The Ritual (2017), directed by David Bruckner and based on the novel by Adam Nevill, is a chilling British horror film that blends psychological trauma with ancient myth. Set in the desolate forests of northern Sweden, the movie explores themes of grief, guilt, masculinity, and the terrifying consequences of unfinished emotional wounds.
The story centers on four longtime friends—Luke, Hutch, Phil, and Dom—who reunite for a hiking trip to honor their friend Rob, who was murdered during a convenience store robbery months earlier. Luke (Rafe Spall) is particularly haunted by Rob’s death, as he was present during the attack but failed to intervene. That guilt weighs heavily on him, and the group's dynamic is strained as they venture deeper into the wilderness.
After Dom is injured, the group decides to take a shortcut through an unmarked forest—an ominous decision that marks the beginning of their nightmare. Strange symbols carved into trees, gutted animals hanging from branches, and eerie nightmares begin to unsettle them. They come across an abandoned cabin with disturbing artifacts, including a bizarre wooden effigy in the attic that seems to trigger violent dreams and hallucinations.
As they push forward, it becomes clear that something is stalking them—something ancient, pagan, and beyond understanding. The forest becomes a labyrinth of psychological torment, and each man is forced to confront his personal fears, especially Luke, whose unresolved guilt begins to manifest in terrifying ways.
The tension builds slowly but relentlessly. What makes The Ritual especially gripping is how it weaves supernatural horror with inner turmoil. The monstrous force in the forest—a towering, godlike creature drawn from Norse mythology—is not just a beast but a symbol of the pain the characters carry. It feeds not only on their presence but on their psychological wounds.
Visually, the film is bleak and haunting. The Scandinavian wilderness is beautifully shot but overwhelmingly oppressive. The trees seem to close in, creating a sense of claustrophobic dread despite the open space. The sound design adds to the anxiety with distant whispers, cracks, and inhuman groans.
By the time the creature fully reveals itself, The Ritual has earned the horror it unleashes. The climax is surreal and disturbing, but emotionally resonant—forcing Luke to make a final, symbolic stand against the fear and guilt that has haunted him.
The Ritual is more than just a monster-in-the-woods story. It’s a meditation on grief, the fragility of male friendships, and the darkness we carry inside. Unsettling, intelligent, and visually unforgettable, it’s a modern folk horror that leaves its mark.
