Why Lord of Misrule Is the Must-Watch Folk Horror of the Year
Key Points
Director: William Brent Bell
Writer: Tom de Ville
Cast: Tuppence Middleton, Matt Stokoe, Evie Templeton, Ralph Ineson
A Fresh Take on Classic Folk Horror
Despite initial hesitations due to the creators’ past works, Lord of Misrule delivers a compelling folk horror experience that stands out thanks to its talented cast. William Brent Bell, known for his mix of hits and misses, and Tom de Ville, whose past screenplays have been met with mixed reviews, team up to create a movie that, while predictable, is nonetheless engaging and atmospheric.
Plot Summary
Tuppence Middleton stars as Rebecca Holland, a new minister in a quaint, insular country village steeped in traditions and local lore reminiscent of classic folk horror settings. Rebecca attempts to blend her traditional ministerial duties with the unique sensibilities of the locals. The village’s eerie tranquility shatters when her daughter, Grace (Evie Templeton), mysteriously disappears. Rebecca and her husband, Henry (Matt Stokoe), suspect that the villagers might be conspiring to prevent a happy resolution to their nightmare.
Jocelyn Abney, played by Ralph Ineson, adds depth to the narrative. Having lost his own son twelve years prior, Abney remains steadfast in his belief that everything happens for a reason, contributing a layer of philosophical tension to the unfolding drama.
Character Performances
Tuppence Middleton shines as Rebecca, portraying a balance of determination and vulnerability. Her struggle against the village’s ominous undercurrents is palpable, drawing viewers into her desperate search for her daughter.
Matt Stokoe as Henry brings a sense of realism and urgency to the story, complementing Middleton’s performance with his own portrayal of a father fighting against unseen forces.
Evie Templeton as Grace, though her screen time is limited, effectively embodies the innocence and fear central to the film’s emotional impact.
Ralph Ineson is the standout performer, his brooding presence and distinctively gravelly voice adding a haunting quality to the film. Ineson’s portrayal of Jocelyn Abney injects the character with ambiguity, making him a compelling figure whose motives remain intriguingly opaque.
Themes and Atmosphere
Lord of Misrule doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel of folk horror. Instead, it embraces the genre’s staples, delivering a story that, while familiar, is executed with enough skill and style to keep audiences invested. The film explores themes of community, tradition, and the often-blurred line between superstition and reality.
The atmosphere is a critical component, and Simon Rowling’s cinematography captures the village’s eerie beauty, enhancing the sense of dread that permeates the film. Brett Detar’s musical score further amplifies this atmosphere, using haunting melodies to maintain tension even when the plot’s predictability might otherwise diminish it.
Cinematic Execution
The film’s predictability is a common critique, yet Bell and de Ville manage to turn this into a strength by focusing on individual moments that resonate. The narrative’s pacing allows for a steady buildup of tension, and while seasoned horror fans might foresee the third act’s direction, the journey there is filled with enough intrigue to remain engaging.
Critical Reception and Final Thoughts
Lord of Misrule has received mixed reviews, with many critics pointing out its lack of originality and insufficient scares. However, it’s the film’s atmosphere and strong performances that set it apart. In particular, Ineson’s portrayal of Abney provides a compelling anchor, ensuring that even familiar tropes feel fresh and impactful.
The film’s third act, though predictable, is executed with a flair that keeps viewers hooked until the end. The final scenes, rich with the symbolism and rituals typical of the genre, pay homage to classic folk horror while carving out their own niche.
While Lord of Misrule may not break new ground in the horror genre, it succeeds in delivering a well-crafted, atmospheric tale that holds the viewer’s attention. The strong performances, particularly by Ralph Ineson and Tuppence Middleton, combined with the film’s effective use of atmosphere and tension, make it a worthy addition to any horror fan’s watchlist.
In summary, Lord of Misrule offers a satisfying blend of traditional folk horror elements with modern cinematic techniques. It’s a film that, despite its predictability, manages to entertain and captivate through its execution and performances. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or simply looking for a well-acted and atmospheric film, Lord of Misrule is worth a watch.
Rating: 6.5/10
