Any way you piece it together and read between its scenes, though, Downey and his skeleton crew have crafted a richly atmospheric and relentlessly dark saga of evil incorporated.

There's not much to this movie: just stunning outdoor locations, a soulful Rygh performance, and some raw sword-and-sorcery action. That's more than enough.

Within this rich slice of fantasy horror is a subtle meditation on grief. The story is a tragedy of sorts, placed within a relentlessly harsh and despairing world.

There were clearly budgetary battles, but Downey and his team have brought this world to life, however unpleasant and unforgiving that world may be.