Infernal is the feature-length debut for all three screenwriters: Darien Andreas Brown, Brandon Self, and Adrian Ross. In fact, for Brown, this fantasy actioner is his debut screenplay as well as his first time directing. It is co-director Self’s second credit, after a short. As if all those hats aren’t enough, Brown also stars, produced (as did Ross and Brown), and did various crew jobs such as boom mic operator. The film runs an epic 2 hours and 14 minutes, which is epically ambitious, especially for a debut feature.
Azrael (Brown) is madly in love with his wife, Rheiya (Sarah Channel). She loves him as well, but worries as nightmares plague him. Those dark dreams warn of something evil, but Azrael can’t interpret them in a meaningful way. Unfortunately, the evil King Herod (Mark Coulter) sends his guards, led by Cain (Adam Wallace), to raid the village. Both Azrael and Rheiya survive, but she’s taken prisoner, and he does not know where. With the help of Ephraim (Travis Brock) and Hiram (Ross), Azrael trains to win back his beloved.
Meanwhile, Cain is persuading Rheiya that she’s more powerful and dangerous than she knows. While she agrees that such might be true, she refuses to fall for Cain’s charms, seeing him as little more than a brute. Things get worse when King Herod discovers that Rheiya could be the key to unlocking the dark power he has always sought.
Azrael (Darien Andreas Brown) and Rheiya (Sarah Channel) share a tender moment in Infernal.
“…the evil King Herod sends his guards, led by Cain, to raid the village. Both Azrael and Rheiya survive, but she’s taken prisoner…”
Infernal feels a bit like the middle in a trilogy. There is so much backstory and lore mentioned in passing that is nice for some context, but isn’t directly related to the main plot. However, the narrative isn’t hard to follow, though the robust cast of characters can be. There’s a character listed on IMDb known as Karl. I have no idea who that is or what they did in the film. The same thing goes for Oswin, Mette, and Gwyndred.
With that being said, Azrael is a really engaging character who works as the audience surrogate. Brown plays him with the right amount of determination and naiveté. He also handles the action well. The subplot involving Rehiya is also compelling and expands on the political and magical elements of this world nicely. Channel nails a monologue about the kind of person Cain is. It is very emotional and insightful.
The cinematography is amazing the entire time. A good portion of the film takes place at night, but everything important is still visible and can be followed. The landscape is captured vibrantly, with many real locations being utilized as much as possible. The costumes are also excellent, sporting lots of details that make them feel used, worn, and handmade.
Infernal is a bit long, and the number of characters present is overwhelming. But the technical qualities are assured and impressive. The plot is interesting, and the actors give it their all. Another visit to this world and these characters would be most welcome.
For more information, visit the official Infernal Facebook page.
"…another visit to this world and these characters would be most."
