Ritual

Ritual (known as ‘Modus Anomali’ in its native Indonesia) is a 2012 psychological horror film written and directed by the award-winning director Joko Anwar and starring the talented Rio Dewanto, Hannah Al Rashid, and Izzi Isman. The narrative style of the movie pushes the boundaries of conventional story-telling, blending elements of suspense, mystery, fear, and a psychological thriller into one experimentally structured narrative.

The film opens with John Evans (Rio Dewanto), the protagonist, waking up buried alive with an old television next to him playing a recorded tape that reveals someone’s plot to murder him. Disoriented and suffering memory loss, he digs his way out from the shallow grave and finds himself in the middle of a deserted forest with a looming sense of dread. From this point, viewers join John on a twisted journey packed with nerve-wracking suspense, gruesome discoveries, and a bizarre threat that hangs persistently in the air.

While struggling to comprehend his situation with an overwhelming sense of paranoia, John comes across a picture of his family but doesn't receive the comfort he yearns for. Instead, he is hit by the harsh reality that his wife and two children are missing. This revelation only deepens the mystery and heightens the urgency to recollect his lost memories and figure out what led him to his current plight.

Throughout the course of the movie, Ritual consistently pushes the boundaries of suspense and thrill. John’s desperate attempt to understand his past and escape his present forms the core of the narrative journey. The film doesn’t rely on conventional horror trope of malevolent spirits or monstrous entities but instead finds its menace in the chilling, uncontrollable human mind and the depths of fear and existential angst.

Rio Dewanto’s compelling performance as John embodies the character’s desperation, vulnerability, and horror. His impressive acting skills are starkly evident as the story revolves almost solely around him, demanding him to carry the emotional weight of the film. Supporting actors Hannah Al Rashid and Izzi Isman, though having less screen time, deliver strong performances that leave a lasting impact.

The cinematography of Ritual is worthy of mention. The director uses the forest setting to its full advantage, adding an eerie atmosphere. High definition shots and a contrast of colors are used, which further escalate the unsettling nature of the film. The camerawork is specifically used to direct the viewer's perspective and create tension, both visually and psychologically.

The movie's most distinct aspect, however, is its non-linear narrative technique - memories and plotlines are shattered, and the pieces are rearranged in a manner that keeps the audience questioning what is real and what is a fearsome figment of John's traumatized mind. The innovative narrative style brings a much-needed freshness to the genre and completely avoids predictability.

Joko Anwar’s direction proves that he understands the nerve of his audience by fabricating a conflicting sense of fear and curiosity. Cleverly woven plotlines keep viewers second-guessing till the very end, as Anwar avoids revealing too much at any one point. His deftness in storytelling and ability to imbue fear make Ritual a perfect blend of suspense, horror, and psychodrama.

The film's chilling score compliments the eeriness of the plot. The sounds of nature and handmade instruments, mixed with digital technology, create a background score that heightens the mystery and complement the narrative brilliantly.

In conclusion, Ritual is not a conventional horror film by any means. Its unique, nonlinear structure, combined with its human-centered story and exceptional acting, makes it an absolute must-watch for any fan of psychological horror. The film delves into the complexity of fear, and the horror of losing oneself, and presents it in a tangled narration that will have viewers at the edge of their seats until the very end. By exploring the darkest corridors of the human mind, Ritual solidifies itself as a stand-out entry in the horror film genre.