THE RITUAL (2017) Movie Review

The Ritual is the story of the personal journey of Luke, a man desperate to overcome tremendous guilt.

He feels responsible for the needless murder of his friend Robert. Paralyzed with fear for his life, he quietly watches in hiding as two junkies beat him to death. He bows to fear instead of intervening, and then he flees the store.In a desperate attempt to atone his guilt, he travels with three friends to Sweden to honor his memory. However, the journey takes a violent turn when the four friends realize that an evil creature is stalking them through the woods.

A peaceful gathering quickly become a fight for survival. Poor decisions are made. People get hurt. The fabric of their friendships are put to the test. In the midst of it all, Luke continues in his struggle to overcome his guilt. What he comes to realize is that Robert's forgiving spirit is with him and protecting him in their most dangerous moments.

His fight for survival depends on his most important lesson: He must first accept Robert's forgiveness. He must forgive himself. He must not bow to fear again. Only after achieve these three things may he survive the monster that seeks to destroy him. He instead emerges from the woods a stronger man.

Every one makes poor decisions in life that can lead to the ultimate consequence. It is Robert who refuses to give the robbers what they demand. A ring is not worth his life. It is his friends who decide to take a shortcut through unfamiliar, dangerous woods in order to save time. An extra night of sleeping outside is not worth their lives.

It is Luke who remains submissively quiet and cooperative. He acts on instinct to save his own life. Though his life is spared, something far more valuable is at stake, even at risk to his life. He must salvage his soul, and it all begins with forgiveness.