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THE RING (2002) IS FREAKY AS HELL!! MOVIE REACTION!! Naomi Watts | J-Horror | Ringu

2025-10-26 Entertainment
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Reel Rejects
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Reaction and Breakdown of the Iconic Horror Film *The Ring* (2002)

Revisit the defining supernatural thriller of the 2000s and analyze how its slow-burn strategy built unforgettable terror, even when the mystery seemed solved.

Short Summary

  • The hosts analyze The Ring's slow-burn atmospheric dread, focusing on character motivations and key horror beats.
  • We map the cursed tape’s visual sequence against the ensuing deaths of multiple characters, including Noah and Richard.
  • The discussion confirms the enduring power of practical effects and effective casting, particularly the child actor playing Samara.
  • The structure highlights the film’s themes: real evil exists without reason, and the curse spreads through kindness (making copies).

This recap details the host's real-time reactions while breaking down the lore surrounding Samara Morgan and the mechanics of the seven-day curse. Understand why the ending provides a chilling continuation of the horror established throughout the investigation.

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Description

SEVEN DAYS!!! The Ring Full Movie Reaction Watch Along: https://www.patreon.com/thereelrejects - Download the PrizePicks today & use code REJECTS to get $50 instantly when you play $5! https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/REJECTS - Grab The New TARAfier Tee & Halloween Sweater: https://www.rejectnationshop.com/ Tara Erickson & Aaron Alexander play that tape as they reunite for The Ring Reaction, Recap, Commentary, Breakdown, & Spoiler Review! This chilling supernatural horror film, directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean, A Cure for Wellness) and based on the hit Japanese movie Ringu by Hideo Nakata. This modern classic redefined horror for the 2000s with its atmospheric dread, psychological tension, and one unforgettable cursed videotape. The film stars Naomi Watts (Mulholland Drive, King Kong) as Rachel Keller, a Seattle journalist investigating a mysterious videotape rumored to kill anyone who watches it within seven days. Alongside her ex-boyfriend Noah Clay (played by Martin Henderson – Everest, Grey’s Anatomy), Rachel uncovers a terrifying supernatural mystery surrounding Samara Morgan, a vengeful child spirit portrayed by Daveigh Chase (Donnie Darko, Lilo & Stitch). Supporting performances include Brian Cox (Succession, X2: X-Men United) as Richard Morgan, and David Dorfman (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, A Wrinkle in Time) as Aidan Keller, Rachel’s eerily perceptive son. Iconic and highly searched moments include the “seven days” phone call, the first death reveal, Rachel discovering the well, and the now-legendary TV crawl scene, which remains one of the most terrifying moments in horror cinema. With its haunting visuals, moody Pacific Northwest setting, and unforgettable score by Hans Zimmer, The Ring became a defining supernatural thriller that influenced a generation of horror films. A masterclass in slow-burn terror and emotional storytelling, The Ring proves that true horror lies not just in what you see… but in what you can’t unsee. #TheRing #TheRingReaction #TaraErickson #AaronAlexander #ReelRejects #NaomiWatts #GoreVerbinski #HorrorReaction #TheRing2002 #SamaraMorgan #CursedTape #HorrorReview #ScaryMovieReaction #SupernaturalHorror #ThrillerReaction #ClassicHorror #TheRingMovie #Horror #JHorror #HorrorReaction #React #ReactTo #Reaction #Halloween #ScaryMovies Blade 2 (2002) Movie Reaction: https://youtu.be/4xZu2CK3AjA The Black Phone (2021) Movie Reaction: https://youtu.be/pHz_6ysE_BY Halloween (2018) Movie Reaction: https://youtu.be/hwHkWJCRuFc IT (2017) Movie Reaction: https://youtu.be/7c2uCYk4eUE Terrifier 2 (2022) Movie Reaction: https://youtu.be/vMYhEMR_5aQ Follow Aaron On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealaaronalexander/?hl=en Follow *Tara Erickson* on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaraErickson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taraerickson/ twitter: https://twitter.com/thetaraerickson 0:00 Checking In! 1:08 The Ring Reaction 30:05 PRIZE PICKS 31:22 The Ring Movie Reaction 1:00:58 The Ring Review Intense Suspense by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ RR Clips & Shorts Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ReelRejectsClips Follow TheReelRejects On The Socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/ TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@thereelrejects?lang=en TWITTER: https://twitter.com/thereelrejects FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ Music Used In Ad: Hat the Jazz by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Happy Alley by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Head Editor: https://www.instagram.com/praperhq/?hl=en Supervising Producer: https://twitter.com/nerdchronic?lang=en Co-Editor: Greg Alba Co-Editor: John Humphrey Music In Video: Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Follow & Listen to Us Wherever You Get Your Podcasts!! - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XHMwbveiznxSOGxN9XT0M - Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vc3Rhci13YXJzLXRhbGs - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-reel-rejects-tv-movie-recaps/id1616339990 - Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Apocalypse-Podcast/B08JJP58FG Ask Us A QUESTION On CAMEO: https://www.cameo.com/thereelrejects Follow GREG On INSTAGRAM & TWITTER: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegregalba/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/thegregalba PLAYLISTS: Movie Reviews: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-bIhJVeYWw-comtadVs8b9JsZEWHUyr8 Sketches & Short Films: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-bIhJVeYWw_zWuTRfBOUP3aYyIYRzc2y

Top Comments (10)

@WastedPo 2025-10-26

To clarify, they didn't escape death by watching the copy. The idea is that you have to make a copy and show it to someone else (dooming them) in order to escape the fate yourself. So you have to pass on the curse to save yourself.

212 5 replies
@Tor0ro95 2025-10-26

If you didn't catch it at the end - it's implying that the viewer is the one they show it to, and now you're infected

207 4 replies
@mrrd4444 2025-10-26

This is a genuinely great horror adaptation, and very few were able to achieve what it did. The reason this movie still holds up isn't because of the scares, even though they're good scares. It's because of the atmosphere. It really draws you in.

199 10 replies
@mrrd4444 2025-10-26

The "her face" jumpscare is one of the best jumpscares I've seen in a movie because it has NO indication it's coming, stays with you as one of the scariest images in the movie, and keeps you uneasy for most of the rest of the film.

171 5 replies
@itsreeeshaaa3650 2025-10-26

The “creepy little kid” is David Dorfman. He quit acting and went to law school. He works for the US Government and the House of Representatives as a lead Democratic council and helps to write legislation.

106 11 replies
@keefriff99 2025-10-26

This movie freaked me out back in 2002. I think it still holds up. Naomi Watts is incredible in it. It is SO early 2000s too…the color grading, the overly-elaborate camera tricks. I miss that era…at least it had an aesthetic, especially compared to now.

89
@augierivera3290 2025-10-26

Hans Zimmer’s score for this is so underrated. It’s easily one of his best. Overflowing with dread, atmosphere and haunting beauty. Samara’s lullaby and its piano motif are something special. I wish Zimmer did more horror!

84 1 replies
@yourbrinypal6198 2025-10-26

“Let it go to voicemail!” Well then you just get One Missed Call

56 4 replies
@Redlife666 2025-10-26

I can't watch these now without hearing Brenda whenever the static comes on lol

38
@ReelRejects 2025-10-25

Fast forward the tape to that *LIKE & SUBSCRIBE* Button 👉 https://www.youtube.com/user/TheReelRejects?sub_confirmation=1 - Download the PrizePicks today & use code REJECTS to get $50 instantly when you play $5! https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/REJECTS - Full Reaction *Watch Along* & MORE For *Royal* Rejects: https://www.patreon.com/thereelrejects - Grab The New *TARAfier Tee & Halloween Sweater:* https://www.rejectnationshop.com/

18 15 replies

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