The Ring (2002) REVIEW

I was 11 years old when this film came out, I remember it shaking me up something rotten back then. On re-watching it, it has done pretty much the exact same thing. Many films from the early 2000's haven't exactly aged well. But The Ring still really stands the test of time. 

When journalist Rachel (Naomi Watts) discovers that her niece, Katie, has died under mysterious circumstances she begins to investigate. Everything keeps routing back to the fact that Katie watched a strange video tape a week ago when she was away on a cabin holiday with friends. All 4 people who watched it are now dead. The rumour is that you have 7 days after watching the tape before you die. Rachel, of course, hunts down the cabin, and views the mystery tape...This is a horror film with a great STORY. Remember that when horror films were clever? Nowadays there is so much reliance on gory set pieces and jump scares. 

The film truly is unsettling. It builds up tension and will often omit from showing you the most graphic scenes to allow your imagination to go into hyperdrive. The further along Rachel's 7 day countdown gets the higher the tension is - when she goes to the farm on her trip to investigate it is edge of your seat stuff. Everything pays off in this film and it is not until the very end the 'demon' is revealed - it feels earnt and even then it's not overly gratuitous. Watts carries this whole film basically single handedly - a pretty much unknown at the time - she is compelling and a good example of a strong female lead in a horror film (a refreshing change). 

The whole film has a dark, blueish tinge, it heightens the feel of dread. My main issue with it is that the ending could of been explained better, it may baffle you the first time. I think as well it would have been good to see more of Rachel at home, with her son - the film is so fast paced we gloss over that so it does leave the character without that more human edge. All in all, this Japanese horror remake is genuinely creepy and atmospheric. A cut above the rest, even 14 years after it was released. 8/10