Ritual

Not sure how they adapted this Mo Hayder story - taking place in Bristol - into a typical Belgian one concerning our awful colonial history. But, no bad job was done here. It sure is a solid adaptation.

Don't get me wrong, it's an interesting background theme and none of it should remain taboo in any way, it's just that it somewhat carried away the possible suspense within the police investigation.

In Hans Herbots' previous Mo Hayder adaptation, 'De Behandeling', at least there were more midway points where there was a direct or genuine threat. This was much more case solving, supplemented with a subplot. Both fell short in real suspense, to me personally.

Second, the ending was quite anti-climactic. Towards the final third, things started to unravel with only a minor plot twist, but despite a charasmatic and potentially terrifying villain it all died out quite unsatisfying.

All in all, surely worth a watch. Not sure about a second one though.