The Ritual (2017) – A Chilling Journey into Grief and Nordic Terror
The Ritual, directed by David Bruckner and released in 2017, is a psychological horror film that blends emotional trauma with eerie folklore. Based on the novel by Adam Nevill, the film tells the story of four friends who embark on a hiking trip through the Scandinavian wilderness in honor of their deceased friend. What begins as an emotional retreat soon spirals into a terrifying journey through an ancient forest filled with supernatural dread and inner demons.
The plot centers on Luke (Rafe Spall), along with his college friends Phil, Hutch, and Dom. After the sudden and violent death of their friend Rob during a robbery—an incident for which Luke carries deep guilt—the group decides to honor Rob's memory by hiking through the Swedish mountains. When Dom injures his knee, the group takes a shortcut through an uncharted forest, unknowingly stepping into a cursed realm haunted by something far more ancient and malevolent than they could imagine.
From the moment they enter the forest, the atmosphere becomes suffocating. Strange symbols carved into trees, mutilated animals, and eerie dreams begin to plague the group. Tension builds not just from the external horror but from the emotional fractures between the friends. Each of them is carrying unresolved grief, guilt, or resentment, and the forest begins to exploit those weaknesses. The film excels at blending the psychological with the supernatural, making viewers question whether the horror is real or a projection of inner torment.
Rafe Spall delivers a powerful performance as Luke, whose survivor’s guilt and feelings of cowardice drive much of the story’s emotional weight. The creature stalking them—a mysterious entity from Norse mythology—is one of the film’s most memorable elements. Unlike many horror films that overexpose their monsters, The Ritual uses restraint and mystery. The creature, inspired by Jötunn legends, is both terrifying and awe-inspiring, representing a god-like force that feeds on fear and submission.
Visually, The Ritual is striking. Cinematographer Andrew Shulkind uses the forest to great effect—its dark, towering trees and endless paths create a sense of isolation and helplessness. The dream sequences and hallucinations are woven into the narrative with a surreal quality, making the viewer feel as disoriented as the characters. The sound design also plays a critical role, using natural sounds and eerie silences to build suspense.
What sets The Ritual apart from many other horror films is its emotional core. It’s not just about survival, but about confronting past sins, personal weakness, and the limits of friendship. The horror is both literal and metaphorical. Luke’s journey is as much about facing the monster in the woods as it is about facing himself.
In conclusion, The Ritual is a smart, atmospheric horror film that successfully combines psychological depth with ancient folklore. It delivers scares without relying on clichés, and its monster is one of the most original in recent years. For fans of horror that favors mood, symbolism, and emotional resonance over cheap thrills, The Ritual is a must-watch.
