“The Severed Sun”

“The Severed Sun” is a gripping, slow burn folk horror film set in the rural British countryside. It follows a religious community led by a strict pastor (Toby Stephens) who doesn’t tolerate any disobedience. Things get intense when the pastor’s daughter Magpie (Emma Appleton) kills her abusive husband, unleashing a monstrous beast that goes after the wicked.

Dean Puckett’s debut as a director is visually stunning, with gorgeous shots that capture the eerie, haunting beauty of the countryside. The film nails the creepy atmosphere, with dark woodlands and an oppressive religious setting adding to the tension and growing sense of dread. This movie is chilling to watch, just from the visuals alone.

The cast is great too, in particular Stephens as the menacing and authoritarian pastor. He brings a chilling yet calm presence to the role in a standout performance, and he carries the film with ease. However, the movie’s slow pacing might be a bit of a turn-off for some. While the slow build-up sets the mood, it sometimes feels like it drags at the expense of a more engaging story.

Genre fans will enjoy the horror elements, especially the well-done and gruesome creature effects. This is more of a thinking person’s horror film rather than a traditional bucket of blood and guts, though. While I wish it had a bit more substance, Puckett at least puts forth the effort of exploring deeper themes. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of organized religion, highlighting the potential consequences of unchecked groupthink on a society. The film touches on ideas of power, corruption, and the darker side of faith, all of which make it more thought-provoking than most.

“The Severed Sun” is a skillfully-crafted atmospheric journey through the darker sides of human nature. Despite ending on a somewhat disappointing note, it’s a solid effort that shows off Puckett’s potential as a genre filmmaker.

By: Louisa Moore