The Ritual

Director David Bruckner's deft adaptation of Adam Nevill's acclaimed novel is an effective serving of woodland terror, proving old-school horror can be upgraded in a chillingly relevant way. After the violent murder of their best friend, four mates go on a hike of remembrance in northern Sweden's mountain terrain. Taking an ill-advised shortcut through dense forest, they stumble on a derelict cabin where their pagan nightmares truly begin. Commandeering imagery from The Wicker Man, Troll Hunter and the Blair Witch franchise, Bruckner creates some nerve-shredding tension amid all the bickering. Rafe Spall holds it all together beautifully, as guilt over his friend's death transforms into courage to take on evil itself.