The Ritual – Review

Luke (Spall) grabs beers at the pub for his pals Phil (Ali), Hutch (Collier), Dom (Troughton) and Robert (Reid). They discuss their next trip and decide on King’s Trail between Sweden and Norway. As they walk home through London, Luke decides on another bottle and hits the liquor store with Rob.

Unfortunately, the store is being held up by armed junkies. Luke hides and Rob doesn’t want to give up his wedding ring. It seems tragedy is a likely outcome. We rejoin the story later with this same friend group on their planned camping and hiking trip.

It’s business as usual: scenic countryside, large hills, bushy forest, lots of walking. The men eventually find a nice spot and share an emotional moment. Some booze helps ease the atmosphere, and away we go into a rainy trek and windy night. When shit begins to get very strange in a cabin in the woods, it is only the beginning of the darkness.

Based on a book, The Ritual packs a lot of meaning into its title and screenplay, while also delivering some terrific horror and psychological madness. While some setup elements feel traditional, they have a nice spin or twist which adds some emotional heft to the story.

The characters are mostly likeable and realistic, and all process their feelings in understandable ways considering their own natures. The personalities at play are a typical friend group with similarities and stand out traits, and as their nerves spike they all have their own reactions.

Well-played by the cast, creepily atmospheric, dark and terrifying as well as psychologically enthralling, The Ritual does the job with a few surprises along its journey.

“Little off trail hiking, could be exciting. Might even do us some good.”