Fresh off of the success of Orphan: First Kill, director William Brent Bell tackles English folk horror in Lord of Misrule. Nearly a year after moving to the small village of Berrow, Priest Rebecca Holland (Tuppence Middleton) and her family enjoy the local harvest festival until Rebecca’s daughter Grace is led away by a masked man, and a fight for survival begins.
From the outset, Lord of Misrule brilliantly paints a picture of a quaint little village with a dark secret and sticks to that tone throughout its runtime. The atmosphere is palpable, with the village feeling like a character itself – something that is important in the subgenre. Even though many of the beats are familiar to its peers, this film still manages to stand on its own two feet regarding cinematography over its narrative.
The script is elevated by powerhouse performances by STARBURST favourites Tuppence Middleton and the legendary Ralph Ineson. Middleton gives a relatable presentation of a mother possessed to protect her family, and Ineson stands tall as the sinister Master of Ceremonies, using his gravitas and iconic voice to portray a character that is engaging and terrifying in equal measure.
Although it never reaches the dizzy heights of The Wicker Man or Kill List, Lord of Misrule is a solid folk horror package led by two top-quality performances by Middleton and Ineson, making it a worthy watch that may stay with you for a while.
LORD OF MISRULE is released on digital platforms on January 8th.
