Review of The Ritual

It's rare that I come across a horror movie that I FEEL has absolutely no flaws but, when it happens, it's an absolute pleasure. "The Ritual", a Netflix exclusive, is one such film. Expertly paced, genuinely engaging, and hauntingly atmospheric utilizes familiar tropes in such a way that ends up marking them as distinctly unique and fresh. Coupling harrowing horror with a riveting human drama built around themes of guilt, forgiveness, and overcoming deep emotional and psychological pain only helps cement the merit of the overall product as above the usual fare. In short, this is one of the strongest, most effective genre films of the last few decades. An instant classic.

Making fantastic use of its setting in the wilderness of a foreign country (Sweden, in this case), the film sets out to keep you in bouts of unease from the get go by wisely placing you in the shoes of a man burdened by guilt and then plunging said individual (and his friends) into alien and claustrophobic countryside that only serves to ratchet up the levels of discomfort.

Keeping you on knife's edge you begin to slowly unravel the bigger picture and, no spoilers, are ultimately treated to one of the most original and satisfying 3rd acts in horror history. Suspenseful, dread-inducing, and terrifying. Filled with great ideas, fleshed out real characters with real problems, and an eerie score to boot, There really is nothing i can say other than WATCH THIS FILM. Highly recommended. A rare 10 out of 10.