Rings (2017) Review: A Closer Look at Samara’s Return and the Legacy of the Ring Series

Is Rings (2017) a Worthy Return to the Ring Universe? Diving Deep into Samara's Latest Haunt

Are you ready to re-enter The Ring universe? You’re considering Rings, the 2017 sequel. Good move, horror fan! Or perhaps not? Let’s explore this film and determine if it’s a chilling must-see or something that should remain untouched, gathering dust.

Rings (2017): Worth Your Seven Days?

The big question is if Rings (2017) is worth your time. More importantly, does it protect your sanity? Opinions vary, much like cursed tapes. One viewer said, "Rings is not a bad film, but it cannot be called strong horror. Maybe Thriller or Mystery..." This sums up overall reactions.

The film isn’t designed to scare you every few minutes. If you seek raw horror that leaves you with nightmares, Rings might not deliver. But, if you enjoy a solid thriller with mysteries, and love The Ring saga, then it could be a decent use of your evening.

It serves as a decent continuation of the series. New characters appear, and the concept of the cursed video remains alive. Yet, it offers a different tone and approach compared to earlier films. Whether you see this as positive or negative depends on your taste.

Decoding the Plot: What's Rings (2017) Actually About?

Let’s dive into the plot of Rings. What story does this installment of horror unfold? A young woman named Julia worries about her boyfriend, Holt, who starts acting strange after watching a mysterious video. Sounds familiar?

The cursed tape returns, surfacing in the digital age. Curious Holt joins a group fascinated by the tape’s curse. They explore the curse and experiment with ways to escape it. To save Holt, Julia watches the video herself, making her Samara's latest victim.

But Rings adds new layers. Instead of rehashing old territory, it explores the curse in modern settings. The video springs to life through viral digital files instead of VHS tapes. This makes us question how a curse changes in the digital era. Intriguing, right?

As Julia investigates, she finds a "movie within the movie” on the cursed file, hinting at deeper mysteries about Samara’s origins and the curse. Julia embarks on a quest to uncover this truth to break the curse and save herself and Holt. Expect turns and jump scares, though perhaps less effective than earlier films.

Fear Factor: Is Rings (2017) Truly Scary?

Now onto the main worry for any horror film: how scary is Rings (2017)? If we use a scale from zero to "hide-behind-the-couch-terrified," Rings likely ends up in the middle. It won’t reach the shocking heights of the original Ring (2002), but it’s not entirely placid either.

One viewer described it as "maybe thriller or mystery" rather than "strong horror." This hits the mark. Rings relies more on suspense, atmosphere, and jump scares than deep psychological horror. Yes, some moments will make you jump, creating an uneasy atmosphere. Although it lacks the creeping dread of the American remake and original Japanese films.

A possible issue is that we’ve grown accustomed to seeing Samara crawl out of a well. It’s iconic but also predictable. Rings tries to throw in new scares and refresh the curse for today’s audience but misses recapturing raw terror. It feels more like a spooky thriller infused with horror elements.

Sequel Status: Rings in the Ring Family Tree

Is Rings a direct sequel, reboot, or something else? Definitively, it’s a sequel. Set in the same world as The Ring (2002) and The Ring Two (2005), it continues their storyline and mythology.

Though Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) and Aiden Keller (David Dorfman) do not appear, it builds on previous events. The cursed tape remains central, with Samara Morgan as the dark force behind everything. Rings picks up the curse years later, exploring its evolution in a tech-savvy world.

If you're a fan of The Ring series, wanting to know what followed in this cursed universe, Rings offers that continuation. It’s not a total reinvention; it stays rooted in its established storyline. Whether it is a worthy addition remains subjective.

Acting Acumen: Performance Quality in Rings (2017)

Let’s assess performances in Rings (2017). How do the actors measure up? The general view is "okay." As one viewer put it simply, "Acting was okay." This isn’t a dig against the cast but reflects that these performances aren’t standout features.

Matilda Lutz plays Julia, our lead. She performs solidly as a concerned girlfriend in distressing circumstances. Alex Roe portrays Holt and does perfectly well conveying curiosity that shifts into dread regarding the curse.

Vincent D'Onofrio lends weight as Burke, a professor assessing the cursed video. His seasoned presence adds depth to the film. However, none of the performances are groundbreaking or unforgettable. They serve story functions adequately but don’t elevate material as Naomi Watts did in The Ring (2002).

The lack of a compelling lead performance may contribute to the overall weaker impact than the original. Watts brought vulnerability and intensity to her role that captured audiences. While Lutz represents well, she doesn’t reach that emotional depth. The acting in Rings is competent but lacks major appeal.

Navigating the Ring Movie Maze: A Series Overview

Let’s step back and view the broader picture: The Ring movie series as a whole. Because Rings (2017) isn’t standalone. It exists within a larger, somewhat tangled, and definitely creepy film family.

Rings as a Sequel: Fitting into the Larger Narrative

We know Rings (2017) is a sequel, but it’s worth reiterating its role in the overall Ring saga. It follows The Ring (2002) and The Ring Two (2005) within the American film series. These films are remakes of the Japanese Ringu films, based on Koji Suzuki’s novel series.

Rings strives to refresh the franchise with younger characters and modern curse explorations. Nevertheless, it builds upon prior film foundations. It expects viewers to understand the curse premise and Samara’s terrifying backstory. Thus, it's designed as part of ongoing narratives instead of a new start.

Whether it expands that narrative or rehashes old routes is debatable. However, it clearly intends to serve as a sequel. It doesn’t aim to erase earlier films; it continues on at best.

Ranking the Rings: From Ringu to Rings (2017) and Beyond

Time to plot out some cinematic hierarchy! How do The Ring movies compare? Which one stands out most in cursed video horror? Rankings are personal and subjective.

Of course, there is a general agreement on ranking.

According to movie databases and fan views, here’s a ranking of The Ring movies, from highest to lowest rated. Ratings come from IMDb:

The original Japanese Ringu (1998) and the American remake The Ring (2002) rank at the top. These films are seen as the best in the series, capturing the curse's essence. They deliver unsettling horror. Ring 0: Birthday, a prequel about Samara's origins, gets positive remarks.

The sequels, both Japanese and American, often rank lower. Rings (2017) tends to be near the bottom, suggesting disappointment for many viewers when judged against earlier films.

This ranking is not binding. Personal tastes differ, and some might prefer later sequels. Yet, this overview highlights common perceptions within the franchise.

Order of Omen: Watching The Ring Films in Chronological and Release Order

Do you want to start a Ring movie marathon? Great! With so many films, figuring out the right order can be tricky, like decoding Samara's cursed tape. Don't worry! Here's how to watch The Ring movies, both by release and narrative order.

Release Order: Following the Film Timeline

If you wish to view the films as they appeared, here's the release order:

1. Ringu (1995) (Often viewed as a TV movie)
2. Ringu (1998) (Original theatrical version)
3. Rasen (1998) (Japanese alternate sequel)
4. Ringu 2 (1999) (Japanese direct sequel)
5. Ring Virus (1999) (Korean remake)
6. Ring 0: Birthday (2000) (Japanese prequel)
7. The Ring (2002) (American remake)
8. The Ring Two (2005) (American sequel)
9. Rings (2017) (American sequel)
10. Sadako DX (2022) (Japanese sequel)

This order shows how themes evolved, from initial Japanese releases to American remakes.

Chronological Order: Following Samara's Story from Start to End

If you prefer a narrative focus, watching in chronological order may work better. This approach follows Samara's origins and current events. This order is trickier since some films are prequels or alternatives, but here is a possible order:

1. Ring 0: Birthday (2000) (Samara's backstory)
2. Ringu (1998) / The Ring (2002) (Cursed tape story)
3. Ringu 2 (1999) / The Ring Two (2005) (Continuing sequels)
4. Rings (2017) (Further American sequel)
5. Sadako DX (2022) (Latest Japanese sequel, timeline less clear)

Note that Rasen and Ring Virus are sometimes seen as alternative timelines, so they may be left out of viewing guides. Ringu (1995) is also often treated as a separate adaptation.

Your best viewing order hinges on your taste. Release order provides historical context; chronological order emphasizes narrative flow. Be ready for scares and creepy imagery!

A Deep Dive into The Ring (2002): An American Classic

The Ring (2002) stands out in the American franchise, so let’s examine what makes it effective. What is the core plot? What about the mind-bending conclusion? Where was this horror film filmed?

Main Plot Explored: Rachel Keller and the Seven-Day Countdown

If you are new to the curse, here’s the setup! The Ring centers on Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts), a journalist looking into strange deaths tied to a cursed videotape. The legend claims anyone who watches it gets a call stating they have seven days left to live.

Initially skeptical, Rachel investigates after her niece, Katie, becomes a victim. Driven by curiosity and grief, Rachel finds the tape. Bad move! Soon, she gets the dreaded phone call and learns she has seven days to end the curse.

The plot becomes a race against time. Rachel explores the origins of the tape and the eerie girl, Samara Morgan. She involves Noah (Martin Henderson), her ex and Aiden's father (David Dorfman). Together, they uncover Samara’s disturbing history and her adoptive parents.

This film blends mystery and horror adeptly. The urgent deadline builds dread as Rachel inches closer. The unsettling videotape imagery, combined with a creepy atmosphere and Samara’s presence, makes The Ring (2002) a memorable horror experience.

Ending Analyzed: The Curse’s Cycle Continues

The film doesn't just provide terror; it ends uneasily. After finding Samara's backstory and seemingly breaking the curse by disposing of the tape, Rachel thinks she is safe. However, it twists darkly.

She realizes she was spared because she copied the tape and showed it to Noah. The curse persists, requiring transmission. This discovery is chilling and highlights one theme of the movie: trauma’s cyclic nature.

The final scene shows Rachel assisting Aiden in copying the tape, likely for another viewer. This ends on a bleak note and emphasizes Rachel's morally ambiguous choices. She saved herself; however, she condemned someone else. It’s a potent conclusion that resonates long after watching.

Shooting Locations: Visualizing the Pacific Northwest

The visual appeal of The Ring (2002) hinges on its locations. The film takes place mainly in Seattle, Washington, and its vast Pacific Northwest surroundings provide an eerie, overcast backdrop.

Filming occurred across Washington and Oregon, plus interior work in Los Angeles. Here are key filming sites:

Washington State: Seattle and Surrounding Areas

• Seattle: Central setting with spots like Harbor Steps apartments.
• Port Townsend: Historic seaport town used for various exterior shots.
• Whidbey Island: The Deception Pass Bridge makes a memorable feature.
• Bellingham, Monroe, and Stanwood: Contributed locations add to its overall atmosphere.

Oregon: Lighthouses and Landscapes

• Yaquina Head Lighthouse: Served as the fictional "Moesko Island Lighthouse," enhancing isolation.
• Columbia River Gorge: Provided striking and haunting backdrops for different scenes.

Los Angeles: Interiors and Katie's House

• Los Angeles Studios: Interior scenes filmed in studios.
• Katie's House: Located at 413 South McCadden Place in Hancock Park.

The use of real-world locations gives The Ring (2002) authenticity. It boosts the overall creepiness and grounds its horror experience.

The Terror of Samara Morgan: The Curse’s Spirit

No discussion of The Ring is complete without examining the terrifying character at its center: Samara Morgan. Who is this ghostly child? What is her tale? Why does she strike fear?

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Samara's Backstory: From Psychic Child to Vengeful Spirit

Samara Morgan is the haunting girl in the American Ring franchise. Her tragic backstory unfolds in The Ring (2002) and Ring Two (2005). Samara was not a typical child. She had powerful psychic abilities, a gift that turned into a curse.

Samara showed signs of a "terrible sadistic streak" from a young age. She had psychic gifts, but she enjoyed causing fear. Her adoptive mother, Anna Morgan, became disturbed by Samara's abilities and disturbing behavior.

Samara was adopted by Anna and Richard Morgan. Her biological mother, Evelyn, attempted to drown her as a baby. She believed she had to "cleanse her of evil spirits." After this incident, Evelyn was placed in an institution.

The Morgans took Samara to their farm on Moesko Island. They wanted a normal family. Sadly, Samara's powers and disturbing tendencies were soon clear. She tormented horses, causing them to harm themselves and even commit suicide. She also psychologically tormented Anna.

Driven to madness, Anna eventually drowned Samara in the well. Yet, Samara's spirit was trapped. Her rage and vengeance manifested as the cursed videotape, through which she projected terror.

Sleepless Nights: Why Samara Couldn't Find Rest in Life (or Death)

Samara "never slept." This detail adds to her unsettling nature. But why? The answer lies in the noises from the horses on the Morgan farm.

She struggled to sleep due to the horses’ nighttime sounds. This constant noise amplified her psychic abilities and volatile mental state. In anger, Samara burned gruesome images into the horses' minds, driving them to jump from cliffs.

This aspect shows Samara's sensitivity. Her psychic abilities intertwined with her emotions created a vicious cycle of torment. Ultimately, this contributed to her tragic fate and the curse's creation.

The Nature of Evil: Why Samara is So Malevolent

Is Samara truly evil? Or is she simply a product of her tragic life? The movies avoid a simple answer, adding depth to her character.

Some see Samara as inherently malevolent. She exhibited a "sadistic streak," enjoying fear’s infliction. Her psychic powers amplified this side, enabling her torment of others.

Other interpretations highlight her trauma. Rejected by her mother and adopted by a family that ultimately feared her, Samara endured vast pain. Her vengeful spirit embodies this unresolved trauma and rage.

The movies suggest a mix of both nature and nurture. Samara had psychic abilities and a dark inclination, but rejection and abuse fueled her rage, shaping her into the spirit that haunts the videotape. Her evil is both innate and a product of her painful history.

Rachel's Reprieve? Why Samara Spared (Initially) the Journalist

In The Ring (2002), Rachel Keller watches the cursed tape but is initially spared. Why? Was it investigative journalism? Not really. The truth is darker and tied to the curse's mechanics.

Rachel was spared because she copied the tape and showed it to Noah. This act of sharing the tape is crucial for survival against Samara's curse. By spreading it, Rachel helped Samara achieve her goal: amplifying her torment.

Samara's curse isn't just about killing. It's about expanding her suffering. By making Rachel a link, Samara ensures her terror continues. Rachel's reprieve presents no mercy—it strategically supports Samara's vengeance.

This reprieve is temporary and morally complex. Rachel saves herself while condemning another person, reflecting the film's bleak themes.

Tape Creation: How Samara Imbued VHS with Vengeance

How did Samara create the cursed videotape? Since VHS tapes weren't common until the 1980s and Samara died earlier, the curse’s mechanics are somewhat supernatural.

One theory states that Samara's spirit lingered in the well long enough to channel rage into a blank video. With technology advancing, her spirit used this medium to express her torment.

Another idea is that Samara's psychic powers could transcend time. Her essence might intertwine with video recording itself, allowing her curse to manifest whenever a videotape relates to her story.

No matter how the tape came to be, it highlights Samara's immense psychic power. The videotape serves as a vessel for her spirit, a horrifying message in a bottle meant to spread terror.

Samara's Mother: Evelyn and Anna – Two Mothers, Two Tragedies

Samara's story ties to two mothers: Evelyn, her biological mother, and Anna Morgan, her adoptive mother. Both women shape Samara's life and suffer due to their connection.

Evelyn's Desperate Act: Attempted Drowning and the "Cleansing" of Evil

Evelyn, introduced in Ring Two (2005), is a tormented figure. She attempted infanticide during her hospital stay by trying to drown baby Samara. She claimed to cleanse her of evil spirits.

This horrific act arose from Evelyn's belief that Samara was evil, influenced by religious fanaticism or postpartum psychosis. Her drowning attempt caused events leading to Samara's adoption and later death. Evelyn's actions come from twisted maternal duty and perceived malevolence.

Anna Morgan's Suicide: A Mother's Breaking Point

Anna Morgan initially desired to provide Samara a loving home. Yet, she was overwhelmed by Samara's disturbing behavior and psychic abilities. Anna saw firsthand how Samara affected horses, experiencing manipulation and torment.

Fearing for her sanity, Anna drowned Samara in the well. But this did not lead to peace. Anna faced guilt and horror over her actions, ultimately committing suicide by jumping off a cliff, mirroring the tormented horses' fate.

Both Evelyn and Anna represent maternal tragedies in Samara's tale. Evelyn's rejection leads to extreme actions and Anna's violence reflects Sadness' impact on motherhood themes and parental neglect in The Ring.

Decoding The Ring's Deeper Meaning: Themes and Interpretations

The Ring is not just about jump scares and creepy girls crawling from wells. It is deeper.