Cutting Deep into Horror | The Ritual (2017): Folk Horror, Survivor’s Guilt & the Forest Monster

Weekly Spooky | Scary Stories for Halloween · Sep 4, 2026 · 1:54:17

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The Ritual (2017) turns a Swedish forest hike into folk horror, where an ancient creature uses its victims' trauma to demand submission. What does the creature want from Luke? Henrique Couto and Rachael Redolfi examine David Bruckner's film, Rafe Spall's performance, and its origins in Adam Nevill's novel. From the cabin's effigy to the creature's design, this Cutting Deep into Horror discussion connects survivor's guilt with the monster's control. Full spoilers: explore Luke's struggle to resist, the ending, and comparisons with The Blair Witch Project and Midsommar.

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