Rituals (film)

Rituals is a 1977 Canadian horror film directed by Peter Carter and starring Hal Holbrook and Lawrence Dane. The film follows a group of five doctors on a wilderness camping trip who are terrorized by an unseen assailant after one of them is injured.

The plot revolves around the increasing paranoia and desperation of the men as they realize they are being hunted. The attacker remains largely unseen, adding to the suspense and ambiguity of the film. As they attempt to survive and escape, they face not only the external threat but also internal conflicts and the unraveling of their friendships.

Rituals is often compared to the film Deliverance (1972) due to its similar theme of urban men encountering primal violence in the wilderness. However, Rituals distinguishes itself with its focus on psychological horror and the exploration of masculinity under extreme pressure. The film explores themes of survival, morality, and the fragility of civilization. It has gained a cult following for its suspenseful atmosphere, unsettling violence, and ambiguous ending.