Professor Harry Ballard, an anthropologist by profession and a scholar of occult sects, receives a threat from a Satanic order led by one Le Valliant, who would openly accuse him of being an unbeliever.
From words to deeds is a short step: the professor is captured and taken to a basement to be sacrificed. But he manages to escape the same night.
The revenge of the cult members will not be long in coming: girlfriend Celia and friend Richard are brutally murdered.
To his rescue comes a muggle girl, who apparently has some occult abilities. She explains to him that demons are a reality and that the death of Harry's brother, who committed suicide months earlier, is due to them. He has no choice but to take notice and try to defeat the group's leader. But the truth is never what it appears....
This strange New Zealand film directed by Glenn Standring is rather confusing, starting with the somewhat pretentious title. Aside from the usual clichés (occult rites, upside-down crosses, black and white magic), the director fails to delve into any facet of the story, leaving wide gaps in the plot. Professor Ballard himself, determined to dismantle all kinds of cults, seems only a victim of events and not the wise brain who should resolve the situation through the knowledge of his studies.
It is a shame because Standring proves that he is no rookie behind the camera; a different twist in the script could have made the film a little gem among minor productions. I hope he has learned his lesson for the future.
It should be noted that the character of Le Valliant is clearly inspired by Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan.
Maxena Review
