Nature is a force of evil.|Apr. 30, 2021|United Kingdom|107 Min.|R
Genre: Horror
Description: The narrative revolves around Evpaty Kolovrat, a legendary heroic figure from the 16th-century Tale of the Destruction of Ryazan. The prologue depicts a young Evpaty being overpowered by Mongol forces after the Battle of the Kalka River in 1223 and left for dead. His future wife, Nastya, gives him the nickname Kolovrat (“spinning wheel”) for his skill in dual wielding swords in a circular motion.
In 1236, Evpaty serves as a knight under Prince Yuri of Ryazan. By 1237, the Mongol army, led by Batu Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, advances toward Ryazan. Prince Fedor, accompanied by Evpaty and others, attempts to negotiate with Batu Khan, who is impressed by Evpaty’s courage and grants him a talisman for safe passage through Mongol lines. However, the Mongols betray the envoys, killing Fedor. Evpaty and a few soldiers escape, only to find Ryazan devastated by the Mongol horde.
Determined to resist, Evpaty assembles a detachment to delay the Mongol advance, hoping neighboring Russian princes will send aid. Meanwhile, he sends one of his soldiers, Karkun, to lead the surviving women and children to safety. In a final stand, Evpaty and his men defend a fortified hilltop. He succeeds in killing the Mongol commander Khostovrul, but all defenders are ultimately slain. Mortally wounded, Evpaty spots a sail on the river, indicating that Karkun and the survivors have escaped thanks to their delay of the Mongols.
Evpaty stumbles down the hill and returns the talisman to Batu Khan, mockingly declaring he no longer needs it before collapsing. Impressed by his bravery, Batu Khan orders a hero’s burial for Evpaty.
Cast director: Ben Wheatley
Cast actor: Joel Fry, Ellora Torchia, Hayley Squires, Reece Shearsmith, John Hollingworth, Mark Monero
Original name: In the Earth