Ralph Ineson and the Revival of Folk Horror in Lord of Misrule

Ralph Ineson is known for his iconic roles in folk horror movies due to his distinct features and booming voice. Now, Ineson is back on screen in Lord of Misrule, bringing the repressed to the forefront once again.

Lord of Misrule enters the folk-horror genre late in the cycle, but it’s not without its unique elements. With an unambiguously Christian protagonist and a blend of British murder mystery, the film attempts to captivate audiences. However, the result may not be as compelling as expected.

Tuppence Middleton stars as Rebecca Holland, the vicar of an English village. When her daughter Grace goes missing during a local harvest festival, a murder mystery unfolds, eventually leading to a confrontation with pagan rituals and ancient beings.

Despite its blend of folk magic traditions, Lord of Misrule lacks a distinctive point of view and falls short in delivering a meaningful message. The film is visually appealing but fails to leave a lasting impact on the audience.

Shot by cinematographer Simon Rowling, Lord of Misrule features a burnished look and desaturated gray color palette, giving it the appearance of a TV drama. While the film presents intriguing ideas and striking visuals, it misses the mark in delivering a truly captivating experience.