The Ritual

In this episode of Cinema D’Amore, hosts Justin Morgan and Charles Phillips venture into the haunting wilderness of The Ritual (2017), currently streaming on Netflix. As part of their ongoing series on thematic connections, they draw eerie parallels to last week’s feature, The Descent, examining both films’ focus on grief, male camaraderie, and lurking supernatural threats. The conversation explores Rafe Spall’s standout performance, the film’s uniquely British tone, and its moody atmosphere, from striking cinematography to the bone-chilling creature design. The hosts also critique the film’s pacing, narrative gaps, and its handling of fear and emotional trauma in the face of survival. Is The Ritual a spiritual companion to The Descent—or just another shadowy echo in the woods? Tune in for thoughtful analysis, sharp opinions, and a few unexpected laughs along the way. Hosted by Justin Morgan Co-hosted by Charles Phillips Mixing by Scratchin’ Menace Music by Daniel Birch and Ben Pegley Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky for updates. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms. Please subscribe, rate, and review—we appreciate the support!