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Ritual

Name: Ritual
Director: Joko Anwar
Released: 2012
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

4.9/10

Fair

2012

Director

Joko Anwar

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ritual (Modus Anomali) offers a non-Western perspective by focusing on Indonesian landscapes and local superstitions. This approach breaks away from the typical Hollywood-centric horror genre. However, the film remains limited in its character demographics. It emphasizes atmospheric dread and individual psychological trauma over diverse social perspectives and the subversion of social hierarchies. Overall, the film operates as a traditional psychological thriller that doesn't engage deeply with progressive identity politics or diverse social viewpoints.

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Category Breakdown

Does Ritual have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film doesn't include any queer narratives or non-straight identities. Character interactions are based on traditional relationships.

How does Ritual portray gender?

Limited

The story relies heavily on masculine tension and survivalist themes. It lacks women's ability to drive the story and doesn't challenge traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ritual?

Good

An Indonesian cast and setting give the film strong regional authenticity. The cast is fairly uniform in ethnic background, though.

How does Ritual represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores folk horror and local belief systems, challenging Western monotheistic traditions. It doesn't directly critique Western institutions or capitalism, though.

Does Ritual include disability representation?

Limited

There is no intentional depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. Characters face psychological and situational challenges rather than lived disability experiences.

Present on Screen

Provides strong regional authenticity through an Indonesian cast and setting.
Challenges Western-normative horror by using local landscapes and cultural contexts.
Effectively engages with folk horror and localized belief systems.

Limited or Absent

Lacks women's ability to drive the story and meaningful subversion of gender hierarchies.
Doesn't include non-straight-centered identities or queer narratives.
Provides no significant representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A father on vacation wakes up separated from his family and races through the woods to find them.

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