FrightFest 2026: Wrath of the Gods

Written by Justin Hardy and Dominic Hardy, and directed by Justin Hardy (who passed away last month), the son of The Wicker Man director Robin Hardy, Wrath of the Gods is the threequel to the cult classic starring Christopher Lee. Inspired by original concepts found in his father’s archives, the plot centres around Anna (Christiane Schaldemose) as she returns to a remote North Sea island after her husband’s death. When a young girl goes missing, Anna is deemed to be bad luck and ostracised by the community. As she investigates the disappearance, she uncovers a dark mystery that connects to her traumatic past. From its eerie rural setting and haunting musical sequences to its commentaries on religion and tradition, Wrath of the Gods is built on the bones of its predecessor to deliver a more grounded and personal kind of horror. However, it’s unable to recapture the slow-burn terror of the 1973 masterpiece.

The fittingly named island of Hel feels like somewhere outside of time. It’s a place where the eccentric locals use outdated technology and abide by centuries-old superstitions. The fierce wind and rain constantly battering the island root the feature within a cold and oppressive atmosphere that maintains its grip throughout. References to Norse mythology and history, including the Up Helly Aa festival, likewise serve to give the setting a distinct sense of place.

While Schaldemose gives a solid performance, it’s Francis Magee who consistently steals the spotlight as Tulloch, Anna’s menacing father-in-law. He’s a frightening presence who always seems to be on the edge of violence. Viewers are never sure what he’s capable of or what his true intentions are. Turns from the supporting cast, though, are more uneven and occasionally result in stilted moments.

There’s a disquieting sense of dread as Anna delves deeper into the island’s secrets. Unlike the other entries in this trilogy, the horror is less about pagan cults and is instead derived from something that’s tangibly human in nature. The mystery that’s uncovered is compelling, though its delivery is cluttered with various themes and ideas that don’t quite click together. It all culminates in a finale that doesn’t reach the same heights as the original.

While nothing can compare to the shocking final moments of The Wicker Man, Wrath of the Gods is a worthy final chapter that concludes the folk-horror trilogy, cementing the legacies of Robin and Justin Hardy.

Andrew Murray

Wrath of the Gods will have its world premiere at FrightFest on 28th August 2026.