IMDb RATING
4.8/10
563
YOUR RATING
A newspaper reporter is lured into a mire of pagan rituals and human sacrifice.A newspaper reporter is lured into a mire of pagan rituals and human sacrifice.A newspaper reporter is lured into a mire of pagan rituals and human sacrifice.
- Awards
- 6 wins & 3 nominations total
Dave Duffy
- Carver
- (as David Duffy)
Robert Blythe
- McCullen
- (as Bob Blythe)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
I stumbled across this obscure Welsh gem in a cinema in Reykjavík, Iceland, the year it was released. Basically it's similar in many ways to the infamous The Wicker Man (1973), though I much preferred Darklands, not least because of the black metal aesthetic and the excellent industrial music of Test Dept., whose album Gododdin has had a profound and lasting impact on me.
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.
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.
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....
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....
Despite all of the feverish accolades on the box, I found this to be a conventional and dull film. The few scenes of the pagan ritual might be disturbing were there not some sub-portishead music playing on the soundtrack the entire time.The scenes of the gypsys living outside the power plant were grimy and creepy. I was very annoyed by the fact that this film compared itself to the great "The Wicker man." while that film was an attack on Christianity and organized religion, this film seems to just be about how bad and evil the religous cult is which I found kind of silly and reactionary.
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
Did you know
- Alternate versionsThe director's cut is several minutes shorter than the original release.
- ConnectionsReferences Rosemary's Baby (1968)
- SoundtracksWe Are One
Performed by Toffeeworld
- How long is Darklands?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Darklands
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $750,000 (estimated)
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