Spooky season is upon us and like most weirdos, my family has already started watching nothing but horror to prep for Halloween. While we like to watch a lot of the same old stuff, we do mix it up and venture into new territory from time to time. This leads to the discussion of today’s film, The Red Book Ritual, a new compilation piece coming from writer/director Ariel Luque.
In this movie, three friends decide to play the paranormal game The Red Book. But what they don’t know is that in this house a witch died long ago as part of a satanic ritual. Now every question they ask the spirits brings them closer and closer to her and the evil that is waiting to be unleashed. In this game, winners live and losers die.
I grew up seeking anthologies, and the format is pretty synonymous with scary movies, think stuff like Creepshow and Trick ‘r’ Treat. I also wasn’t familiar with much of the talent behind the project. So, in a weird way, Red Book appeases quite a few of the checkboxes.
I’m always excited to see what new talent is working on and considering Ariel Luque had his plate full with this one, acting as both writer and director, I was excited to see how this project came to be.
Jessie Hobson: Can you briefly discuss "The Red Book" and how the game inspired this film?
Ariel Luque: The Red Book Ritual is a paranormal horror film that takes as its starting point a forbidden game of Mexican origin called “El juego del libro rojo”. This game is very similar to Ouija but the spirit is invoked through a red-covered book. The story focuses on three young people who decide to play this game. What they don't know is that the entity they invoke is the spirit of a witch seeking revenge. Every spiritual game is an inspiration for horror stories. When the production company passed me the idea of filming the game, I was instantly fascinated. Then I wrote the story by researching and watching testimonials.
Photo Credit: Launch Releasing
JH: Do you have any personal experiences with the game?
AL: No, I never played it. The closest thing to playing it was the recreation we did on set. I did play Ouija when I was a kid but my friends used to make jokes during the sessions.
JH: Why did you decide to go the route of an anthology with this film?
AL: The production company, Black Mandala Films, has been making successful anthologies for some years now. It was a proposal from them; I proposed that it should be a different anthology where the central story is fed by those wonderful short films and not just tell them as separate stories.
Photo Credit: Launch Releasing
JH: I'm assuming you selected the short films that are spliced in, what stood out about these particular films?
AL: Yes, I have selected the short films one by one. I had to watch more than 100 short films to make up my mind. Mainly my decision was to choose short films that respond to the needs of the story I wrote. Each short film has a connection to different characters and their story. First I wrote the script and then I chose the short films according to what the story needed.
JH: That’s interesting to hear. Did you edit based on the films selected?
Photo Credit: Launch Releasing
AL: It was a very interesting creative process because the story had to be supported by the short films and vice versa. I did a lot of research on the game, testimonials, and videos on the internet of people playing the game. That helped to have a good base and to be able to write the story. I think the audience will like it.
JH: Are there one or two shorts that stand out amongst the others? If so, why do you think this?
AL: I think each one stands out in its own way because they all have a connection to the central story. Some may be more gore than others or more horror, more artistic, or more commercial, but my plan was that they all make a unit.
JH: Did you have prior relationships with the directors prior to piecing the film together?
AL: No, I didn't know them. I did know their work. They are amazing directors.
JH: Do you think you'll continue writing and directing anthology films or is a feature next for you?
AL: My next project is a horror/thriller feature film that I wrote and will be directing, which is already in pre-production. I will be giving news very soon.
JH: Where can people find you online, and is there anything else you'd like to mention about the film?
Photo Credit: Launch Releasing
AL: I have several of my short films on YouTube and you can follow me on my Instagram @luqueariel to be updated on all my new projects.
JH: Here at CineDump, we let the doers know how they're doing, and Ariel, you're doing just fine. Thank you for your time! And thank you for your clever film! We enjoyed it.
AL: Thank you for this wonderful interview. It makes me very happy to know that you liked and enjoyed my film.
Wanna Play A Game? Check out The Red Book Ritual and see what evil awaits! It’ll be available on demand and on digital platforms on September 13th. Also, when you watch the film, be sure to stick through the credits as the songs selected by Nicolas Onetti and crew are exceptional additions to an already fun ride.