Darklands - L'ultime sacrifice

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.

Julian Richards "Darklands" is a modern cult thriller-noir that plays on classic misbeliefs of Celts, pagans and gypsies based on common misconceptions that run through European society (not that the Americas are exempt from such poor quality judgment of cultural differences). The movie is a traditional display of western giallo film making and "Darklands" is as good an example of cult-pagan genre storytelling than contemporary films such as "Spellbinder" and "The Wicker Man". The story follows journalist Frazer Truick as he investigates the mysterious death of the brother of trainee journalist Rachel Morris. Delving deeper, Truick becomes convinced that the tragedy was murder, committed by a bizarre religious cult. But as the evidence unfolds, things take on a more sinister and potentially lethal significance for the reporter, as he becomes embroiled in devil worship, witchcraft and ultimately human sacrifice! (That is the official synopsis).

For me this film is a captivating crime thriller and great example of 20th Century noir. The story is plays on mystery, intrigue and suspense in a classic style that is often associated with Italian giallo-most notably Argento's work. Even with the very obvious culture insensitivity that plagues the film, "Darkland" is a very interesting and mesmerizing story that slowly builds suspense through melodrama and eerie atmospheric effects. I did find the view of pagans, Celts and gypsies as some humanized boogeymen wrought with villainous intent a tad offensive, but in proper context as a fictional setting it is easy to swallow.

The sound effects and cinematography used for "Darkland" is traditional 80's and 90's creepiness one expects in these suspenseful stories. The characters are classic and mysterious, well developed if needed and never over-indulged to the point of annoyance. Visually the film entertains with moments of post-industrial, neo-primal experimental theatrics that creates a wild urban paganism aesthetics. Usually these images are saved for post-apocalyptic or future-dystopia films. The witchcraft, or primitive traditional religious elements where minimal but when on screen became very effective. Mostly this is a great conspiracy, crime noir. "Darklands" is a very cool, classic cult thriller that offers a great witchy story, and plenty of suspense. The blood and gore is almost non-existent which was a bit of a bummer but over-all I enjoyed the film.

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.

It's a really boring film, but has it's highlights! The first hour of the film sucks, but the last 30 minutes are moderately good. One cool thing is when the main character, Frazer, drives around with his girl and if you watch the background they pass a power plant (some factory) and just a few seconds later they are going backwards passing the exact place again, but reverse... *lol* =) Anyway, the ending is cool too, I'm not going to spoil anything, but it does not end like most film does! =) Best regards, /Janne

An interesting take on the concept of getting Welsh National Film Council grant to make a film that made the Welsh look rather like COMPLETE LOONS!

I had no idea to expect before watching the film, and a quick look at IMDb had me worried, especially as two of the main characters who had allegedly only just met were shagging by day 2 of the plot.

The Welsh journalist has a dodgy east-end geezer accent, there are several inconsistencies in the story ("take him to room six, i will be along in a minute" - he is put in room 4).. but although kind of predictable, more than slightly cheesy, possibly quite tasteless and definitely lacking in any depth of plot; somehow a reasonably watchable sort of horror/shocker film does manage to fall out the far end.

The druidy types come in subspecies of hippy druidy girls, madmax meets punk blokes, strange beardy cardigan wearing gypsies on a caravan site, steel workers, the NHS, the local police, the council... in fact, the whole town bar the mad priest appears to be plotting a sacrifice....

Not much one poor reporter can do in the face of so much adversity, but he tries....