A no-spoilers review by Loathsome Things: A Horror Movie Podcast
The premise for this movie is awesome. Olden times peasants are magically trapped in a cursed forest, but the whatever-it-is in there with them provides for them and protects them from the outside world, as long as they don't get greedy. It's like a dirty-under-the-nails Eden. I'm hooked!
Oof, but then the bad, bad, bad, bad old-timey talk begins. The acting isn't terrible, except when people are talking. All the talking is terrible, and there is a lot of talking. You get the feeling they thought they were achieving some kind of Shakespearian grandeur. But, lo, it is merely verily annoying!
The whiny store-brand Jack Black-looking guy gets better as the movie progresses, but it's a really rough start before he dives into the body-acting, then he overdoes it and it gets bad again.
The costumes look like they were cut out of dumpster sofas and curtains. The set designs are awesome and look like some cool people put a lot of solid work into them. Surprisingly effective sound design really helps distract from the clumsy and unlovable dialogue, though even that can overdo it at times. There's some quality camerawork at play, too, giving this movie a tactile and present feel. Some quality practical and digital effects are sprinkled throughout.
The big Jikirag reveal is cool, but not VERY cool. Think 75% Black Mountain Side, 25% The Ritual. This movie borrows elements from The Village Jug Face, Apostle, and just a touch of Evil Dead. It is soundly within the Folk Horror sub-genre.
All told, it's a sometimes-fun, sometimes-frustrating movie to watch. Skilled craftsmanship and obnoxious writing go hand-in-hand, making this a quintessential 5 out of 10 IMDBs. It's a solid watch for Folk Horror fans that want to hearken back to a more hammy-mouthed time.
-Josh from Loathsome Things: A Horror Movie Podcast.
