Rory Raines is a no-nonsense medical student with no time for anything but her studies, at least until she finds herself bonded to the soul of a long-dead dragon. We review the first season of Relic.
Screen Critix recently had the privilege of experiencing and critiquing the web series “Hurt,” delving into themes surrounding depression and suicidal thoughts. Now, the visionary creator Craig Selbrede, joined by co-creator Elle Guyan, presents his latest venture, the enchanting fantasy series titled “Relic.”
The realm of fantasy series has consistently captivated global audiences, with hits like “Game of Thrones” reigning supreme in recent years. The allure of fantasy in television traces back to the inception of the medium, with such shows continually at the forefront of network productions. With “Relic,” Selbrede, Guyan, and a diverse array of creators, each episode helmed by a distinct director, unite to craft a compelling fantasy series on a modest budget, set against the backdrop of Norwich, UK.
Embarking on its journey with the episode “The Scale Tips,” the series introduces a plethora of characters, notably Rory Raines (played by Becky Goulding) attending a somewhat lackluster house party with her friend Orson Oates (portrayed by the Jon Heder-esque Will Stephenson). The soirée takes an unexpected turn when an eccentric American named Jak Franklin, engaged in mysterious conversations through an earpiece, crashes the gathering. As Franklin’s inebriation escalates and disruptions ensue, Rory altruistically offers to escort him home. However, a peculiar encounter in the park with Franklin’s enigmatic friend leads Rory to hear a mysterious voice, urging her to fulfill her destiny now that the relic has been located.
Following a visit to the woods, Rory, compelled by the persuasive voice reminiscent of characters like Venom in the Tom Hardy movies or Batman in College Humor Original skits, agrees to aid its cause. Franklin, however, intervenes, revealing to Rory that she is awakening spirits. The voice discloses Franklin’s immortal and wizardly nature. Their conversation is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of the Fae, a group led by the assertive Boudicca, a familiar face from the previous night’s house party. What ensues is a pursuit that culminates in the capture of Franklin, marking a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative.
“Chivalry is Dead” unfolds with Rory’s return to her student accommodation, only to discover her flatmate sitting at the dining table with a sword laid out before him. Convinced that Rory is the host of an ancient dragon, his reasoning stems from an incident where boiling water had no effect on her. This flatmate, one of two knights on the school campus, along with Tristan, becomes entangled in the magical intrigue surrounding Rory. Meanwhile, Franklin is detained and subjected to interrogation by his mystical adversaries, who employ forbidden magical items to extract information about Rory’s identity. Tensions rise as Tristan and Rory encounter each other on a sports field, questioning Rory’s ability to locate an elusive relic. The plot thickens further when the Americans approach Rory, urging her to relinquish the relic, while the Fae also make their presence felt.
In Episode Three, Franklin and his partner Byron embark on a dinner date before venturing into the park in search of Byron’s magical enchanted heirlooms. Meanwhile, Rory remains comatose on a sofa, engaged in a surreal mental dialogue within a dark room. The narrative takes intriguing turns as the group collaborates, visiting the leader of the now-cooperative Fae in an ancient library. Subsequent events unfold in a pub meeting between Byron and Franklin, leading to a collective effort in the apartment kitchen to strategize and save Rory. A team expedition to an underground car park encounters the formidable cloaked figure known as The Siren, setting the stage for a challenging confrontation. The group’s attempts to revive Rory from her coma are complicated by the unexpected intrusion of Orson Oates, who is astounded by the magical occurrences.
Episode 4, titled “Fall of The Fae,” delves deeper into Rory’s transformation into something beyond mortal, as the magical heroes navigate a surreal court setting. Revelations emerge as Rory communicates with an enchanted Russian Doll, and the true colors of the Fae come to light.
The final installment, “Ascension,” culminates in a dramatic showdown between Jak and Byron, while Boudicca awaits Rory in the park, initiating a spell for the Ascension. Knight Tristan stands by Rory’s side, adding to the suspense.
Despite the evident dedication and creativity poured into the series, certain imperfections hinder its overall impact. Inconsistencies in sound quality, reminiscent of issues in “Hurt,” persist, with fluctuating audio levels and occasional difficulties in capturing dialogue. A notable instance features a stand-in or script supervisor audibly reading the voice’s lines during a conversation with Rory. Addressing these sound-related challenges through further skill development or engaging experienced sound professionals would enhance the viewing experience. Additionally, typical of low-budget productions, the framing tends to be simplistic, and the lighting design is minimal, resulting in a somewhat flat visual presentation.
Helmed by the University of East Anglia’s Filmmaking Society, the effort invested in creating “Relic” is evident. The five-episode series, with each episode ranging from 25 to 32 minutes, showcases imaginative concepts and mythology crafted by Selbrede and Guyan. While the series may resonate with fans of fantasy franchises like Harry Potter and Twilight, overcoming the aforementioned technical issues is crucial for its broader appeal.
Commendations are due to all involved for their commendable efforts in delivering an engaging magical journey despite the financial constraints. Crafting a fantasy series on a limited budget is undeniably challenging, and the team behind “Relic” succeeds in delivering an enjoyable and enchanting experience.
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