Priest” (2011) is an American post-apocalyptic action-horror film directed by Scott Stewart and starring Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q, and Lily Collins. The film is loosely based on the Korean manhwa (comic) of the same name by Hyung Min-woo. It takes place in a dystopian future where humans and vampires have been locked in an eternal conflict.
The movie is set in a world ravaged by centuries of war between humans and vampires. After a final victory against the vampires, the surviving humans live in walled, heavily fortified cities controlled by a totalitarian organization known as The Church. The Church had trained an elite group of warriors known as Priests to fight and destroy the vampire menace. However, after the supposed eradication of the vampires, the Priests were disbanded and reintegrated into society as outcasts, their skills no longer needed.
The story follows a former Priest (played by Paul Bettany), who has been living in isolation since the end of the war. His peaceful existence is disrupted when his niece, Lucy (played by Lily Collins), is kidnapped by a group of vampires. The Priest learns that the vampires, once thought defeated, are making a resurgence and plan to wage war on humanity again.
Despite being ordered by the Church to remain inactive, the Priest defies their command and sets out on a mission to rescue Lucy. Accompanying him is Hicks (played by Cam Gigandet), a young sheriff, and another former Priest, Priestess (played by Maggie Q), who assists him in the fight. Along their journey, they discover that the vampires are being led by a former Priest named Black Hat (played by Karl Urban), who was turned into a powerful vampire during the war. Black Hat plans to lead a new army of vampires to wipe out humanity.
Themes and Style:
Post-Apocalyptic Setting: The film is set in a dark and desolate future where the remnants of human society are controlled by the authoritarian Church. The bleak, desert-like landscapes of the wastelands outside the cities contribute to the overall sense of hopelessness and decay.
Religious Allegory: The film heavily incorporates religious themes, with the Church portrayed as a domineering force that manipulates and controls its followers. The Priests are depicted as once-powerful warriors now rejected by the society they helped protect.
Action and Horror: Priest blends action-packed fight scenes with elements of horror, particularly in its depiction of the vampires, who are portrayed as savage, feral creatures. The film features stylized, fast-paced combat, martial arts, and futuristic weaponry, making for visually engaging action sequences.
Vampire Mythology: The vampires in the film are a departure from traditional depictions, being more monstrous and less human-like. They are fast, strong, and extremely dangerous, and their leader, Black Hat, is unique in that he retains human traits after being turned, making him a formidable antagonist.
