---
title: "The Ritual"
year: 2017
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-ritual-2017"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 433808
imdb_id: "tt5638642"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 94
community_rating: 6.3
vote_count: 3491
content_rating: "R"
---

# The Ritual (2017) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-ritual-2017

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The film "The Ritual" is a horror movie that follows a group of friends who reunite for a trip to the forest. The group of friends, who are college acquaintances, embark on this journey together. During their trip, they encounter a menacing presence in the woods that poses a threat to their lives. The group soon finds themselves being stalked by this presence, which creates a sense of tension and fear. The film explores the group's dynamics and their reactions to the danger they face. The forest setting serves as a backdrop for the group's struggle to survive against the unknown threat. The movie's plot unfolds as the group navigates the treacherous woods, trying to stay alive. The film's atmosphere is tense and foreboding, building up to a climactic confrontation with the menacing presence.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "College friends' reunion trek turns into a terrifying hunt by an unseen forest stalker."

### Why Watch
- Atmospheric tension in the woods
- Mystery-driven plot keeps you guessing
- Directed by David Bruckner, known for horror

### Caveats & Content Note
- The runtime of 1h 34m limits character development
- The horror relies on atmosphere rather than graphic violence, which may not satisfy all fans
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains intense horror and suspenseful scenes, suitable for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: horror, mystery, claustrophobic, ominous

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | None |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | None |
| **Australia (AU)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | None |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: David Bruckner
- **Networks / Studios**: Entertainment One, The Imaginarium, Sierra/Affinity

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Rafe Spall** as *Luke*
- **Arsher Ali** as *Phil*
- **Robert James-Collier** as *Hutch*
- **Sam Troughton** as *Dom*
- **Paul Reid** as *Robert*
- **Matthew Needham** as *Junkie*
- **Jacob James Beswick** as *Fiend*
- **Maria Erwolter** as *The Host*
- **Hilary Reeves** as *The Curate*
- **Peter Liddell** as *The Logger*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What genre is The Ritual?
The Ritual is classified as a horror and mystery film.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The runtime is 1 hour 34 minutes.

### Q: Who directed The Ritual?
The film was directed by David Bruckner.

### Q: When was The Ritual released?
It was released in 2017 and opened in the US on February 9, 2018.

### Q: What is the basic premise?
A group of college friends reunite for a forest trip and are stalked by a menacing presence.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*