4.1
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The Ritual
2009·Movie
·1h 54min·NR·
The Ritual fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Tense and scary
- Tension8
- Scare7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Melancholy6
- Pathos5
- Catharsis3
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor6
- Cringe Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
The mind, everyday modern life, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters
- Intrigue9
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Sound Centrality7
- Editing6
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
All heart traits
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumThe mind, everyday modern life, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind, everyday modern life, and crime. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters
The characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
A serial killer begins the process of grooming a protégé, until outside influences threaten to destroy their sadistic relationship.
Psychological ThrillerSerial KillerMentorship Gone WrongDark and DisturbingCrime DramaTense AtmosphereCharacter StudyMoral DecayIntense
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Questions about The Ritual
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Ritual worth watching?
60
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 4.1 and Metacritic 80). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Ritual rated?
NRViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Ritual?
1 h 54 min
The Ritual runs 1 h 54 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Ritual?
Critics80
Audiences43
Not quite. Critics rate The Ritual higher (80) than audiences (43). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Ritual in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
What tropes does The Ritual use?
Dwindling PartyKarma HoudiniAdaptational AbominationDon't Go in the WoodsLovecraft LiteSinister Deer SkullImmortality ImmoralityImpersonation-Exclusive CharacterHallucinationsMr. ExpositionBig BadEye Screamand 46 more
TV Tropes lists 58 storytelling tropes for The Ritual, including Dwindling Party, Karma Houdini, Adaptational Abomination.