"The Ritual's Final Moments: What Happens at the End?"

The Ritual, a 2017 British-Canadian horror film directed by David Bruckner, leaves audiences on the edge of their seats with its chilling climax. The movie, centered around a group of friends who unleash an ancient evil while on a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness, culminates in a tense and thought-provoking ending. Let's delve into the final moments of the film and explore what happens at the end of The Ritual.

Lukas' Sacrifice

In the film's climax, the group's dynamic reaches a boiling point. Lukas, played by Rafe Spall, has been secretly injured and infected by the mysterious creature, known as the "Jagged Fellows." As the group argues over how to proceed, Lukas, in a desperate attempt to save his friends, decides to sacrifice himself. He lures the creature away from the group, leading it back to the ancient tree where the ritual was first performed.

The Ritual Reversed

Lukas, understanding the significance of the tree and the ritual, decides to reverse the process that brought the creature into their world. He ties himself to the tree and performs a makeshift ritual, using the same symbols and chants that the group had used earlier. This act of selflessness serves as a stark contrast to the initial ritual, which was performed out of curiosity and recklessness.

The Creature's Fate

The reversed ritual seems to work, as the creature, now weakened, begins to retreat. However, the group's leader, Hutch (played by Henry Cavill), arrives just in time to see Lukas' sacrifice. In a moment of desperation, Hutch stabs the creature, causing it to fully retreat back into the tree. This action, while successful in banishing the creature, is also what ultimately kills Lukas.

The Aftermath

The film's final scene shows the surviving friends, now traumatized and forever changed, returning home. They are no longer the same people who set out on the hiking trip. The experience has left them with a shared secret and a deep understanding of the true power of ancient forces. The film ends with a chilling shot of the tree, now marked with the symbol of the creature, hinting that the evil may not be truly gone.

Interpretations and Themes

The end of The Ritual leaves much to interpretation, but one of the film's central themes is the consequences of meddling with forces beyond our understanding. The friends' initial curiosity and disregard for the ancient symbols and rituals lead to a chain of events that ultimately costs one of them their life. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of underestimating the power of the unknown.

Another theme present in the film's climax is the power of selflessness. Lukas' decision to sacrifice himself to save his friends highlights the idea that true heroism often comes at great personal cost. This act of bravery serves as a stark contrast to the selfish actions that led to the group's predicament in the first place.

Final Thoughts

The Ritual's ending is a chilling and thought-provoking culmination of the film's themes and ideas. It serves as a reminder of the power of ancient forces and the consequences of meddling with them. The film's final moments also highlight the importance of selflessness and the true meaning of heroism. Whether the creature is truly gone or not is left up to the viewer's interpretation, adding to the film's eerie and unsettling atmosphere.