The Ritual
dir. David Bruckner · 2017
Facing the unknown can reveal the deepest fears and truths about ourselves.
"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.
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.
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
