Deep dive into ‘‘The Old Man and the Demon Sword"

The Old Man and the Demon Sword, directed by Fábio Powers, plunges audiences into a world where ancient curses clash with unexpected heroes in the haunting beauty of rural Portugal. Set in a forest that seems to breathe with spectral energy, the film follows an unlikely protagonist armed with little more than a demon-haunted sword, a rickety 50cc Zündapp motorcycle, and a wine bottle. Together, these relics of a modest life become his armor against a malevolent force.

Powers' experience in comics and animation shines through in the film's visuals, with well crafted shots that bring out the mystical qualities of the Portuguese landscape. His cinematography is lush and textured, giving the haunting forest an identity of its own, both otherworldly and uncomfortably familiar. Every frame is a blend of folklore and fantasy, each shadow concealing more than meets the eye.

The performances here are raw and magnetic. The old man, whose weariness is as deep as the lines on his face, brings an understated gravitas to his role. His chemistry with the sword draws you in.

Of course, ambition often tests the limits of a modest budget. There are moments where the film’s reach exceeds its grasp, and the pacing occasionally falters as it takes the viewer deep into Powers' intricate world. But the ambitious vision compensates for any rough edges. Powers chooses to go big in every way possible, from the intense emotional stakes to the daring VFX work, which—while sometimes rough—delivers on mood and impact.

The soundtrack, meanwhile, is subtle but effective, often quiet, as if attuned to the silence of an untouched forest. It heightens the tension at just the right moments. Combined with the exceptional color correction, the film achieves an atmosphere that feels thick with history and dread, as if the forest itself remembers a thousand-year-old tale and watches silently as this battle unfolds.

It may not be perfect, but it’s clear that every frame is born out of a deep personal vision. This isn’t your typical hero story.