Film Review – The Severed Sun (2025)

      The Severed Sun, 2024.

      Directed by Dean Puckett.

      Featuring Toby Stephens, Emma Appleton, Barney Harris, Lewis Gribben, James Swanton, and Jodhi May.

      SYNOPSIS:

      After a local man's murder, paranoia sets in within a secluded religious community, with some believing a mythical creature lurks in the woods. Despite a strong revival of the folk horror genre a few years ago, recent offerings have not introduced anything particularly novel. Filmmakers can rework elements from classics like The Wicker Man or The Blood on Satan’s Claw for contemporary viewers, but remain questions about whether there's more to explore regarding society, class, or gender politics through the lens of historical rural life. Based on what The Severed Sun reveals, there doesn’t seem to be much left.

      That said, The Severed Sun possesses merits in numerous aspects, but beneath the seemingly straightforward narrative of a rural religious community led by a zealot pastor (portrayed with commendable restraint by Toby Stephens), it falls short on surprises, which might have been acceptable had the story carried more depth. As it stands, The Severed Sun executes most elements typical of an effective folk horror film, yet it still fails to hit the target.

      The film opens with The Pastor’s daughter Magpie (Emma Appleton) poisoning her abusive spouse and dismembering his body, emerging bloodied during her father’s sermon to the local congregation. Immediately, The Severed Sun captivates with stunning cinematography by Ian Forbes, who encapsulates the ambiance and essence of folk horror through beautifully composed shots of the sun, moon, and Magpie's return to her father—albeit not to the comfort of his church.

      Nevertheless, the narrative lacks detail, revealing information only as events transpire. It emerges that The Pastor orchestrated his daughter's marriage, anticipating that she would fall victim to her husband's violence, which has led to their estrangement. The film does not depict any abuse, nor do we spend significant time with her husband, reducing his character to mere exposition. Following the spouse's death, as village men begin to meet grim fates, blame shifts to a creature (played by James Swanton in an effective yet simple manner) allegedly residing in the forest, with church members accusing Magpie of worshipping it. Consequently, The Pastor must choose between his paternal affection and his responsibilities as the local clergy.

      So far, it aligns with classic folk horror; however, the persistent accusations of “Heretic!” aimed at Magpie and the half-developed backstory lead to frustration as the film progresses, as there is little motivation to empathize with any characters, including Magpie, despite her being a clear victim of abuse—though she also perpetuates harm herself. The Pastor similarly harbors questionable intentions for his daughter; are they genuinely sinister? He appears as a father wanting what he believes is best for her (as dictated by societal norms), yet must also maintain his persona in front of his followers, leaving his morality ambiguous.

      A few minor plot points arise to influence viewer interpretation, yet nothing feels fully resolved. Additionally, the film raises questions about its temporal setting—it's presented as a possible period piece, with its antiquated costumes and props, but it could also be a contemporary setting, located on a remote island devoid of modern technology.

      The film's vagueness, coupled with its intentionally slow pacing, ultimately makes The Severed Sun a less satisfying experience. Though the conclusion provides a degree of resolution, and the visuals, gore effects, and performances ease the journey there, all the folk horror conventions utilized make it feel somewhat clumsy and underdeveloped.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★

      Chris Ward