Gravitas Ventures has debuted the trailer and official posters for Mudbrick, an intriguing Serbian folk horror film directed by Nikola Petrovic. First showcased at the 2023 Terror Molins Film Festival, this indie horror film has garnered attention at genre festivals worldwide. The story plunges viewers into a dark, folklore-infused mystery rooted in pagan Slavic traditions.
The film follows Paul, played by Philip Brodie, who inherits an old mudbrick house in his ancestral village. Returning to Serbia after a lifetime in England, Paul discovers that the home harbors sinister secrets tied to the pagan god Veles. Confronting his estranged brother Jakov and the spectral echoes of his family's past, Paul becomes entangled in a cyclical curse brought on by ancient rituals and desperate pacts. The narrative unfolds through eerie visuals of decaying walls, enigmatic runes, and chilling totems, adding depth to the story's folkloric undertones.
Mudbrick boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Andrew Howard, Kamka Tocinovski, Dusica Nastova, and Joakim Tasic. The film blends psychological tension with supernatural horror, creating a gripping tale that resonates with fans of folklore-inspired cinema. Viewers can anticipate haunting encounters, including a menacing snake symbolizing ominous forces.
Written and directed by Nikola Petrovic, this marks the filmmaker's second feature after Dogs Die Alone. Produced by John Henry Hinkel and Aleksandar Protic, the film will be released on December 13, 2024, on VOD platforms. Fans of horror steeped in culture and tradition are in for a captivating experience.
My Impressions:
Mudbrick promises a unique blend of cultural heritage and supernatural horror, a combination rarely explored in mainstream cinema. The trailer captures the oppressive atmosphere of the decaying village and effectively hints at the psychological and supernatural terrors awaiting viewers. The inclusion of Slavic folklore and the malevolent god Veles adds depth, making the story both culturally enriching and unsettling.
While the premise feels familiar to other folk horror narratives, the Serbian backdrop and focus on pagan mythology set it apart. Philip Brodie's portrayal of Paul appears nuanced, navigating themes of estrangement, family, and haunting legacy. The menacing snake imagery and the pervasive dread in the trailer suggest a film that lingers long after the credits. Fans of atmospheric horror with folkloric twists will likely appreciate Mudbrick.
How do you think Mudbrick's use of Slavic folklore will enhance the horror genre? Do cultural elements add depth to supernatural tales?
