The Ritual

on Netflix - February 20, 2018


From the synopsis, this movie seemed tired and trope-heavy. However due to its energy it improves. It is an interesting amalgam of The Hills Have Eyes, Norse Mythology (the serious non-Thor/Marvel variety) and "bro" movies. It was filmed in the spookily historical. but a beautiful place, Romania. Due to an enthusiastic review of a movie critic on YouTube (Perri Nemiroff), I watched. I almost bailed several times due to an unbelievable amount of bad decisions by the characters. I stayed for the acting, cinematography, soundtrack and of course, Perri's recommendation. Being on a streaming service that one already has a subscription to, seems to give just about everything at least a passing grade.  This movie, well I have to think about long term, but just in view of one characters arc, I would have to give it at least a 3.0 out of 4.0 (using an American school grading system). The last scene was the ultimate in catharsis.