The Ritual (2017 film)

The Ritual is a 2017 British horror film directed by David Bruckner and written by Joe Barton, based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Adam Nevill. The film stars Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier, and Sam Troughton.

The plot follows a group of university friends who embark on a hiking trip in the Swedish wilderness following the tragic death of a mutual friend. As they venture deeper into the forest, they become lost and begin experiencing strange and disturbing events. They stumble upon an ancient presence, a horrifying creature worshipped by a secluded group of locals.

The film explores themes of grief, guilt, masculinity, and the consequences of past actions. The psychological horror elements are interwoven with the physical threat posed by the creature and the unsettling rituals performed by its followers. The film is noted for its atmospheric visuals, its exploration of psychological trauma, and its effective use of folklore and mythology.

The Ritual was released on Netflix in several territories. It received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its direction, performances, and unsettling atmosphere.