Genre: Horror | Supernatural | Psychological Thriller
Director: David Bruckner
Starring: Sam Claflin, Richard Armitage, Erin Doherty, and Søren Malling
Eight years after the release of the atmospheric and unnerving The Ritual, director David Bruckner returns to the eerie forests of Scandinavia in The Ritual 2—a sequel that both deepens the lore of the Norse horrors and explores new psychological and spiritual terrain. While the original focused on grief and guilt, the sequel expands into existential dread, ancestral curses, and the seduction of ancient power.
Set five years after the events of the first film, The Ritual 2 follows Luke (Sam Claflin), the lone survivor of the original group, now struggling with trauma, paranoia, and a growing obsession with the entity that once spared him.
Haunted by visions and a mysterious compulsion, Luke returns to Sweden—this time with a new group: a mythologist (Erin Doherty), a local guide (Søren Malling), and a documentary filmmaker aiming to uncover the truth about ancient Norse cults.
What begins as a journey to find closure becomes a descent into madness and myth, as the group ventures deeper into untouched forest—where the Jötunn, or something even older, waits to reclaim what was once its own.
Sam Claflin gives a raw, anguished performance as a man spiraling into obsession and fear. His portrayal of Luke is more complex this time—less of a victim, more of a man tempted by darkness.
Erin Doherty brings a fresh intellectual energy to the cast as a skeptical academic forced to confront the unexplainable, while Søren Malling delivers a grounded, quietly intense turn as a local with hidden knowledge. Richard Armitage returns briefly in dreamlike sequences as a symbol of Luke’s unresolved guilt.
Bruckner proves once again that less is more. He avoids jump scares in favor of slow-burning dread, using the natural environment—misty woods, ancient stones, and broken runes—to build unease. The Scandinavian setting feels even more desolate and otherworldly this time, shot with bleak beauty by cinematographer Daniel Landin (Under the Skin).
The creature design is more abstract—The Jötunn appears less frequently, but when it does, the presence is overwhelming. The horror here is both cosmic and internal, blurring the line between mythology and psychological breakdown.
The Ritual 2 delves into the duality of belief and madness, the inheritance of trauma, and the allure of surrendering to ancient powers. Where the first film was about escaping grief, the sequel is about confronting the parts of ourselves that are drawn to destruction—and questioning whether survival was ever a blessing.
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Terrifying atmosphere that builds slowly and relentlessly
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Strong, emotionally charged performances
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Expanded mythology that adds depth without losing mystery
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Powerful visual storytelling with symbolic imagery
The slow pace and psychological focus may not appeal to fans looking for more traditional horror thrills. Some of the symbolic sequences may feel overly abstract or open-ended. Additionally, the final act, while emotionally and visually stunning, may leave some viewers with more questions than answers.
The Ritual 2 is a haunting, meditative sequel that respects its predecessor while daring to explore darker, deeper territory. It’s not just a horror film—it’s a mythic descent into the shadow self. For fans of Hereditary, The Witch, and Midsommar, this is a chilling, cerebral journey worth taking—if you dare.
