Written and directed by Brono Bajtala, The Warriors Tale: Circle of Hatred drops us into a fantasy realm on the brink of total darkness. It’s the kind of grim, boots-in-the-mud epic where loyalty is a currency, and every handshake comes with a hidden dagger.
Long ago, history was about to come to an end. The realm was already half-cinders when Thalen (Brono Bajtala), leader of the North, was the last obstacle to King Vorik the Conqueror (Levi Webb) of the South. After defeating the High Elves, King Vorik holds a victory celebration with his close ally King Zafir (Jack Martin) of the Scarred Sun—“Ours is a circle of hatred.” The celebration is cut short when King Vorik learns that King Zafir’s son, Prince Kadir, has joined Thalen of the North and, in anger, kills King Zafir.
Meanwhile, outmanned and sorely underestimated, Thalen and Kadir plan to confront Vorik as he heads their way. The only way to victory is through an alliance with the remaining High Elves and dwarves. Sylvara (Ariana Hardie), a Senginet of the High Elves, joins the cause and insists that the last free peoples—Elves, Northern tribes, and the dwarves still hiding in the dark—must stand together or be erased. With Vorik preparing his final march, the plan hardens into a desperate race: form the last alliance, reach the Conqueror first, and assassinate him before the world’s circle of hatred closes for good.
A High Elf channels power in the woods in The Warriors Tale: Circle of Hatred (2026).
“…Thalen, leader of the North, was the last obstacle to King Vorik the Conqueror…”
Fans of fantasy will soon be treated to a visual feast of Middle-earth, provided by filmmaker Brono Bajtala. From the opening moments, I felt a very familiar vibe in The Warriors Tale, with its outdoor setting, fantasy iconography, and intricate costumes and weaponry. It’s not merely a cosplay extravaganza; we’re fully immersed in a world of long ago.
The Warriors Tale is simply an impressive story to behold. I’ve already mentioned story and costume, but, of course, we’ve got plenty of fighting and weaponry. I know safety is always a concern on indie productions. I’ll just say the action is fierce and safe. Clearly, the cast and crew love the genre and had a great time coming together to tell a smart, deep story.
In Brono Bajtala’s The Warriors Tale: Circle of Hatred, we get fantasy vibes, grounded locations, and a committed ensemble that takes the genre seriously. If you’re craving swords, alliances, and a war that feels lived-in without studio bloat getting in the way, this one scratches that itch.
"…a visual feast of Middle-earth"
