It starts with a knock on the cabin door, and from there,Ritualdrags viewers into a twistedgame of cat and mouse. The Indonesian psychological thriller, also known asModus Anomali, doesn’t just toy with the protagonist—it doesn’t hesitate to go after the audience too. Directed byJoko Anwar, the film’s premise presents itself as yourrun-of-the-mill survival story.However, down the line, it unravels into a disturbing exploration of paranoia and the darker corners of the human psyche. The film itself hones in on a mysteriousman who wakes up in the middle of the woods completely cluelessas to how he got there. The only pieces of information he has to go on are that his family is missing and that some anonymous and highly motivated figure is hunting him. As the plot progresses,he manages to piece together clues;however, the film keeps viewers guessing about the mysterious man, his hunter, and reality itself.
The borderline creepy settingof the forest mirrors the main character’s disoriented state, and as such,viewers can’t help but exist in a constant sense of unease.While this intense unease is a cornerstone ofRitual’s atmosphere, it’s not the main selling point. It’s the clever way it plays with perception that really sets the film apart. Not only does each twist feel authentically earned, butthe tension that follows is impossible to avoid.
‘Ritual’ Twists the Classic Amnesia Trope Into a Psychological Nightmare
If there’s one thing thatRitualproves, it’s thatthere’s nothing more terrifying than being lost in your own mind.Along those lines, the film transforms the often overusedamnesia tropeinto something with a gruesome twist. In the process, it transports viewers into a world where nothing is certain…especially the protagonist’s grasp on reality.The element of memory loss here isn’t just another device to keep the plot moving along—it becomes a weapon. As mentioned earlier, the story is centered on John Evans (Rio Dewanto), who wakes up in the middle of the woods with no idea who he is or how he got there. Straying from the usual way these “find the clues andsolve the puzzle” narratives unravel, the film dials up the tensionby scattering cryptic messages and unsettling discoveries.So, there’s a buried corpse here and a mysterious video recording there that doesn’t just feel personal; there’s a subtle threat behind it all.
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Above all,it’s the wayRitualutilizes amnesiathat injects every moment with a sense of instability that just works. The instant viewers feel they’ve figured something out, the narrative shifts it all out of focus. This level of disorientation clearly representsthe main character’s mental state, and it’s safe to say it’s just as terrifying watching it as it is in his head. By the time things begin to make sense,viewers are left with palpable questions.Is he a victim, a villain, or perhaps something in between? That’s the genius ofRitual.
‘Ritual’ Explores the Darkest Corners of Human Nature
Using its claustrophobic, forested settingin conjunction with breadcrumb storytelling,Ritualmanages to peel back thelayers of human naturein one of the most unique ways possible. At its core, the movie doesn’t simply explore thetheme of survivalagainst some pretty tasking odds; it’s also about theugly decisions people make when their backs are against the wall.On the surface level, the amnesiac protagonist finds himself in a scenario where nothing makes sense. There’s a bloodied knife, cryptic clues, and a trail that leads to one unsettling discovery after another. But as the story unfolds, it’s clear that the real horror doesn’t come from external threats; it’s an “inside job.”
One key scene that drives this home hasDewanto’s character stumbling upon a chilling videoimplicating him in something unspeakable. The cabin where he finds this video is littered with other clues ranging from a disturbing time capsule tobloodstained items that weave a narrativehe may not be ready to face. Here, the blurred line betweenheroandmonsterbecomes eerily disorienting, especially as he continues digging for the truth. Perhaps the best part of the mind-boggling mystery is thatRitualnever attempts to patronize the audience or spoon-feed answers.Rather, it allows viewers to discover things alongside the protagonist and, in the process, reflect on their own instincts. At the end of it all, it leaves you reassessing your own moral compass.
Ritualis available for streaming on Apple TV in the U.S.
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