31 Years in 31 Days: Horror Flicks from 2017
Lots and lots of good stuff in 2017. But, lots and lots of good stuff equals lots and lots of coverage. Movies like the remake of It, Get Out, Gerald’s Game, It Comes At Night, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, and Mother! have gotten tons of write ups and reviews all over the internet. That being the case, I figured I would highlight a movie my wife and I stumbled upon one night while browsing Netflix, The Ritual.
The Ritual is a British film about five best friends who decide that a trip to catch up with each other is just the thing they need. After hatching a plan they exit the pub they were drinking in and stop by a liquor store that, unbeknownst to them, is in the process of being robbed. Two of the friends enter the store, one leaves. The other, Rob, is beaten to death due to his reluctance to give up his wedding band. To honor their friend, the remaining four decided to soldier on with their trip and plan a hike in Sweden along the King’s Trail. And their trip goes well until one of the four, Dom, hurts his knee forcing the group off the path and into the forest. And it is there that this movie takes a decidedly darker turn.
This being Sweden, home to Norse mythology, the supernatural elements they experience in the forest have a distinctly twisted feel to them. Things go pear shaped in a big bad way for the foursome as they notice strange, runic symbols carved into the surrounding trees. I won’t venture any further into spoiler territory but will mention that if all you know of Norse myth was learned from Thor comics and/or movies, you are not ready for what happens in this film. It is a terrifying look at man in their most vulnerable position, alone, in the woods, with no one else around and no idea what is happening. This movie scared the shit out of me and remains a perennial favorite. Watch it with friends. See you tomorrow for the final chapter in this month long series. Thanks for sticking with me.