"The Ritual Killer" (2023) review: Despite the presence of Morgan Freeman and Cole Hauser, this thriller lacks a compelling narrative and thematic depth.
The Ritual Killer is a 2023 American action-thriller directed by George Gallo and Francesco Cinquemani. Starring Cole Hauser and Morgan Freeman, the film attempts to delve into the dark world of ritualistic murders inspired by African traditions. Despite its promising premise and star-studded cast, the movie struggles to deliver a compelling narrative.
This film is targeted at viewers who enjoy crime thrillers with elements of psychological drama and cultural mystique. Fans of Morgan Freeman might be drawn to his involvement, expecting a performance reminiscent of his earlier detective roles. However, those seeking a tightly woven plot and character development may find it lacking.
Detective Lucas Boyd, portrayed by Cole Hauser, is a Mississippi homicide detective grappling with personal tragedies—the death of his daughter and the subsequent suicide of his wife. His life takes another dark turn when he is assigned to investigate a series of gruesome murders that bear the hallmarks of Muti, a South African ritualistic practice involving human sacrifice.
To navigate this unfamiliar territory, Boyd seeks the expertise of Dr. Mackles, an anthropologist and local college professor played by Morgan Freeman. As they delve deeper, they uncover a trail leading to Randoku, a killer who believes in the power of these rituals. The narrative attempts to intertwine Boyd's personal demons with the external horrors he faces, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
The film endeavors to explore themes of grief, cultural practices, and the moral complexities of justice. However, the storytelling is disjointed, and the themes are not thoroughly examined. The portrayal of Muti lacks depth and sensitivity, reducing a complex cultural practice to a mere plot device.
Directed by George Gallo, known for Bad Boys, the film suffers from a lack of cohesive vision. The pacing is uneven, and the transitions between scenes are jarring. Cinematographer Andrzej Sekuła, recognized for his work on Pulp Fiction, provides some visually appealing shots, but they are overshadowed by the film's overall lackluster execution.
Morgan Freeman delivers a performance that hints at his usual gravitas, but the script offers him little to work with. Cole Hauser's portrayal of Detective Boyd is earnest but falls flat due to underdeveloped character arcs. Vernon Davis as Randoku lacks the menace required for a compelling antagonist, rendering the central conflict ineffective.
The film has garnered predominantly negative reviews from both critics and audiences. On Metacritic, it holds a user score of 4.8/10, indicating mixed or average reviews. Critics have pointed out the film's lack of originality and poor execution. Roger Moore of Movie Nation describes it as a "straight-up B-movie" with a promising premise that fails to deliver.
The Ritual Killer aspires to be a gripping thriller that explores the intersection of personal trauma and cultural rituals. However, it falls short on multiple fronts—storytelling, character development, and thematic depth. Despite the involvement of seasoned actors like Morgan Freeman, the film lacks the cohesion and intensity required to engage its audience fully.
A film with potential that remains unfulfilled, The Ritual Killer is a forgettable entry in the crime thriller genre.
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