The Ritual - 2017 - 5/10
Five mates plan their annual travel excursion.
Oops, make that four following an early tragedy.
Soft city lads, they opt for a stiff hike through Sweden's wilderness.
Photography is moody, stark, disorienting. The guys are equally moody, dense and confused.
Prime example: "If we take a shortcut through the woods we can save time."
No no no! Do not take shortcuts, especially if your knowledge of outdoors is zilch.
Mistakes mount, compound, and you realize these unsympathetic louts are too dim to care about.
The plot staggers into lore territory, and that feels shoe-horned. Kitchen sink mentality.
Disappointing adaptation of Adam Nevill's book.
Confession: I grew up in a mountain region and hiked backwoods all the time.
I have limited patience with these bozos who make blunders an eight year old would avoid.