Anna Daniels
Gravitas Ventures has released the trailer and official posters for Mudbrick, an exciting Serbian folk horror film helmed by Nikola Petrovic. Following its premiere at the 2023 Terror Molins Film Festival, this indie venture has captured the interest of genre festivals around the globe. The narrative dives into a dark mystery, rich in pagan Slavic folklore.
The storyline centers on Paul, portrayed by Philip Brodie, who inherits a dilapidated mudbrick house in his family’s village. After spending many years in England, Paul returns to Serbia, only to uncover the unsettling truths connected to the pagan deity Veles. As he confronts his estranged brother Jakov and their family’s haunting history, Paul finds himself caught in a recurring curse fueled by ancient rites and desperate bargains. The film’s captivating visuals—featuring crumbling walls, cryptic symbols, and eerie totems—enhance its folkloric essence.
Mudbrick features a talented cast including Andrew Howard, Kamka Tocinovski, Dusica Nastova, and Joakim Tasic. The film skillfully intertwines psychological thriller elements with supernatural horror, appealing to fans of folklore-driven narratives. Viewers can expect gripping encounters featuring a dangerous snake, symbolizing dark forces.
My Thoughts:
Mudbrick offers a distinctive fusion of cultural background and supernatural horror, a mix not often seen in mainstream cinema. The trailer effectively portrays the oppressive vibe of the aging village while hinting at the psychological and supernatural frights that lie ahead. By incorporating Slavic folklore and the malevolent god Veles, the film adds significant cultural depth, making the tale both enriching and disquieting.
While the storyline shares familiar traits with other folk horror tales, the unique Serbian setting and emphasis on pagan myth distinguish it. Philip Brodie’s performance as Paul seems layered, as he explores themes of family rifts and haunting legacies. The striking imagery of the snake and an overall atmosphere of dread in the trailer indicate a film that sticks with viewers long after it ends. Mudbrick is likely to appeal to enthusiasts of atmospheric horror infused with folkloric elements.
What are your thoughts on how Mudbrick’s incorporation of Slavic folklore could elevate the horror genre? Do cultural elements enrich supernatural narratives?
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