The Ring (2002)

The Ring (2002)

2002 PG-13 115 Minutes

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

It sounded like just another urban legend: A videotape filled with nightmarish images, leading to a phone call foretelling the viewer's death in exactly seven days. As a newspaper reporter, Rachel...

Overall Rating

7 / 10
Verdict: Good

User Review

  • BarneyNuttall

    BarneyNuttall

    7 / 10
    This American adaptation expands upon the backstory of Samara, the evil hair dresser hating spirit, telling us of the tragic tale behind the brutal killings. But is this explanation necessary?

    For those unfamiliar, The Ring, a remake of the 1998 J-horror classic Ringu, centres around mother and journalist Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) who, after the mysterious death of a relative, discovers a VHS. it is said that if one watches the tape you will die in 7 days. But is it true? Yes it is. This is a horror film.

    As aforementioned, the plot delves deeper into Samara's bleak history. Not only this, but the film's visuals are grimier. The film's entire palette resembles a sewer. And this works! You can feel the dirt and filth underneath Samara's broken nails. The static on the tv illuminates slimy surfaces with a sinister murky green light.

    However, I prefer the grainy, documentary-like cinematography of the original. The textural grains of the film stock resembles the static of the accursed tv screen. I also tend to lean towards the more open ended background of Samara, leaving her as this mysterious malevolent force.