It seems I may have to retract my distaste of modern horror thanks to the new trailer for David Bruckner‘s The Ritual. The film follows a group of old college friends who trek through a Scandinavian forest after their friend dies, and, naturally, are joined by a menacing force that stalks them. Rafe Spall, Robert James-Collier, Arsher Ali, Paul Reid and Sam Troughton star.
David Bruckner has directed and written in the past, namely The Signal (2005) and Southbound(2015), but this looks to be his biggest work to date. The film is based on the 2011 novel by Adam Nevill, who was awarded the 2012 August Derleth Award for Best Horror Novel.
There’s already something unnerving about being in the woods, and being in a foreign country heightens this. Throw in a paranormal presence and you’ve got yourself a nightmare.
The trailer’s opening shows the murder of the friend; Rafe Spall’s character looks on, gutless, and it’s the reality and authenticity of the guilt that haunts him throughout the film that is rather scary. Sans the supernatural forces, there’s nothing in the film that couldn’t happen in real life and that’s something that will strike audiences.
The Ritual arrives in UK & Irish Cinemas on Friday, October 13. “They should have gone to Vegas“.
#Peace.Love.TheRitual
