The Ritual
dir. David Bruckner · 2017
Plot
A group of friends reunite after a long time to plan a vacation. They finally decide to go on a hiking trip in Sweden (North-West Europe). When one of them is injured, they have no choice but to cut through the forest in order to arrive at the lodge a couple of hours sooner. During a raging rainstorm, they spent the night in a spooky, abandoned house. What awaits them are things they never expect out of this supposedly bonding trip.
Why watch
"The Ritual" masterfully intertwines psychological horror with the primal fear of the unknown, as a group of friends confronts both the terrors of the forest and the fractures in their relationships. With its haunting visuals and relentless tension, this film is a chilling exploration of how fear can unravel the bonds of friendship.
Talking points
- the impact of trauma on friendships
- the role of nature in horror
- the use of folklore in modern storytelling
- masculinity and vulnerability in crisis situations