The Ritual (2017)

The Ritual (2017) is a British horror film directed by David Bruckner, based on the novel by Adam Nevill. The story follows a group of four friends—Phil, Dom, Hutch, and Luke—who embark on a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness to honor their deceased friend. As they venture deeper into the forest, they begin encountering eerie symbols, strange occurrences, and an ancient, malevolent presence that stalks them.
The film blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, focusing on the group’s deteriorating camaraderie and their struggle for survival against both the forest’s dangers and the emotional weight of their unresolved guilt. The tension steadily builds as they realize they are being hunted by a creature tied to Norse mythology.
The Ritual is praised for its atmospheric tension, unsettling visuals, and strong performances, particularly from Rafe Spall, who plays Luke, the central character haunted by his past. The film’s creature design and use of the foreboding forest as a character in itself add to the sense of dread and isolation. It’s a slow-burn horror film that combines survival elements with themes of guilt, trauma, and the primal fear of the unknown, making it a standout in modern horror.