THE RITUAL KILLER

US, 2023, 92 minutes, Colour.

Morgan Freeman, Cole Hauser, Vernon Davis, Brian Kurlander, Giuseppe Zeno.

Directed by George Gallo.

The title sounds arresting for those who are interested in intriguing murder mysteries. And, with Morgan Freeman, perhaps memories of Seven.’

But, Seven it isn’t, and critical bloggers had a field day condemning the film.

However, it expectations aren’t high, there is an intriguing elements in this story, opening with scenes in Rome (and a geographically impossible chase highlighting well-known vistas), a gruesomely ritual killing, puzzle for the detectives. Then a transition to Mississippi, a detective, played by Cole Hauser, working with his partner, investigating another ritual murder.

The audience has seen the killer in close-up, played by Vernon Davis, former footballer. However, it is also shown that he is in the employee of a wealthy businessman in Mississippi, the Profesor at the University, Morgan Freeman, explaining to the detective about a particular gruesome ritual from Africa, killing a victim for a client, severing parts and sending them to the client who will devour them incorporating the qualities of the victim.

This builds up to a climax and a confrontation, especially with the help of the Professor. However, as might be suspected, there is a twist and a particularly gruesome ending highlighting the nature of the ritual – and its effect on the detective.

1. Title and expectations? Murders? Grim murders? Grim killer? Investigations?
2. The settings in Rome, aspects of the city? Dark streets, popular locations? The Mississippi locations, the city, the University, the police precincts, diners, wealthy mansion is? The musical score?
3. The atmosphere in Rome, the police, the gruesome killing, the chase through the city, initial impressions of Randuko? The chase, his violence, the escape? His contact with Farner, his being available for murders?
4. Mississippi, the police, the introduction to Boyd, is partner, the chief and his strident command, memories of his wife and daughters, deaths, blame?
5. The murders, the scene in the bar, Randuko and his drinking, talking, the waitress, her talents, the threats, the violence, his escape?
6. Boyd and his partner, the chases, tracking Randuko down, the pursuit, his apartment, the discovery of the aspects of his Muti religion?
7. The introduction to the professor, his lecture, the students, theory about good and evil, different meanings, for example of medicine? His status at the University, migration from Lesotho, the visit of Boyd, the discussions, his initial unwillingness to help, change of heart, information about Muti? The employers, Farner, his motivations, the rituals, the choosing of victims, the use of limbs, posted to the clients, their eating the limbs, gaining power?
8. Farner, Katie and the interview, Randuko present, taking her away, tying her up, the rituals?
9. The research, finding the warehouse, interrupting the ritual, the confrontation between the professor and Randuko, his killing him? The rescue of Katie? Boyd and his motivations, his memories, and the attack on his partner and his visiting her in hospital?
10. The contact with Rome, the detective, sharing of information?
11. The finale, the disappearance of the professor, the package in Rome, the packaging Mississippi, Boyd opening it, the eyes of Randuko, and Boyd eating the eyes? Motivation? Fascination? To become a better seeing detective?
12. In the final revelation about the role of the professor?