If you think your friends are flaky, just be glad they aren’t trying to sacrifice you to an ancient forest demon.
Black Mandala is officially bringing us Lily’s Ritual. It’s a moody, blood-soaked folk horror flick that takes us back to the spooky vibes of late-90s Spain. If you loved the “elevated horror” of The Witch or the “everything is fine until it’s definitely not” energy of Midsommar, you’re going to want to keep your eyes peeled for this one.
The Plot: A Very Bad Weekend
It’s the autumn equinox of 1999. Four friends head to a secluded cabin in the woods (when will people learn?) for what Lily thinks is a spiritual initiation into a local coven. Lily—quiet, pale, and looking for a place to belong—is ready to embrace the craft.
Mid-ritual, Lily passes out and wakes up tied up, bleeding, and very much alone. It turns out her “friends” weren’t looking for a new member; they were looking for a sacrifice to offer to a demon as old as time itself.
But here’s where things get interesting: The demon has other plans. As the Ritual goes off the rails, a terrifying laugh echoes through the trees, and the hunters quickly become the hunted. Alliances shatter, secrets come out, and the “blood sacrifice” starts looking a lot different than the coven’s intentions.
Why the Hype is Real
This isn’t just another indie slasher. Lily’s Ritual has been cleaning up on the festival circuit for one big reason: The Practical Effects. It won the Rue Morgue Award for Best Practical FX and “Best Kill” at Nightmare in the Ozarks. We’re talking old-school, visceral gore that makes CGI look like a cartoon.
Director Manu Herrera is behind the unnerving film starring Maggie García, Patricia Peñalver, Elena Gallardo, and Eve Ryan. Mike Fajardo and Antea Rodríguez round out the cast.
Lily’s Ritual is a dark reminder that friendship can be a lie and that some doors should stay locked. With its slow-burn tension and “next-level” monster design, it’s already being called one of the standout horror releases of 2026. Watch the bloody awesome trailer below and stay tuned for more on this film and others.
