Directed by Justin Edwards, Alaskan Murder Mystery is a comedy-mystery set against the rugged backdrop of Alaska. Blending role-play, puzzles, and family dynamics, the film explores what happens when three brothers come together for a weekend game that tests both their imagination and their bond.
In the Alaskan wilderness, three estranged brothers gather for a live-action role-playing (LARP) game that doubles as a detective story. Gary Templeton (Henry Kaiser), the oldest, assumes the role of Detective Soren, fully committed to the game. Bill Templeton (Adam McCabe), the reluctant middle brother, takes on Detective Morocco, while Joel Templeton (Matthew Clay), the youngest, plays Detective Banzai. Their “case” begins at Adrian Belmont’s remote cabin, where the reclusive author has been missing for six weeks. The task is to find Belmont dead or alive.
The detectives open their first clue and learn that Belmont received a mysterious package from Sweden. Neighbors also reported seeing eerie blue lights at his cabin from a distance. As the brothers go deeper into the lore, they are warned that one or more of the “detectives” may not “survive” the investigation. Remember, we’re larping here. It’s all in good fun.
The brothers set out to explore Belmont Woods, splitting up to search for answers. As they scour the area, they uncover cryptic references to the Inuit legend of the Qalupaliks—monstrous beings said to prey on children..
A scene from Alaskan Murder Mystery showing the ominous Black Turtle holding a glowing blue light in the dark forest.
“In remote Alaska, three estranged brothers gather for a live-action role-playing (LARP) game that doubles as a detective story.”
While examining artistic clues (which look like game cards) by himself, Morocco is confronted by the shadowy Black Turtle (the Gamemaster, played by Justin Edwards). Black Turtle warns him that solving the mystery requires cooperation with his brothers—not just for the sake of the rules, but in the spirit of the game itself. The brothers also begin recording backroom testimonials, documenting their suspicions and fears as the mystery deepens.
Strange phenomena soon interfere with their progress. Detective Soren is blinded when opening a forbidden door and must wear a blindfold, while Morocco, after another encounter with the light, loses his hearing and must don headphones. Frustrated by his brothers and unresolved family issues, Morocco stages his own “death” to leave the game and go home.
If you’re a fan of larping, Alaskan Murder Mystery was made for you. Our story is set in the world of the Gamemaster, who created this murder mystery at the cabin as a weekend of fun team building. The “larp” is fairly elaborate as workers play various characters in the story, while the Gamemaster watches everything from his control room to make sure the rules are being followed at all times.
The film opens as the three brothers arrive, and from the get-go, they are in character and ready to solve the mystery. As the game plays out, writer/director Justin Edwards uses the game as a way to screw around with the dysfunctional family dynamics and inadvertently find a way to bring the brothers back together. It’s a heartfelt story that only a bunch of geeks and nerds could tell.
There is a magic that unfolds in Alaskan Murder Mystery. If you’ve ever wanted to create a big-budget fantasy adventure but don’t have the resources to do it, maybe take Justin Edwards’ lead and LARP your story instead.
"…we're larping here. It's all in good fun."
