"Rings" (2017). The title brings thoughts of journeys in fantasy realms. Instead, it reveals Samara Morgan crawling from your screen. We explore this sequel, attempting to bring back the cursed videotape saga for a new audience. Does "Rings" provide real scares, or is it another forgettable sequel?
Rings 2017 Movie Overview: Is it Worth Braving the Curse?
In the horror sequel landscape, success rates rarely shine. The pressing question looms: Is "Rings 2017" worth the watch? Unfortunately, critics gave a lukewarm reception. The consensus? Disappointment. Ouch. That's harsher than Samara's glare post-viewing.
Critics held back no praise. It's subjective; some enjoy jump scares, while others crave psychological horror. Yet, "Rings" fails to recapture the eerie magic of its predecessors. Still, you might be a completist, or drawn by curiosity about cinematic disasters. Let's explore "Rings 2017" further.
Plot Summary: Decoding the Deadly Download
So, what is "Rings 2017" about? Imagine a cursed videotape in today's digital world. The curse shifts to the digital space. The story follows Julia. She gets involved with the cursed video to save her boyfriend, Holt. Naturally, chaos ensues, because vengeful spirits never play fair.
Julia realizes there’s a "movie within the movie" in the cursed file. It hints at a darker mystery tied to Samara's origins. Think of it like a meta-curse, a cursed file within another cursed file. She seeks to break this curse and save Holt—and herself—before seven days pass. Expect eerie visuals, jump scares, and Samara lurking in the shadows.
"Rings" as a Sequel: Continuing the Cursed Legacy
For continuity, is "Rings 2017" a sequel? Yes, it connects directly to "The Ring" (2002) and "The Ring Two" (2005). It's the next chapter of Samara's saga. Like its forerunners, "Rings" draws from the original Japanese "Ring" series. It’s remade for Western viewers, evolving into a sequel.
Like previous installments, the concept is clear: watch the video, receive a call, die in seven days. This premise haunts characters in "Rings." Parents beware: if you plan to watch with kids, note the continuation of spookiness from prior films. Spooky elements abound here. Maybe save this for when kids are asleep unless you enjoy breakfast-time nightmares.
The Ring Movie Series: A Descent into Horror Rankings
Now that we've touched on "Rings 2017," let's assess the broader scope – The Ring movie series. It's a franchise filled with ups and downs, fear and lackluster scares. So, how do they rank?
Ranking the Rings: From Best to... Less Best
When it comes to ranking The Ring movies, views differ, but many agree on top contenders. Typically, the American remake, "The Ring" (2002), starring Naomi Watts, takes top honors. Considered the strongest entry, it fuses Japanese horror while creating dread. Its IMDb score is 7.1, reflecting its acclaim.
Notably, the Japanese original, "Ringu" (1998), often battles for first place with a higher IMDb rating of 7.2. It’s revered for its raw horror, faithfully maintaining source material integrity. It’s a benchmark for curse videos and remains a standard in horror.
Following this, sequels like "The Ring Two" (2005), featuring Naomi Watts again, typically rank lower. Its IMDb score of 5.4 shows a notable quality drop from the first flick. It explores Samara’s backstory but lacks the original's creepy effectiveness.
Further in the series, we encounter films like "Ring 2" (1999); "Spiral" (1998), a spin-off; "Ring 0: Birthday" (2000), a prequel; and more recent titles like "Sadako DX" (2022). These films receive lower ratings and are often seen as unnecessary for core "Ring" fans. "Rings" (2017) tends to fall in the lower-middle of rankings, struggling with fear factor recapture and offering little innovation in mythology. It’s a mixed experience.
The Twist in "The Ring": Unmasking Samara's Torment
A solid horror film often hinges on a twist. So, what is the twist in "The Ring" movie? Prepare for a chilling truth: Samara’s mother, Anna Morgan, killed her. Yes, this vengeful spirit met her death by her parent. Family troubles, anyone?
The film reveals this truth through visions experienced by Rachel, the lead. Anna struggles under Samara’s psychic powers, leading her to drown her adopted daughter in a well. This twist adds tragic complexity to Samara's character and her rage. She is not just an evil force; she embodies parental betrayal and trauma.
Main Plot of "The Ring": Unraveling the Cursed Tape's Mystery
The core of what is the main plot of "The Ring"? revolves around a cursed videotape that brings doom for viewers. Rachel Keller, portrayed by Naomi Watts, investigates this legend when four kids die seven days post-viewing. Intrigued and somewhat reckless, Rachel watches the tape herself. Major mistake.
With seven days to survive, Rachel races against time to uncover the tape's mystery and end the curse. Her journey uncovers disturbing imagery and Samara's tragic history. It's a suspenseful race against time, merging journalism with supernatural themes. This film is a remake of Hideo Nakata's 1998 "Ring," rooted deep in Japanese horror literature.
The summary shows clear signals: a tape with nightmarish scenes, a fateful call, and a seven-day countdown. It resembles an urban legend come alive, where Rachel learns just how real this tale is. Her curious investigation begins, but watching that tape was only the start of her nightmare.
Scary Aspects of The Ring: Diving into Psychological Horror
Many horror films exist, from slashers to jump-scare stories. Yet "The Ring" found its niche in psychological horror. Let's examine the scary aspects of The Ring that provoke our deepest fears.
How Scary is "Rings" 2017?: Measuring the Scare Factor
Before we analyze the scares of the original film, let's address
the burning question:How scary is "Rings" 2017? Compared to the original, "Rings" generally fails to deliver the same dread. While it has moments of jump scares, it does not reach the unsettling impact of "The Ring" (2002). "Rings" is more of a surface-level scare rather than a deep dive into existential dread.
Psychological Horror: Fear That Creeps Under Your Skin
"The Ring" is considered a very scary movie because it leans into psychological horror. It focuses not on gore but on crafting unease, dread, and paranoia. The film builds suspense, making you feel something lurks beneath the surface. It's horror that stays long after the credits roll.
The cursed videotape is a brilliant device for terror. Its mysterious nature is the primary fear source. The doom it brings feels far more terrifying than any monster. It's the anticipation, the slow burn, and creeping dread that make "The Ring" effective. It plays on our fears of the unknown and the uncontrollable.
Disturbing Imagery: Visuals That Haunt Your Nightmares
One cannot discuss the scares in "The Ring" without mentioning its disturbing imagery. The film includes unsettling visuals that stick with you. The grainy images on the cursed tape are jarring, hinting at a deeper, sinister reality.
Then, there's the iconic image of Samara. The vengeful ghost has pale skin and long black hair obscuring her face. Her movements are jerky, a visual masterpiece of creepiness. She is a symbol of modern horror and is undeniably unsettling. Her appearance is not just a scare; it represents pure, distilled dread.
Slow Burn Tension: Building the Atmosphere of Dread
Another key element of "The Ring's" scariness is its masterful use of slow burn tension. The film does not rely on cheap jumps. It builds suspense gradually, creating a pervasive sense of dread. It's a slow fog of fear that envelops you.
The seven-day countdown creates urgency. Rachel's investigation is not only about solving a mystery; it's about saving her life. This constant pressure cooker of suspense boosts the film's scariness.
Impactful Soundtrack: Music to Enhance the Creeps
We cannot forget sound's power in horror. "The Ring" has an impactful soundtrack. The atmospheric music creates unease and dread. It's not just background; it is part of the film's horror weaponry.
The soundtrack uses subtle effects, eerie melodies, and jarring dissonance to keep you on edge. It works with visuals and slow-burn tension for an immersive experience. Think of it as the auditory equivalent of Samara crawling from your screen – chilling and unforgettable.
Samara Morgan: Unpacking the Vengeful Spirit
At the heart of "The Ring" lies the terrifying Samara Morgan. She is not just a monster; she is complex and tragic. Let's delve into the story of Samara Morgan and understand her haunting nature.
The Story of Samara: A Psychic Child's Tragic Tale
What is the story of Samara in The Ring? Samara was no ordinary child. She possessed powerful psychic abilities but also had a dark side. She had a "sadistic streak," inflicting nightmarish images onto others, especially on film. This ability was termed "projected thermography" by Eola County Psychiatric Hospital – very official and very creepy.
Her backstory is one of fear, isolation, and betrayal. Her powers were seen as monstrous, causing her to be ostracized. Adopted by the Morgan family, her abilities proved too much for them. Her mother, Anna, driven to madness, murdered her and tossed her body down a well, turning Samara into a vengeful spirit.
Samara's Age at Death: A Child's Lost Innocence
How old was this tormented child spirit? How old is Samara Morgan? She was approximately eight years old when she died. A child with terrifying psychic powers, she became a force of supernatural vengeance. Her young age adds tragedy to her story. She lost her childhood and her life, with her rage manifesting in the curse of the videotape.
The fact that she's a child ghost also amplifies her unsettling nature. Children in horror tap into fears of innocence corrupted and vulnerability exploited. Samara embodies this, making her more disturbing and memorable.
Why Samara Never Sleeps: Torment in Life and Beyond
Ever wondered why Samara seems restless? Why did Samara never sleep? In life, she struggled with insomnia, tormented by ranch noises. These were not just ordinary sounds; they drove her to madness.
In a fit of rage, Samara projected her visions into horses' minds, driving them to leap off a cliff. This incident shows her powers' destructive nature and her depth of torment. In death, this restless energy contributes to her vengeful spirit.
Samara's Powers: Psychic Abilities and Vengeful Curse
As we've touched upon, Samara's powers are central to her story and "The Ring." She has potent psychic abilities, notably projecting images into minds. This power allows her to implant visions onto film and videotape.
This power creates the cursed tape, channeling her rage into recording. Anyone watching becomes a target of her curse and will die within seven days. Her powers are more than abilities; they are the source of her curse and weaponry from beyond the grave.
Influence of Sadako Yamamura: The Japanese Horror Roots
For fans of Japanese horror, Samara Morgan may sound familiar for good reason. Sadako Yamamura from the original "Ringu" greatly influenced Samara. Sadako is the vengeful spirit central to the Japanese curse, inspiring the American remake and its sequels.
Samara is essentially an American version of Sadako, sharing characteristics: long black hair, pale skin, and a terrifying video-linked curse. The American "Ring" films owe much to the Japanese originals, with Samara as a descendant of Sadako.
Why Samara Spared Rachel: A Chilling Loophole
In "The Ring," Rachel survives despite watching the cursed tape. Why did Samara spare Rachel? It wasn't kindness. Rachel's survival depends on a loophole: she made a copy of the tape. By duplicating it, Rachel spread the curse and helped Samara circulate her evil further.
This act spares Rachel and Aidan. Samara compels them to become part of her curse to save themselves. It highlights the insidious nature of the curse – it’s not only about death; it’s about evil's propagation. The message is clear: to survive Samara, you must join her cycle of terror.
Why Samara is Evil: Unraveling the Motivation
Finally,
let's confront the question of motivation. Why is Samara so evil? Is she merely a malevolent spirit? The movie doesn't clearly define her motives. Instead, it suggests various contributing factors. Her psychic abilities, viewed as threatening, inspired fear and rejection. The society wanted her isolated.
This fear and rejection mixed with her murder and being thrown down a well likely fueled her rage. It's not simply that she's evil. She's a product of trauma, fear, and betrayal. Her evil acts reflect her pain. She inflicts on others the terror she faced. She's a tragic villain, driven by her experiences.
The Cursed Videotape: The Medium of Malevolence
The cursed videotape is the primary source of terror in "The Ring." It serves as more than just a plot device; it transmits Samara's curse. Let's explore the cursed videotape more closely.
How Samara Made the Tape: Channeling Spirit into VHS
Ever think about the mechanics of creating a supernatural videotape? How did Samara make the tape? Given that videotapes were common by the 1980s, it's likely Samara's spirit lingered long enough in the well to imprint her curse onto the technology. The theory suggests her essence channeled into the tape.
It's proposed she didn't create a simple cursed recording but transferred her essence into the tape. This makes the tape more than just cursed; it's a vessel for her spirit. It allows her to haunt from beyond the grave and inflict her curse on viewers. It's a haunting through outdated video technology.
Message Behind "The Ring": Parental Neglect and Trauma
Beyond the scares, "The Ring" conveys a deeper message. What is the message behind "The Ring"? The film examines the horror of neglect and its impacts. Samara, the spirit, was murdered by her mother. This act of violence is the source of Samara's rage and curse.
The movie serves as commentary on the effects of parental fear and neglect on children. Samara's tale shows how unresolved trauma can manifest in monstrous forms. The cursed tape symbolizes this generational trauma, passed through viewing and replication.
Why It's Called "The Ring" Movie: Decoding the Title
The title "The Ring" seems simple, but it holds deep meaning. Why is it called "The Ring" movie? One idea relates to the call viewers receive after watching the tape, warning of death in seven days. The phone's "ring" becomes a sign of doom, reminding us of the curse.
Another idea connects "ring" to imagery in the film. Think of the ring of light visible from the bottom of the well where Samara's body decomposed. This light symbolizes her trapped spirit and the curse's oppressive nature. There's also the ethereal ring seen in near-death experiences, linking to themes of mortality. The title encapsulates layers of fear within the film.
Why Samara Waits 7 Days: A Ghostly Deadline
The seven-day deadline is crucial to the curse. Why does Samara wait 7 days? Is it courtesy? Not really. The explanation ties to Samara's death. People die seven days after watching because that mirrors how long Samara was left to die in the well.
This seven-day span echoes Samara's suffering. It reflects the torture she endured in isolation before death. This reality adds a chilling depth to the curse. It's not just a random time frame; it connects to Samara's tragic end.
Origins and Influences: Fact, Fiction, and Folklore
Horror often blends reality and fiction, touching our deepest fears. Let's examine the origins and influences behind "The Ring," distinguishing fact from fiction.
Based on a True Story?: Separating Fact from Fright
The tagline "based on a true story" is a classic horror tactic. But is The Ring horror movie based on a true story? Not literally, as cursed tapes causing deaths don't exist. However, "The Ring" draws from various sources, including Koji Suzuki's novel and the Japanese ghost story "Banchō Sarayashiki."
"Banchō Sarayashiki" is about a vengeful ghost of a girl murdered and thrown down a well. This folktale shares themes with "The Ring," notably the well, vengeful spirit, and betrayal. While not a direct adaptation, it taps into Japanese folklore, providing cultural authenticity.
No real-life cursed tape exists (that we know!), yet the film reflects cultural anxieties and traditional ghost tales. The "based on a true story" part enhances its scare factor, grounding it in real-world fears.
Based on Folklore?: Tapping into Cultural Fears
To repeat, what folklore is The Ring based on? It's inspired by Japanese tales, especially "Banchō Sarayashiki" and themes surrounding vengeful spirits (Onryō). These stories often involve tragic deaths leading to ghostly revenge.
"The Ring" also reflects anxieties about technology. The cursed tape symbolized modern technology capable of transmitting deadly curses. It plays on fears hidden in our everyday life. Folklore and modern fears combine for potent terror in "The Ring."
Characters and Relationships: The Human Element in Horror
Amidst the scares, "The Ring" relies on compelling characters and their relationships. Let's meet key characters and relationships in this film.
Rachel Keller: The Investigative Protagonist
Rachel Keller, played by Naomi Watts, stars in "The Ring." She's a journalist curious about truth. The film follows her after discovering a cursed tape causing viewer deaths seven days later. Rachel's skills are tested as she uncovers the mystery of the tape to save herself and her son.
Rachel isn't a helpless victim; she's intelligent and proactive. She's the audience's link to the curse, and her search for answers drives the film's narrative.
Aidan Keller: The Son Entangled in the Curse
Aidan Keller is Rachel's son, caught in the curse's web. Aidan Keller is the child of Rachel Keller and Noah Clay, being significant in both "The Ring" and "The Ring Two." He is sensitive and aware of supernatural elements more than the adults.
Aidan's connection to Samara deepens in "The Ring Two" when he becomes possessed. His innocence mixed with his vulnerability adds emotional weight to the horror, making him a character audiences care for.
Noah Clay: The Skeptical Ex-Boyfriend
Noah Clay, played by Martin Henderson, is Rachel's ex-boyfriend and
Aidan's father. Aidan Keller is the son of Rachel Keller and Noah Clay. At first, Noah doubts Rachel's investigation into the supernatural. However, he becomes involved as the curse proves real. He supports Rachel while dealing with his own disbelief.
Noah’s role changes in the series. He confronts the supernatural threat directly. His ties to Rachel and Aidan create human drama within the horror story.
Anna Morgan: The Tormented Mother
Anna Morgan, Samara's adoptive mother, plays a key part in Samara's story. The Ring shows that Samara's mother killed her. Anna is a woman driven mad by Samara's terrifying powers. Overwhelmed by her daughter's abilities, Anna plotted to kill Samara.
Her murder of Samara and her dumping down the well leads to Samara's vengeful haunting. Haunted by her actions, Anna jumped off a cliff to commit suicide. Anna's story reveals themes of parental fear and the consequences of unchecked terror.
Evelyn Borden: The Biological Mother's Fear
Before Anna, there was Evelyn Borden, Samara's biological mother. Why did Evelyn try to drown Samara? Evelyn’s actions show parental fear. During her stay after giving birth, Evelyn was caught trying to drown Samara, claiming she was commanded to “cleanse her of evil spirits.”
Evelyn believed Samara was evil and wanted to eliminate that evil nature. Thus, Samara went up for adoption, and Evelyn went to a psychiatric asylum. Both women's stories reveal the extreme reactions of parents faced with Samara's unsettling powers.
The Ring vs. Other Scary Movies: Placing it in the Horror Pantheon
Next, let's see where "The Ring" fits within horror cinema. The Ring vs. Other Scary Movies – how does it measure against the genre's titans?
"The Exorcist," "Hereditary," "The Witch," "Alien," "Bad Taste," "Sinister": Benchmarking Scariness
When debating the scariest films, certain titles come up. What is the scariest movie of all time? This is subjective, but films like "The Exorcist," "Hereditary," "The Witch," "Alien," and "Sinister" often lead the discussion.
"The Exorcist" is a classic demonic possession tale with shocking images and intense atmosphere. "Hereditary" and "The Witch" showcase more recent psychological and folk horror, noted for their tension and unsettling themes. "Alien" combines sci-fi with horror for a chilling creature feature.
Then we have "Sinister." The "Science of Scare Project" says it might be the "2024 scariest movie." Its scare score raises heart rates. "Sinister" (2012) is considered one of the all-time scariest films based on its scare score.
So, what about "The Ring"? It stands out in psychological horror. While not as shocking as "The Exorcist" or as bleak as "Hereditary," "The Ring" creates an atmosphere of dread. Its slow-burn tension and disturbing images make it a truly scary and impactful film, deserving a place in horror.
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