Thursday Edition
Established 1946 — In the Service of British Cinematic Letters
A Bold Return to Sword and Sorcery
By Mr. Kieran Fisher, Special Correspondent
The latest motion picture from Hex Studios, is Mr. Lawrie Brewster’s The Slave and the Sorcerer, emerges as a most unapologetic homage to the sword-and-sorcery films of a bygone era. In evoking the spirits of Conan the Barbarian, The Beastmaster, and Deathstalker, the picture embraces a form of cinema rarely attempted in these more solemn times. Elements of Lovecraftian horror, along with certain nods to the antics of The Evil Dead, are likewise to be found interwoven throughout.
Indeed, the discerning viewer may expect a cavalcade of muscular warriors, arcane incantations, perilous quests, and fantastical monsters. There are also, it must be noted with caution and candour, a number of instances wherein garments are forsaken in favour of glistening physiques. As the younger readers might say, “What’s not to love?”
The film is directed by Mr. Lawrie Brewster, who co-authored the screenplay with longtime collaborator Miss Sarah Daly. At the centre of this heroic tale is the character Tyrol, a slave of considerable fortitude and physique, portrayed by Mr. Chris Black. Tyrol embarks upon a perilous expedition to rescue Princess Meyra (Miss Briony Monroe) from the grasp of the dread sorcerer Arakis, played with venomous relish by Mr. Jonathan Hansler.
Among the varied perils awaiting our hero are dragons, labyrinthine lairs, and nameless beasts spawned of shadow. At stake is the very fate of the world, which Arakis seeks to plunge into eternal darkness. It is, as one might say, a rather tall order for a man clad mostly in leather straps.
Those familiar with the work of Mr. Brewster may be amused to learn that he too makes a brief, if memorable, appearance in the film as a particularly suggestive torturer by the name of Arlo. One hesitates to say more.
Joining Tyrol on his quest are a host of companions, each possessing their own peculiar talents. Miss Megan Tremethick, known to readers as “Miss Amicus,” assumes the role of the beguiling sorceress Nemain. Mr. Stephen Kerr appears as Ryhn Grey, a rogue of uncertain loyalties, and Mr. Chris Capaldi broods most effectively as the warrior Laram.
All the requisite elements of high fantasy are present and accounted for. But the reader may well ask, where can such a film be viewed?
Available Now in Both Digital and Physical Formats
A digital edition of The Slave and the Sorcerer may be obtained through the official Patreon page of The British Horror Studio. This version includes both a standard HD presentation and a special VHS-style transfer, designed to resemble the visual characteristics of home video releases from the 1980s.
This edition is enriched with interviews, a behind-the-scenes documentary, and commentary for those intrigued by the artistic and technical rationale behind this eccentric endeavour. It provides valuable insight into why Hex Studios elected to produce what can only be described as a proudly unabashed and gloriously louche fantasy adventure.
Those who prefer the tactile pleasures of physical media shall not be disappointed. A Blu-ray edition is available, offering over five hours of supplementary content including artwork and the film’s musical score. For the true nostalgist, a VHS edition is also offered in PAL and NTSC formats, encased in packaging evocative of the rental shops of yesteryear.
Whether one views the film by disc, tape, or digital contraption, now is a most opportune moment, for a sequel is already in the offing.
One can indulge in more news about the antics of Mr. Lawrie Brewster as he discusses his latest motion picture, The Reign of Queen Ginnarra, offers his reflections on the current state of film distribution, and his experiences upon the topic of his early career.
For a modern interpretation, readers are directed to Mr. Lawrie Brewster’s companion article in Amicus Horror.