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Publicity and Reviews
To watch a Dread Central 'Dissecting Horror' Q and A click here.
You can find Barbara Crampton Sacrifice interviews with Daily Dead, Pop Horror, Nightmare on Film Street and Nightmarish Conjurings, Dead Talk News, Comic Book Resources and Coming Soon here, here, here, here, here , here and here.
For a Paul Kane interview about the film on Set the Tape, click here, and for an interview about the original story/tie-in book on the Luna site click here.
Audience Reaction from FrightFest, where the movie had its premiere:
‘Congratulations to FrightFest, Barbara Crampton and everyone involved in the making of Sacrifice – a starkly beautiful dive into chilly cultic chaos! A bit like Secret Life of Walter Mitty reimagined as a dark Lovecraftian nightmare. That water must’ve been FREEZING!!!’
‘Sacrifice is another example as to why travelling to a remote island for any reason is a BAD IDEA! A creepy film that owes debts to Lovecraft (which it acknowledges in the credits) and to films like The Wicker Man. A good addition to folk horror.’
‘Sacrifice starring Barbara Crampton is at heart a folk horror movie with the tentacled old ones of Lovecraft thrown in as extra flavouring. It’s an atmospheric slow burner set on a dramatic Norwegian island and is definitely worth checking out. Dream well!’
‘Wow!! That was just fabulous! Absolutely loved it... Congrats to Messrs Collier & Mian and everyone else involved. Want to read Paul Kane’s source material now, too!’
‘Early contender for film of the festival right there. Sacrifice was absolutely brilliant. A very interesting experience watching with my 6 month pregnant wife who was wincing throughout! Beautiful locations, great script and stellar performances from all.’
‘Sacrifice is a Lovecraft-esque folk horror that slowly burns for the first half before shifting gear into Wicker Man/Midsommar weirdness for the second with a fantastically nuanced performance from Barbara Crampton that I loved.’
‘Emma and Isaac travel to a Norwegian island that looks beautiful but is populated by a creepy cult – led by Barbara Crampton – who worship “The Slumbering One”... Ominous and gorgeous Lovecraftian folk horror with great mythology.’
‘Well that was great fun!! Really enjoyed it. The colours, imagery, slow-mo and direction really worked to up the Lovecraftian elements and the cast was great, especially Barbara Crampton.’
‘Would’ve loved to have seen that head start talking! Really solid movie, hugely enjoyed it. Great performances!’
Reviews:
‘There’s a touch of giallo stylishness to this aquavit-fuelled monster horror set in a remote Norway of long nights and skinny-dipping… The quirky script, adapted from a short story by Paul Kane and, as the opening credits assert, inspired by the work of HP Lovecraft, is quite good on the cultural friction between Americans and Europeans. It draws very deep from the well of uncanny associations that come with horror stories set in northern Europe such as The Wicker Man and Midsommar…Collier and Mian have a lot of fun with nightmare fakeouts, casting doubt on what’s real and what’s a dream; together with the coloured gels used in the cinematography, this gives the whole thing a 1970s giallo vibe. Just to ice that cake of dried blood, the lovely Barbara Crampton, doyenne of classic horror films such as Re-Animator and From Beyond, is on hand as the local policewoman/high priestess, serving up menace with the pan-fried trout.’
(The Guardian)
‘In the wake of his mother’s death, Isaac (Ludovic Hughes) and his heavily pregnant wife, Emma, (Sophie Stevens) journey to a small Norwegian town to claim his inheritance. Isaac was born on the island, but left with his mother under mysterious circumstances when he was still very little. Initially seen as the enemy by the locals, he quickly finds himself somewhat of a celebrity when people learn of his lineage and links to the place. Taken in by local Sheriff, Renate (Barbara Crampton), the pair begin to explore the area, learning about the mythical deity “the slumbering one” to whom the people pray. Having been light on family his whole life, Isaac finds himself easily seduced by the close-knit community. Events slowly begin to take a sinister turn however, and fearing for their unborn child, Emma becomes desperate to return to the mainland. But will the townspeople, and Isaac, let them leave?
Sacrifice, also known as Colour of Madness, was inspired by the novella “Men of the Cloth” by writer Paul Kane, as well as the works of H. P. Lovecraft. The result is an enigmatic and atmospheric tale of alienation, belonging, and blind faith. Directors Andy Collier and Tor Mian move the British-set location of Kane’s novella to the gorgeously ethereal locale of Norway. By shifting the setting, it allows the story to take on a more strange and sinister tone. It also allows some separation from The Wicker Man, a film which it would have otherwise been constantly compared to. H.P. Lovecraft was writing almost a hundred years ago and it’s a testament to his work that almost ten decades later, people are still being inspired by it. The Lovecraftian elements are plain to see, with the filmmakers even going so far as to cast horror icon Barbara Crampton. Crampton has worked on many films across the years that have been based on, or inspired by, the prolific author, and you know that if she’s agreed to star then it’s a good ode to Lovecraft. Here she takes on the role of guide, protector, and surrogate mother, all embodied within Renate, a character who is rather ambiguous as to where exactly her allegiances lie. It’s a complicated role to undertake, but Crampton is as reliable as ever. This scope of Renate’s ambiguity is played out perfectly during a very awkward dinner she hosts for Emma and Isaac…
The Scandinavian backdrop will undoubtedly also invoke comparisons to Ari Aster’s Midsommar, though in many ways this could be viewed as Midsommar’s opposite. For one, Midsommar is set in almost total daylight, and is bright and breezy despite its hidden horror, whereas Sacrifice is most definitely a wintry film, channeling its best Arendelle at times, and generating a misty and moody ambience. It shares the slow pace of both The Wicker Man and Midsommar; Collier and Mian tease the audience, relishing in squeezing suspense and intrigue from every inch of celluloid, in order to maximise audience participation. We all love a good mystery, and Sacrifice has that in abundance.’
(Hollywood News 4*)
‘Something fishy is afoot in a remote Norwegian island... American couple Isaac and Emma travel there to his ancestral home and stumble across a cult that worships a watery Lovecraftian deity. Strong location work helps conjure an atmosphere of isolation and Barbara Crampton is always watchable.’
(SFX)
‘A couple expecting their first child head to a remote Norwegian village after a death in the family only to find themselves caught up in a deadly cult. There’s something lurking deep in the Norwegian Fjords in Andy Collier and Toor Milan’s atmospheric chiller, inspired by the short story “Men of the Cloth” by Paul Kane and the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Young couple Emma (Sophie Stevens, The Haunted) and Isaac (Ludovic Hughes) have clearly never seen folk horror movies like The Wicker Man or Midsommar, and are surprised when initially met with hostility by the locals of the remote Norwegian island where Isaac grew up…
Screened at last Halloween’s FrightFest digital festival, this is a beautiful-looking slow-burn horror movie. Crampton is great as the cop, her blue eyes and blonde hair making her a credible local with an authentic accent (to these ears anyway)… The Lovecraftian influence is strong, particularly “The Shadow over Innsmouth”, the movie’s previous title being the splendid-sounding The Colour of Madness… Brimming with dread and utilising some unfamiliar locations, Sacrifice is a familiar tale, but classily told.’
(Sci-Fi Bulletin)
‘H.P. Lovecraft’s fishier stories are enjoying something of a vogue at the moment. This is based on a story by Paul Kane (“Men of the Cloth”) “and the works of H.P. Lovecraft” but draws on much the same seaside terror as the recent The Beach House and The Deep Ones, with Lovecraft’s “The Shadow Over Innsmouth” (source for Stuart Gordon’s film Dagon) the specific inspiration. It’s also an entry in the “insular community with strange rites” sub-genre of The Wicker Man and Midsommar and perhaps even ties in with recent Scandi-noir-type TV shows where outsiders or returnees are swept up in mysteries in remote, picturesque, inhospitable locations… Directed and written by Andy Collier and Toor Mian, it’s a gripping, if minor entry in a currently overcrowded field.’
(Kim Newman)
‘Sacrifice is the latest horror film to be released that draws inspiration from the work of H.P. Lovecraft, though in this case it’s less running away from otherworldly tentacle monsters, and more of a slow building psychological horror that will work its way under your skin. Based upon the short story “Men of Cloth” by horror writer Paul Kane, the film sees young married couple Isaac (Ludovic Hughes) and Emma (Sophie Stevens) travelling to a remote Norwegian island when Isaac’s mother dies... At first I thought that Sacrifice would be Isaac’s story, as it’s about him returning to the island where he was born, and discovering more and more about his past, but it soon becomes apparent that the real focus of the film is Emma, played exceptionally well by Sophie Stevens. Emma seems to be the only person who can see the strange effect that everything is having on her husband, and is the only rational voice on the island. It’s an interesting subversion that I wasn’t expecting, as most horror films in the vein would tend to focus on the male lead in this scenario, having to fight to save his pregnant wife from the horrors just below the surface. I think this is one of the things that the film does really well, subverting your expectations, and directors Andy Collier and Tor Mian do a good job of weaving a narrative that feels both familiar and very new...
As mentioned earlier, the original story was written by Paul Kane, who’s well known for his unusual, cosmic horror, and who has written some great stories inspired by Lovecraft, and you can definitely tell that this story comes from a place of love for the source material, and that the filmmakers wanted to create something that would appeal to those kinds of fans. This seems to extend to the casting, with horror veteran Barbara Crampton appearing in the film in the role of local police officer Renate. No stranger to Lovecraftian horror, Crampton is a cult favourite thanks to her work on films such as From Beyond and Re-Animator. Her inclusion instantly evokes memories of these films, and lends the production a sense of legacy as it includes such a popular horror actor. She’s not just a throwaway piece of stunt casting though, as she delivers a stunning performance as the sinister yet lovely Renate, a character who you’re never sure if you should trust or not... Sacrifice does a great job of building tension and keeping the audience in suspense. It will throw nightmare sequences and strange visions at you until you’re questioning whether what you’re seeing is going to be real or not, much like the characters. It’s got some damn good performances in it, even from characters with very minor parts who are only in one or two scenes. It looks beautiful thanks to its location shoots, and really evokes feelings of isolation and horror in its audience. Whether you’re a fan of Lovecraft or not, there’s a lot to love with this film, and it is definitely one you should be seeking out.’
(Amy Walker Set the Tape, 5*)
‘Directors Andy Collier and Tor Mian – who helmed the brilliant Charismata a few years back – really ramp up the apprehension and intrigue with their Nordic tale, while also filling the screen with some stunningly beautiful vistas. While there are a plethora of “oh it’s a dream” jump scares, they do continue to work thanks to the way the story never really allows us to feel comfortable. In the opening credits, we’re told this is based on a story by Paul Kane and “influenced by the works of H.P. Lovecraft” and although there is a brooding element of the otherworldliness of Howard Phillips’ work and a little bit of tentacle action, it’s certainly not derivative.
Having horror royalty Barbara Crampton on board will certainly raise the profile of the film with some and she’s great... Sophie Stevens is the standout here, though. The anxieties of a pregnant woman ooze from the screen as the story twists and turns. Ultimately, it’s an intriguing take on Nordic folk horror with some genuinely sinister moments.’
(Starburst 4*)
‘A refreshingly classy piece of folk horror which focuses on character and atmosphere rather than relying on shocks… A loose adaptation of the Paul Kane novella “Men Of the Cloth”, it’s also heavily influenced by the work of HP Lovecraft, especially “The Shadow Over Innsmouth”, and it draws on the idea of lingering ancient traditions which fits very neatly into the Norwegian setting. It does have a few things in common with the recent Midsommar, but not the things you might expect… Sacrifice builds with a slow, gentle rhythm, like the waves rolling up against the shore. Images of water are everywhere, the sea just on the edge of our vision or just within earshot, reminding us of how cut off our protagonists are. Crampton’s performance has a gentleness to it that feels just a little bit too reassuring. Stevens does the heavy lifting. She’s increasingly emotionally fraught. Is it due to Isaac’s behaviour, is it a hormonal effect of the pregnancy, or is something really wrong? Each time she thinks she has it figured out, there’s somebody on hand to gaslight her.
There are two kinds of horror in Lovecraft’s work. One concerns the impact of recognising the vastness and strangeness of the universe, and one’s own meaninglessness. The other concerns what belief can drive human beings to do. Sacrifice has a flavour of the former but ultimately depends more on the latter, and finds it in the most intimate places. It’s not just about the actions people take; it’s about the idea that, step by step, one might get used to them. Cool, breezy, surprisingly unpretentious, this is a mature take on a subgenre that’s notoriously difficult to serve well. It discovers the alien within the familiar, inviting complicity, even sympathy, as the waves keep on rolling.’
(Eye for Film 4*)
‘An interesting twist on the British folk-horror tradition here, as a UK production team transplant it to Norway (from Paul Kane’s Yorkshire-set story) but many of its ingredients remain intact: initially hostile locals, mysterious regional customs, isolation with little hope of escape… The familiar brew is spiced up with a stylistic interloper in the shape of HP Lovecraft’s influence in some hallucinatory dream sequences and a scene-setting, very purple title sequence which recalls the opening of classic Lovecraft adaptation From Beyond (1985). Speaking of that particular film, Sacrifice boasts one of its alumnus in the cast, namely Barbara Crampton (also of Re-Animator fame), and whilst it might initially seem jarring to see her cast as a Norwegian police officer any reservations are quickly swept away: Crampton has clearly done her homework and blends in perfectly with the native supporting players, and it’s a nice addition to the more mature horror roles she’s been gaining in a second burst of genre activity over the last decade. Ludovic Hughes and Sophie Stevens do good work in their lead roles, as what initially appears to be Isaac’s story increasingly shifts its focus to Emma’s attempts to reconcile her love for her husband with her need to get away from the forces which have him under their thumb.
The Scandinavian setting may well draw comparisons with Midsommar, but I would argue that Sacrifice perhaps treats both its locale and its residents more respectfully than that much lauded effort. Besides all that, Sacrifice is very much its own creature, an enjoyable mix of folk horror tropes and Lovecraftian strangeness which works its way under the skin… Sacrifice is maybe more about the journey than the terminus, the enveloping sense of inevitability signposting a conclusion which is no less emotionally bruising for already being at least partially in sight towards the film’s end. Indeed, it may be more so as we hope against hope for a different outcome for our leads…All-in-all Sacrifice is a welcome addition to the folk-horror annals which blends in its dashes of Lovecraft to pleasingly disorientating effect.’
(The Spooky Isle)
‘If you’re a fan of Lovecraftian horror, then I’ve got just the movie for you. Sacrifice… was directed by Andy Collier and Toor Mian. It stars Sophie Stevens and Ludovic Hughes as the main characters, and it features the great Barbara Crampton in an important side role. The opening credits say the movie is inspired by H. P. Lovecraft’s works, and it totally lives up to that designation. Sacrifice is a slow-burn, mysterious tale about a young American couple named Emma and Isaac who travel to Isaac’s birthplace, a small town in Norway, so he can claim a house he recently inherited. While there, they encounter a strange local cult, and they uncover some devastating secrets from Isaac’s past. When the couple first arrives in Norway and check out the house, the movie drops a few vague hints about the horrors that might be lurking there, but it doesn’t give you anything too concrete. You get the impression that there might be a Cthulhu-like monster living in the waters around the town, but you can’t be too sure about it. The only thing you really know is that this place is definitely hiding some ominous secrets… Whenever Emma and Isaac interact with the locals and experience the town’s unique culture, it just raises more questions about what’s really going on. For example, they find out that the residents there worship a mysterious, sea-dwelling deity called the Slumbering One, but until the final scene, you’re never sure if this creature actually exists.
In good Lovecraftian fashion, this all unfolds at a pretty slow pace, letting you stew in the tension and intrigue without giving you any relief until the very end. The movie purposely avoids anything that might distract from that tension, so it keeps the scares to a minimum. Instead, the horror comes mainly from creepy imagery and a pervasive, eerie atmosphere that unsettles and perplexes you from start to finish… The movie makes it clear that the dreams are somehow connected to the Slumbering One, so they’re not just cheap attempts to insert some jump scares into an otherwise perfectly good slow burn. No, they’re a legit part of the mythology, so they fit perfectly into the story and feed right into the town’s mystery. But those dreams aren’t the only scenes that hit hard. Throughout most of the film, I thought I could see where the story was headed. I obviously didn’t know exactly what was going to happen, but I thought I had a decent idea of what it was all building towards. But I was completely wrong!
The ending of this film bowled me over in a way that would make Lovecraft himself proud. Much like his own stories, this one gives you a little peek behind the curtain while still preserving the mystery. It gives you just enough information to let you know what’s really going on, but it doesn’t sacrifice any of the mystique that the film spent so much time establishing. It made me immediately want to watch the movie again, and on my second viewing, that ending still hit me like a ton of bricks… Sacrifice gives you everything you expect from a good Lovecraftian horror story… The film sets up an intriguing mystery and then slowly builds up the tension as the plot unfolds, and it ends with a shocker that gives you just the slightest of glimpses into the horror lurking in this small town. So if you’re looking for something new to watch this month, I’d definitely recommend that you check this one out!’
(Horror Obsessive)
‘Based off dark fantasy and science fiction writer Paul Kane’s short story “Men of the Cloth,” found in the author’s The Colour of Madness collective works, Sacrifice is an alienating folklore horror bound by the influence of a Lovecraftian core under the direction of a filmmaking due in Andy Collier and Toor Mian. As their sophomore film as collaborating directors, following their 2017 psychological cop horror Charismata, Collier and Mian tackle Kane’s short story head-on by changing only a few details, such as location, family structure and the title, but keep rooted the foremost principles of “Men of the Cloth’s” cultish discomfort that’s greatly inspired with the otherworldly sensation of an amiss atmosphere akin to Robin Hardy’s The Wicker Man. Filmed around the idyllic and mountain enclosed shore town of Bjørk, Norway and in the town of Volda, Norway, the 2020 film seeks to plop strangers into a strange land as a production of the London-based companies, Loose Canon Films and Hydra Films RKM, in association with Dread…
Over two years ago was the last time we reviewed a Barbara Crampton movie with Death House, that included a plethoric cast of her all-star genre brethren with Kane Hodder, Bill Moseley, Dee Wallace, and others, and, now, Crampton makes her glorious return to the Lovecraftian turf that nostalgically brings most of us horror fans back to the New York-born actress’s From Beyond and Re-Animator days. Sacrifice’s Cthulhu spirit finds Crampton playing a small town Norwegian sheriff, Renate Lygard… Sacrifice’s cult mania lays on a thick coating of grass roots that really set the tone for an foreboding outcome. An idyllic Norway fishing village propped between the eclipsing mountain range and marine inlet intrinsically obscures an already unspoken secret that’s only been rendered on the faces and actions of the residents… Sacrifice wrecks the nerves and frays warm pleasantries with wicked wallowing, slumbering, nearby in the shallows.’
(It’s Bloggin’ Evil!)
‘Based on the short story by Paul Kane, co-directors Andy Collier (Charismata) and Toor Mian (Charismata, The Milky Way) took on adapting Sacrifice for the screen… It does a great job of building suspense and keeping the audience guessing. There is a constant air of mystery surrounding the island and its inhabitants. Sacrifice also does a great job of inciting fear when it comes to being around water, which is especially frightening when considering the film takes place on an island surrounded by deep, dark waters… Sacrifice has some very memorable performances. Ludovic Hughes (Ride, Murder Maps) stars as Isaac. Hughes is quite effective at making us like Isaac, then gradually making us wish for his death. While his performance is great throughout, Hughes especially shines when playing the more psychotic version of Issac. Sophie Stevens (The Haunted, Break) plays Isaac’s wife, Emma. Stevens makes her character endearing so the viewers care about her well-being. Her performance is especially nuanced in how she conveys Emma’s complex feelings about wanting to stand by her husband, but also realizing something on that island isn’t right. Another standout performance is horror fan-favorite Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator, We Are Still Here) as Renate, the island’s police officer. There are two main reasons to love Crampton’s performance. First, she does a surprisingly good Norwegian accent, which I can imagine is difficult. Second, she makes Renate seem maternal on the surface, but there is something menacing just beneath the surface…
One of the strongest aspects of the film is the visuals. The first thing viewers will likely notice is the wonderful lighting. Many scenes, especially involving the locals, are bathed in magenta lighting. It gives the film a very supernatural feel. Sacrifice also uses the dream sequences to leave bread crumbs for the viewers… Sacrifice is a genre-bending film that’s dripping with suspense and veiled in mystery. Collier and Mian create an intriguing film… There are a lot of things to love about the film, including the gorgeous lighting and the performances… One thing is for sure, fans of the tentacle-filled cosmic horror are sure to enjoy this film from start to finish.’
(Blogging Banshee)
‘Perhaps a coincidence, but since the rousing success of Aster’s Midsommar I’ve seen quite a number of aptly dubbed “folk” horrors crop up. In the case of Sacrifice, genre favourite Barbra Crampton leads a clan of hostile Nordic Cthulhu(esque) worshippers against an expectant American couple. The plot opens as the young couple make their way, via a small passenger boat, towards a remote island nestled between vast Norwegian fjords and foreboding jagged mountains. Returning only to sort out the sale of an inherited property on the island, the American tourists soon find themselves embroiled in the island’s ritualistic traditions and intimidating xenophobia. That said, there’s more luring them there than just the dramatic scenery, and before long the couple find themselves at odds, one wants to leave but can’t, the other doesn’t, and, well… watch and find out.
As a horror film Sacrifice certainly finds itself in the creepy, tension building category. Don’t misunderstand me, there is plenty to keep you engaged, from the great characters to the outstanding locations (which are something of a visual feast); but just don’t expect this one to be of the spook-a-minute variety. It’s a slow burn, but not so much that you are waiting for something climatic to happen, just that the film chooses a pace and more or less sticks to it right up to the credits. The acting is decent, with good performances all round, but what made it happen, for me at least, was the interesting range of characters presented throughout. It’s made apparent from the start that there is something not right on the island, from a tense stand-off in the bar between locals and the less than warm welcome, to the sinister backstory of the family home dubbed the “murder-house”, then of course are the visions of a squid-like creature dubbed “the slumbering one” who beckons those chosen as they sleep; but ultimately, the island functions as normal, but the folk who inhabit it are far from that.
Each interaction has an off-beat edge which I loved. None of them were obviously showing their cards either, and it was difficult to see which role each had to play in the overall story as each of them had their moments of compassion in contrast to their zanier rants or quirks. Much of the film’s lore and backstory is told through the various conversations between characters, all of which elude to someone or something having a hold over the island and its inhabitants, something which for the islanders both feared and revered, but, to the film’s credit, there are no anti-climatic reveals or atmosphere-breaking lengths of exposition…
Sacrifice does have some stand-out scenes. There are some scenes which hint at the presence of a creature, others are just unnerving due to the sporadic twists in tone and mannerisms from the characters as they interact with the more relatable US couple; that said, one scene in particular, involving the gushing birth of a child is pretty wince-worthy… Overall Sacrifice has modern festival horror written all over it. It’s got enough Lovecraftian influence over it to be familiar, but with a modern setting and context to make it feel fresh. It was perhaps lacking a little in the violence department, especially considering some of its contemporaries, but then perhaps that would have taken away some of the atmosphere the film does a great job of cultivating. Regardless, I reckon Sacrifice is well worth checking out if you fancy something a little more intriguing than visceral.’
(Beyond the Gore)
‘Directed by duo Andy Collier and Tor Mian who also wrote the story, Sacrifice is based not only on Paul Kane’s short story “Men of Cloth” but also the works of H.P Lovecraft. The Lovecraftian element is evident throughout with statues, models and images of Cthulhu everywhere in the tiny town, however wisely the mammoth being they all believe in is kept hidden with the occasional tentacle or deep booming voice the only evidence of its existence.
Featuring some stunning landscapes the environment is as much a character as the people who live on it and the giant mountains and huge bodies of water excellently evoke images of timeless monsters and the bygone dark magic practices used to tame them. Obsessing over images of liquid, Sacrifice takes the everyday and makes it malevolent as boiling water, baths and even the water surrounding them froths and bubbles with an unknown force. Likewise reality drips away due to some supernatural desire as Emma is troubled by more and more disturbing visions making the local saying “dream well” seem like a mocking taunt towards her.
As much about the breakdown of a relationship as it is anything else, the tragic trajectory of Emma and Isaac’s romance is as inevitable as it is relatable. As her pregnancy physically changes her, it psychologically changes him as he becomes more misogynistic, impassionedly echoing the example of the men on the island and calling Emma a bigot for rallying against the old ways, however creepy or sexist they are. Ironically as Isaac exerts his patriarchal rule over his wife, Sheriff Renate sits centre place in the running and ruling of the locals not only as law maker but also as their spiritual leader, something we clearly see in the baptism-like ritual she presides over and Isaac takes part in midway through the movie, pledging his body and soul to the Slumbering One. Huge credit must go to Barbara Crampton who is brilliant in the role and brings just the right amount of gravitas and believability all while managing a decent Norwegian accent… A decent horror featuring an outstanding performance from Barbara Crampton, Sacrifice is well worth checking out especially if you are a fan of folk horror or Lovecraft and I look forward to whatever Andy Collier and Tor Mian have for us next.’
(Love Horror)
‘Adapted from Paul Kane’s short story “Men of the Cloth” (whose events are here relocated to the fjords from their original English setting), the film is certainly folk horror, as the village, with its creepy totems, peculiar pagan practices and seductive temptresses, sit somewhere on the map between The Wicker Man and Midsommar. Yet all the ancient sea gods, tentacular visions, Cthulhu-like effigies, and the dominance of unearthly purples and oranges – extending beyond the night sky’s aurora borealis to the film’s interior palettes – all point to the cosmic horror of HP Lovecraft (expressly acknowledged in opening text as an inspiration alongside Kane).
So like those swirling, blending colours in the film’s opening sequence, Sacrifice offers a blurring of identities and genres, all of which combine to create a pretty, multi-hued picture, but also confuse the viewer in wave after wave of community conspiracy and mystic manipulation.’
(Vodzilla)
‘If, like us, you haven’t been insensitive to the films The Wicker Man (1973) and more recently Midsommar (2019), the second film by the duo Andy Collier and Tor Mian after Charismata (2017) should catch your full attention. Offered as part of the British virtual festival FrightFest, it is certainly one of the best films in the selection. Far from being just a mix of horrific thriller featuring the actions of a cult making offerings to a monstrous creature, Sacrifice is a film about motherhood, integration but also about the confrontation of people from different countries and totally opposite cultures…The film Sacrifice is an adaptation of writer Paul Kane’s short story “Men of the Cloth” but also draws its inspiration from the world of H. P. Lovecraft’s works.
Rather clever, the screenwriters quickly understood that their film was going to be compared to The Wicker Man (1973) and that it had to be given a real dimension of its own. By moving the action from the British location of the short story to an isolated village in Norway and by playing on multiple oppositions, the two directors thus play perfectly on the natural settings and bring an important religious dimension to it. In the same way, Sacrifice takes a definite step back from Midsommar, even though these two films have a number of points in common, such as the blindness of the sect’s members and its deliberate isolation. Water plays an important role here, whether it is the obvious link with fertility or the fact of being baptized in order to be integrated into the sect. In the same way, even if we will never see giant monsters holding an important place in the work of HP Lovecraft (myth of Cthulhu), we feel indeed an inhuman presence marked by supernatural forces.
Sacrifice turns out to be one of the outstanding films of the FrightFest festival and we can already bet that its release in 2021 will not go unnoticed. This film will be distributed in the United States by Epic Pictures Group and it is hoped that it will also be distributed in France. We can only advise you to discover this excellent film that you will keep in your memory long after you have seen it...’
(Murderville)
‘The aesthetic of Sacrifice is consistent throughout, instead of struggling to reconcile that dark, foggy, antiquated feeling with a contemporary story…many of the shots, beautiful and odd, look as if they could be in a painting with their composition. I especially loved the underwater shots and the way such choices allowed for interesting transitions… I would recommend Sacrifice as both a good folk horror film and a thoughtful engagement of Lovecraft's ideas.’
(Letterboxd)
‘Sacrifice is a good reminder of how important performances are in horror movies. Too often, emphasis is placed on creating “cool” blood and gore shots, or crafting jump scares. Those components can be essential, too, yet without strong acting, it's impossible to care about anything else. Sacrifice has very good performances, and that allows it to work its twisted magic on viewers…I'm intentionally leaving out significant plot points because Sacrifice doles answers out very strategically. To know too much going in would eliminate a lot of the suspense. What can safely be said is that the story delves into the theme of families – specifically, whether it’s possible to break from the legacies that are handed down by them… Such an ambitious story requires actors who really know how to bring the material alive. Sacrifice has them. Ludovic Hughes does an authentic job charting Isaac’s transition from basically nice guy to hostile, single-minded jerk. The actor makes sure we recognize that his character has had his conscience clouded. Stevens, meanwhile, elevates the slightly cliched role of the “scared wife.” Rather than being a damsel in distress, she palpably conveys Emma’s growing fear, especially for the unborn baby. As it becomes clearer what’s going on at the island, Stevens raises the game on showing the terror of having to confront a grim realization.
The best performance comes from Barbara Crampton. Aside from speaking with a credible Norwegian accent, she imbues Renate with a sense of mystery that greatly benefits the movie. We really aren’t sure if the character is benign or malicious. She presents as friendly, yet there’s something off-kilter about her affect. And after performing the ceremony with Isaac, her actions suggest a deeper motivation. Crampton keeps us guessing as to whether Renate is trying to protect Isaac in some strange way or steer him in a bad direction. The answer becomes clear at the end, leading to a pitch-perfect final line of dialogue that Crampton delivers beautifully… Together with their ace cast, directors Andy Collier and Toor Mian have made an atmospheric horror movie that grows increasingly eerie before delivering a knockout finale.’
(Aisle Seat 3/4)
‘What happens when you take the basic premise of The Wicker Man, and then invite H.P. Lovecraft and Paul Kane to the party? What happens, as if all of you wonderful horror hounds didn’t already know, is Sacrifice. A tale of a long overdue homecoming set in an isolated, rural community in Norway that might or might not be in thrall to the ancient thing that sleeps beneath the waters that surrounds it, Sacrifice is masterclass in slow burn dread and gradual creeping fear that explores the psychology of indoctrination, tradition and innate localism and the impact and effect they have on the human psyche. Playing with the finest long-standing tropes of Lovecraftian horror while weaving its own dark and sinister magic, Sacrifice teases its audience with its will they or won’t they plot that twists and turns in all sorts of unexpected directions before finally hitting you with an unexpected shock ending. As reliant on the performances of its cast and characterisation as it is on its deliciously devious plot, Sacrifice thrives on the unseen and the imagined, and is propelled into the realm of soon to be cult classic by a scene stealing turn from Barbara Crampton. And it is horribly good fun. Ia! Ia! Sacrifice fhtagn…’
(Mass Movement)
‘Andy Collier and Toor Mian’s Sacrifice really brings the Lovecraftian in its imagery, horror, and especially in its deity The Slumbering One. In every shot of the sea, there’s dread in the cinematography (also by Andy Collier) and tone as we imagine what is lurking out there. Also a great aspect of the cinematography is the use of bright greens, purples and reds – and I’m sure a bunch of other colours – in several scenes involving water and other aspects…The script, written by co-director Toor Mian with Andy Collier, and based on a short story by Paul Kane, doesn’t answer every question here, either, but it’s smart as it lets you fill in some blanks and it sets everything up well and concludes well, too, albeit abruptly. It’s abrupt in the way that I wanted to see more and wanted to know more, because it could make for an exciting sequel in its own right.’
(Film Craziest 75/100)
‘I first heard about this film last month, described as The Call of Cthulhu meets small Norwegian island and with Barbara Crampton of Re-Animator and Chopping Mall fame heavily featured in the marketing… Based on a short story by Paul Kane (whose work I need to check out) and influenced by the works of HP Lovecraft, Sacrifice follows Isaac Jorgstadt and his pregnant wife Emma as they return to the tiny Norwegian island where he lived until he was a child and his mother took him to America…Pandemic or no pandemic, I think we can call this the first good horror film of 2021! First off, the movie was really well done. The strange behavior of the townsfolk adds to this feeling of unreality in the story, which is heightened by frightening imagery and occurrences…All in all, though, this was a creepy and enjoyable ride. On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.1 As of right now, it’s only available from iTunes, but I say it’s worth the cost to check out, especially if you can pair it with some good calamari.’
(Rami Ungar the Writer)
‘In holding a grip on reality, Sophie Stevens (Emma) must run the emotional gamut for Sacrifice. Her performance combines the heightened hormonal state of pregnancy, and the incredulity at the man she loves drifting away from her. All the while, Lovecraftian forces are reaching over into our realm through her troubling nightmares. Like any good folk horror film, human sacrifice is always a possibility, and with a title like Sacrifice, you’d be disappointed if it never delivered on that promise. Fortunately, Collier and Mian have more than enough up their sleeve to make the finale satisfying, dramatic and above all else, surprising.’
(BritFlix)
‘Collier and Mian whip up an odd and unsettling atmosphere and keep things grounded and interesting. The cult has lots of rituals and totems and rights and they all spark the imagination and fight or flight response in equal measure... ominous and gorgeous Lovecraftian folk horror.’
(Live for Films)
‘Sacrifice delivers on its mood with some fun performances and a solid use of culty horror tropes. Barbara Crampton is fun in her supporting role of the local sheriff while Sophie Stevens admirably anchors the film opposite Ludovic Hughes as a couple in peril in a town that is increasingly foreign to one and ominously attractive to the other.’
(411 Mania)
‘Sacrifice is similar to “pagan horror” movies like The Wicker Man and Midsommar, but the “cosmic horror” Lovecraftian angle gives it an otherworldly feel that adds depth and dimension. And the ending? Perfection!’
(Women in Horror)
‘Based on a story by Paul Kane, the Eldritch influence is heavy here, mixed handily with the cult-like folk horror we’ve seen across history, ranging from The Wicker Man all the way up to Aster’s sunlit terrifier Midsommar... Entertaining throughout, with its coy hints at ancient horrors and healthy doses of cosmic and folkloric horror, Sacrifice is a vivid dreamscape full of tentacled terror and cultish chaos that is well worth a watch.’
(Grisly Grinning)
The movie dropped on a number of streaming platforms in February and March 2020 in the US and UK.
It is also available as a region-free Blu-ray (below). For more details, click here or to buy import copies from Amazon in this country click here (import copies for sale in this country here).
Also available, through Luna Press and Encyclopcalypse, are the official tie-in book in print and ebook, and audio book (above). You can pick these up here, here, here, and here.