Watch Ritual

Ritual is a 2012 Indonesian horror movie that revolves around a young couple named Wicak and Ratri. The film features Rio Dewanto as Wicak, Hannah Al Rashid as Ratri and Izzi Isman as Zaki, their guide as they venture into the forest of Java Island in Indonesia. The forest is known for its ancient and mystical rituals, and the couple seeks to capture it all on film to make a documentary. As they embark on their journey, they find themselves surrounded by dense foliage, which makes it challenging to navigate through the forest.

The movie begins with Wicak and Ratri wandering into the forest, where they meet Zaki, who is supposed to guide them through the forest. As they trek deeper into the forest, strange and inexplicable events start to happen. They hear noises, and it seems like someone is following them. Zaki no longer seems to be in control of the situation and becomes increasingly paranoid, which causes the couple to question his guidance.

Before long, the trio finds themselves in a sacred burial ground, where according to legend, an ancient queen was buried with her treasure, which includes a powerful artifact that can make or break one's life. The artifact is believed to contain supernatural power and bestow wealth to those who possess it.

Wicak and Ratri soon realize that they are not alone in the forest, as they encounter a group of sinister-looking individuals who are determined to take the artifact for their gain, even if it means that they have to kill whoever stands in their way. As the couple tries to make their way out of the forest, they are forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse, and they learn the hard way that some legends are better left alone.

The movie is a tension-filled horror-thriller that gradually raises the stakes as the protagonists journey deeper into the forest. The filmmakers did an excellent job of creating an eerie and foreboding atmosphere, with the dark forest and haunting sounds adding a sense of dread and anticipation to the movie. The suspenseful score heightens the feeling of unease, and the frequent screams and jump scares will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rio Dewanto and Hannah Al Rashid, who play Wicak and Ratri, respectively, deliver great performances. Their characters are well-developed, and their genuine chemistry makes the audience root for them as they struggle to survive. Izzi Isman, who plays Zaki, also gives a believable and nuanced performance as the fervent and somewhat paranoid guide.

One of the strengths of the movie is its ability to seamlessly integrate aspects of Indonesian folklore and culture into the narrative, making it a cultural experience for those who may not be familiar with the country's traditions. The movie also touches on the disturbing issue of cultural appropriation, as the couple's documentary, at its core, explores and exploits the ancient and mystic rituals of the forest. The movie raises ethical questions about the impact of cultural tourism and commercialization of cultural tradition.

The movie Ritual manages to deliver a terrifying experience that will make you never want to venture into a forest alone. With its well-developed storyline, believable characters, and excellent cinematography, Ritual is a must-watch for horror fans. The movie is available on Netflix and is a great addition to your Halloween movie marathon.

Ritual is a 2012 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.