The Ritual
Stream
A group of college friends reunite for a trip to the forest, but encounter a menacing presence in the woods that's stalking them.
What critics thought
The Ritual earns credit for its oppressive Scandinavian atmosphere, strong ensemble work, and genuine dread in its first half, but critics were sharply divided over whether the film squanders those strengths in its third act. Admirers called it a lean, effective mood piece; detractors felt it coasted on a promising setup only to fumble the landing.
“Efficient and highly effective in its style, relying on sound, creepy production design, and the men's own fear and misjudgments to create the sense of pervasive doom.”
Katie Walsh·Los Angeles Times
“The most disappointing kind of bad horror movie: the kind that's too smart to be this dumb.”
Simon Abrams·RogerEbert.com
“David Bruckner had all the ingredients for a horror masterpiece—deceptively scenic wilderness shots, great character camaraderie, dreadful atmosphere/setting—but The Ritual winds up a missed opportunity.”
The Playlist
Genres
Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Cast & Crew
David BrucknerDirector
Rafe SpallLuke
Arsher AliPhil
Robert James-CollierHutch
Sam TroughtonDom
Paul ReidRobert
Matthew NeedhamJunkie
Jacob James BeswickFiend
Maria ErwolterThe Host
Hilary ReevesThe Curate
Peter LiddellThe Logger
Francesca MulaThe Witch
Kerri McLeanGayle
Adam NevillWriter
Joe BartonWriter
Andrew ShulkindCinematographyThe Ritual
A group of college friends reunite for a trip to the forest, but encounter a menacing presence in the woods that's stalking them.
What critics thought
The Ritual earns credit for its oppressive Scandinavian atmosphere, strong ensemble work, and genuine dread in its first half, but critics were sharply divided over whether the film squanders those strengths in its third act. Admirers called it a lean, effective mood piece; detractors felt it coasted on a promising setup only to fumble the landing.
“Efficient and highly effective in its style, relying on sound, creepy production design, and the men's own fear and misjudgments to create the sense of pervasive doom.”
Katie Walsh·Los Angeles Times
“The most disappointing kind of bad horror movie: the kind that's too smart to be this dumb.”
Simon Abrams·RogerEbert.com
“David Bruckner had all the ingredients for a horror masterpiece—deceptively scenic wilderness shots, great character camaraderie, dreadful atmosphere/setting—but The Ritual winds up a missed opportunity.”
The Playlist
Genres
Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Cast & Crew
David BrucknerDirectorRafe SpallLukeArsher AliPhilRobert James-CollierHutchSam TroughtonDomPaul ReidRobertMatthew NeedhamJunkieJacob James BeswickFiendMaria ErwolterThe HostHilary ReevesThe CuratePeter LiddellThe LoggerFrancesca MulaThe WitchKerri McLeanGayleAdam NevillWriterJoe BartonWriterAndrew ShulkindCinematographyStream