UK, 85 minutes, Directed by Julian Richards

Darklands 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!

How I’d not seen Darklands before now is beyond me, but I’m so glad I finally watched it! Set in South Wales, Darklands follows Frazer Truick (played by Craig Fairbrass) who gets caught up in mystery, pagan rituals and human sacrifice, while investigating for the local paper.

Released in 1996, Darklands has had a 4K restoration ahead of its 30th anniversary. I was lucky to see the director’s cut, which hopefully means a new, shiny release this year or next! I’ve seen the poster for Darklands over the years, but had someone told me it was set in South Wales, with a recognisable cast of Welsh legends and featured the Welsh language and some cool pagan shit, I would have been straight on it! Director Julian Richards is from Newport, too – just down the road! I’m fully in my “embrace the Welsh language and culture” era, so I’m grateful I found it at just the right time.

It’s dark and grotty, with great performances, compelling characters and a really cool score and soundtrack. I was 10 when this movie was made and it was the most delightful snapshot of the valleys in the 90s (although we didn’t have ritual sacrifice in my village. I don’t think…) It’s been hailed as “the Welsh Wicker Man”, which I think is a fair comparison. I really enjoyed it and it’s definitely one I’d add to my collection and watch again.

If you like 90s horror, folk horror, Welsh horror… or a combination of all three, definitely check Darklands out and keep an eye out for screenings or a release of the restoration and director’s cut! Darklands is currently available to stream on Shudder.