Darklands

An industrial Celtic cult is recruiting people from the local steel mill and leading them in pagan sacrifice rituals - I wonder if it could have anything to do with the gypsies just outside the mill? This is an example of one of the plot drivers that this film relies on - ones that are pretty obvious from the start.

However the film also has plenty of other plot twists that are revealed along the way, most of these are good but too many rely on coincidence or overlooking the facts. The whole cult-conspiracy thing is a bit unbelievable - maybe the Wickerman succeeded with a similar plot due to the island setting - here set in Wales it's not as easy to accept. But if you can overlook this then it's actually quite good.

The performances are OK - Fairbrass doesn't quite bring off the fear and confusion that he should but does a reasonable leading man. Rowena King is good as the love interest Rachael, she's there to add a bit of sex to the proceedings - however that said the love scenes between her and Fairbrass are laughable, clearly neither agreed to be naked on screen and their orgasms are harder to believe than a Celtic cult sacrificing Welsh people. The other characters are mainly rent-a-Celtic-thugs or small parts - you can usually tell whose bad or good easily enough due to the performances.

The plot is reasonable but regularly fails to convince - with most good films you're able to buy into it at least while you're watching it. For most of it however the twists keep your interest. When I read the comments on these pages I watched this in anticipation for the shock ending - however it's not there! You pretty much know how it's going to end 20/30 minutes before it happens. It's still an OK ending but lets not make this out to be what it isn't - a reasonable TV special that got some lottery money to become a film.

I really enjoyed this and I like this type of movie. It's a mystery thriller with a religious element. I'm not saying this is perfect and I can tell some probably won't like it, but for me it kept me on the edge of my seat. The story is good, I liked the main character, I liked the acting, it looked good, good atmosphere, interesting religious/cult theme, good suspense, and I liked the Welsh setting of the movie.

It's like a film noir movie. Although some say it's like the wicker Man, I found it original. I think it has a deeper meaning somewhere in it about Christianity Vs the old pagan religions that used to be norm in the UK.

I can't think of anything I didn't like about the movie.

SURPRISINGLY diverting horror thriller set in Wales and prompting a terrific performance from Cliffhanger's Craig Fairbrass as a reporter lured into a mire of pagan rituals and the occult by svelte 'trainee journalist' Rowena King. Before he knows it, he's up to his neck in pigs blood and human sacrifices. The pace builds relentlessly till he's caught - literally - on a one-way train to hell and damnation!

Horror fans, as well as drama and suspense fans will really appreciate this low budget, yet well thought-out film. Whilst containing references, in tribute, to some of the best movies made, it is still a highly original and intelligent movie, raising questions about paganism and Welsh culture. The ritual scenes are very atmospheric and beautifully shot. There are some great "jump-out-of-your-seat" moments, especially as you really start to become drawn in to this film. Some well-respected and accomplished actors featured, who also help make it more than just another low-budget horror flick. Refreshing and highly recom

I saw this movie years ago at a film festival in Irvine California. The movie had a good pace and the end was how I like them! The director was there at the viewing and gave a brief insight in to the movie, he also asked for questions from the audience. It was receive well by all that attended.

I have been looking for this film for years but I had forgotten the title of the movie until I just stumbled on to it today. I can't wait to watch it again, all these year later.

I would suggest this movie to anyone.

See it you might like it.