to kill—it wants to manipulate and control, representing the horrors that humans can’t understand or escape. The creature is both a physical and psychological antagonist, pushing the characters to confront their greatest fears and vulnerabilities.

What makes The Ritual particularly effective as a horror film is its slow-burn tension. The fear isn’t immediate; it builds gradually, with the forest itself becoming a character. The longer the group spends in the woods, the more oppressive the atmosphere becomes. The sense of isolation and the growing threat of the supernatural elements create a palpable feeling of dread that never lets up.

Character Development: Guilt, Friendship, and Breaking Point

While the horror elements are undeniably captivating, The Ritual truly stands out because of its well-developed characters. The film doesn’t just rely on its supernatural elements for tension—it invests in the emotional lives of the characters, particularly Luke. The trauma and guilt that Luke carries play a central role in the narrative, and his journey from a man paralyzed by fear and regret to someone capable of confronting the horrors of the forest is one of the film’s strongest aspects.

The dynamic between the friends is also compelling. As the group’s situation grows more dire, their friendship is tested. They start to unravel, turning on each other as their survival instincts kick in. This breakdown of trust adds an extra layer of horror to the story—when you’re trapped in the wilderness and facing an ancient evil, sometimes the real danger comes from within.

The characters’ internal struggles are beautifully portrayed, making the stakes feel more personal. The Ritual isn’t just about surviving a supernatural threat—it’s about confronting your past, your fears, and the things you regret the most.

Conclusion: A Gripping, Atmospheric Horror Film

The Ritual is a masterclass in atmospheric horror. It combines the eerie beauty of the forest with the chilling presence of ancient, supernatural forces, creating an immersive experience that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. The film succeeds not only as a horror movie but also as a meditation on guilt, survival, and the human psyche.

Its slow-burn tension, complex characters, and unsettling folklore elements make it a standout in the horror genre. It’s not just about the scares—it’s about the emotional journey that the characters go through, making every moment feel earned and impactful.

For fans of folk horror, psychological thrillers, and survival tales, The Ritual is a must-watch. It’s a haunting, intense experience that will keep you thinking long after the credits roll.