Is Strange Rituals Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Horror cinema, the 2017 release of Strange Rituals stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into After a night of heavy drinking, Jeanne and Deb take an empty road through the backwoods to avoid traffic where they unexpectedly hit a mysterious woman that quickly vanishes into a field. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Horror are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "After a night of heavy drinking, Jeanne and Deb take an empty road through the backwoods to avoid traffic where they unexpectedly hit a mysterious woman that quickly vanishes into a field. Plagued with guilt and unable to go to the police, the girls decide to investigate with the help of some friends. But when their peers start to die or inexplicably vanish, it becomes clear that a bigger, sinister force is at work as Jeanne is thrown into a bizarre conflict with the undead and a sinister voodoo priest with malicious intentions."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Lara Jean Sullivan does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Michael Fredianelli is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 89 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Strange Rituals truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Horror, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 3/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Strange Rituals explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Michael Fredianelli respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Strange Rituals is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Lara Jean Sullivan or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Strange Rituals is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.