The Ritual

Four men in varying stages of grief over the loss of a friend go on a hiking holiday to the north of Sweden. A twisted knee causes them to take a short cut and the men find themselves lost and alone in a land where the old ways still hold sway.

I really liked this. It scared me and made me uneasy. It got its job as a horror film done with aplomb and did it without cheap scares and loud noises. It builds a great sense of creeping dread and manages to make its daytime scenes as effective as it's night time ones. It's always a massive plus in a horror when you can see what's going on. A lot of the film is set in a forest and there's just something primally fearful about them. How easy it is to get lost in them. The creaks and groans you hear. The fact that it's hard to see exactly what's going on in there. Brrrr.

Part of the reason I found it so effective was it's about characters that are relatable and likable and that you don't want to see get hurt. They felt like a real group of friends, you could feel the weight of history between them. Tbh they reminded me of my friends. The fact that they are getting older and it's harder to get everyone together struck a chord with me. The rapport between them is built quickly and efficiently and feels real. They do that male thing of dealing with grief by not talking about it too. Storing shite up until it explodes. This touch of realism is vital in grounding the film as things go more and more off the wall later in the story. Some well placed humour in their conversations hits the spot too. A use of the word "piggyback" will give you a much needed laugh late in the film.

Rafe Spall in the lead is very good. Like his father Timothy he has a presence you empathise with. The other 3 actors (Robert James Collier, Sam Troughton and Arsher Ali) along for the hike do well too. Each etches out a distinctive personality and adds something to the film.

Some people might take issue with the way the story unfolds. It does get quite a bit far fetched alright but if you look at is as a metaphor for dealing with your demons it all makes sense. Some of the creaky old clichés of horror rear their heads too but are quickly subverted which was refreshing.

A thoroughly effective horror movie that's efficient, well acted and gripping. And all under 100 minutes.

Well worth a watch.