The Ritual

Four college friends reunite for a hiking trip in the Swedish wilderness to honor their deceased friend. What begins as a bonding experience quickly devolves into a nightmare when they become lost and are stalked by an ancient, malevolent entity residing in the forest. As they face their deepest fears and personal demons, they must find a way to survive the terrifying presence that hunts them.

The Ritual received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric horror, creature design, and strong performances. While some critics found the plot occasionally predictable, the film was widely regarded as a successful entry into the folk horror subgenre, effectively blending psychological tension with supernatural scares.

• Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and effective jump scares.

• Commended for its creature design and the underlying themes of grief and guilt.

• Some viewers found the pacing uneven and the final act to be less impactful than the build-up.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's terrifying atmosphere and the creature's frightening presence. Many viewers found the exploration of the characters' relationships and past traumas to be compelling, though some felt the story didn't fully capitalize on its potential.

The Jötunn creature in the film was inspired by Norse mythology and designed to evoke a sense of ancient dread and primal fear.