Horror Movie Monday: The Ritual (2017) Review

This week on Tales, Trails & Taverns Horror Movie Monday, Joe and Rob dive deep into the dark, misty woods of 2017's The Ritual — a chilling film that hits close to home for us, since it blends horror and hiking in the most unsettling way possible.
We break down the story of four friends who take a memorial hiking trip through the remote Scandinavian wilderness... and end up face to face with something ancient, powerful, and terrifying. From the haunting atmosphere to the nightmarish creature design (yes, we talk all about that thing), this one is packed with tension and psychological dread.
Expect full spoilers as we discuss character dynamics, symbolic trauma, and what makes the forest such an ideal setting for fear. We also explore the real-life filming locations in the Carpathian Mountains and Romania that gave the movie its eerie, otherworldly vibe.
So lace up your boots (and maybe bring a charm of protection), because this is one trek you won’t want to take alone. If you're into horror with folklore roots, psychological terror, and spine-tingling forests—this episode is made for you.