“I require the solace of the shadows and the dark of the night.”
synopsis
In a mystical forest world where unicorns maintain the balance between light and darkness, the innocent Princess Lili is tricked into approaching the sacred creatures by the playful forest dweller Jack. When the Lord of Darkness plots to kill the unicorns and plunge the world into eternal winter, Jack must join forces with a band of strange woodland allies to rescue Lili and restore the natural order before darkness conquers the realm forever.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
This visually sumptuous fantasy from director Ridley Scott is remembered less for its story than for its striking atmosphere. The film feels like a dark fairy tale painting come to life—glowing forests, eerie goblins, and one of the most unforgettable villain designs in fantasy cinema. Tim Curry’s towering Lord of Darkness is both terrifying and oddly seductive, turning the movie into a dreamlike clash between innocence and temptation. The plot is simple, but the imagery is unforgettable.
A glass of red wine, dim lights, and the feeling that you’ve wandered into a beautifully strange fairy tale that’s just a little too dark for children.
Absurdist's Corner
If unicorns are literally responsible for maintaining cosmic balance, you’d think someone might have assigned them at least one security guard.
fun facts
Tim Curry spent five hours a day in makeup to become the Lord of Darkness.
The massive forest set at Pinewood Studios burned down during production and had to be rebuilt.
Two musical scores exist: the original orchestral score by Jerry Goldsmith and a synth score by the band Tangerine Dream used in the U.S. release.