The Ritual (2017)
A chilling British horror film where grief, guilt, and something ancient collide deep in a Scandinavian forest.
The Ritual - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Ritual
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: David Bruckner
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Mystery
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Swedish
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 11, 2017 (Belgium), October 13, 2017 (United Kingdom), May 10, 2018 (Mexico - B15)
- Alternative Titles: El Ritual (ES), O Ritual (BR), הטקס (IL), Η Ιεροτελεστία (GR), 더 리투얼 (KR)
- Production Companies: Entertainment One, The Imaginarium, Sierra/Affinity
- Production Countries: Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America
The Ritual - Plot
A group of college friends reunite for a trip to the forest, but encounter a menacing presence in the woods that's stalking them.
The Ritual - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the dread unfold in the Swedish wilderness:
Your darkest dream awaits you.
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The Ritual - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- David Bruckner
Main Cast
- Rafe Spall
- Arsher Ali
- Robert James-Collier
- Sam Troughton
- Paul Reid
- Matthew Needham
- Jacob James Beswick
- Maria Erwolter
- Hilary Reeves
- Peter Liddell
Writers
- Joe Barton
Producers
- Andy Serkis
- Richard Holmes
- Jonathan Cavendish
- Ron Ames
The Ritual - FAQs
What is the monster in The Ritual?
The creature in The Ritual is Moder, a demigod offspring of Loki from Norse mythology. It's a towering, terrifying entity worshipped by a pagan cult in the Swedish forest. The film deliberately keeps it shrouded in darkness for most of the runtime, making its eventual reveal all the more unsettling.
Is The Ritual available on Netflix?
Yes! The Ritual is streaming on Netflix, including Netflix Standard with Ads. It's one of the platform's most talked-about horror offerings, so if you're in the mood for a genuinely creepy forest thriller, it's just a few clicks away.
Is The Ritual based on a book?
The Ritual is based on Adam Nevill's 2011 horror novel of the same name. Screenwriter Joe Barton adapted the source material, preserving the core premise of friends hunted through a Scandinavian forest while streamlining certain plot elements for the screen.
What is The Ritual about?
Four friends hike through a remote Swedish forest to honor a deceased companion, only to find themselves hunted by something ancient and monstrous. The film blends survival horror with grief and guilt, as the group's fractured relationships unravel under the pressure of a terrifying, inexplicable threat.
Who are the main actors in The Ritual?
Rafe Spall leads the cast as Luke, the guilt-ridden survivor at the story's emotional core. He's joined by Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier, and Sam Troughton as his friends. Together they deliver grounded, believable performances that make the horror feel genuinely personal and affecting.
What does the ending of The Ritual mean?
The ending sees Luke face Moder alone, refusing to kneel and worship it as the cult demands. He survives by fleeing into the open, escaping the forest's grip. It's a cathartic moment of defiance — Luke finally confronting his guilt and cowardice by choosing to fight rather than submit.
Who directed The Ritual and what genre is it?
David Bruckner directed The Ritual, a horror and mystery film. Bruckner is well regarded in the genre, later going on to direct The Night House (2020) and Hellraiser (2022). His atmospheric, slow-burn approach gives The Ritual a dread-soaked tension that sets it apart from typical creature features.
How long is The Ritual and what is its age rating?
The Ritual runs for 94 minutes and is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects its intense horror sequences, violence, and disturbing imagery. It's a lean, well-paced film that doesn't overstay its welcome — just enough time to get thoroughly under your skin.
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