Mythica

Mythica: The Necromancer (2015) – A Dark Turn in a Growing Fantasy Epic

Mythica: The Necromancer (2015) is the third installment in the ambitious indie fantasy saga created by Arrowstorm Entertainment. Directed by A. Todd Smith and produced on a modest budget, the film continues the adventures of Marek, a young sorceress with a troubled past and growing magical powers. It builds upon the foundation set by the previous films—Mythica: A Quest for Heroes and Mythica: The Darkspore—offering darker themes, deeper character development, and more intense moral dilemmas.

In this chapter, Marek (played by Melanie Stone) and her loyal companions—Thane the warrior (Adam Johnson), Dagen the roguish elf (Jake Stormoen), and the healer Teela (Nicola Posener)—are reeling from the consequences of their previous adventures. The film takes a turn towards the sinister as Marek becomes increasingly tempted by necromantic powers, a dark form of magic that grants her strength but threatens to corrupt her soul. When her mentor Gojun Pye (Kevin Sorbo) is captured by the necromancer Szorlok and his army of undead, Marek must confront her destiny and make difficult choices that could determine the fate of the world.

The film delves into themes of power, corruption, loyalty, and self-discovery. Marek's internal struggle is at the heart of the story, as she grapples with her identity as a necromancer and questions whether she can wield such dangerous powers for good. Her journey is not just one of fighting external enemies, but of facing the darkness within herself. The dynamics between the team members also evolve, with tensions rising as trust is tested and secrets are revealed.

Visually, The Necromancer impresses considering its independent production. The filmmakers use practical effects, detailed costumes, and scenic Utah landscapes to create a believable fantasy world. While some CGI elements reveal the film's budgetary limitations, the strong direction and world-building help immerse the viewer. The musical score complements the epic tone, adding emotional weight to key scenes.

One of the film's strengths lies in its characters. Melanie Stone brings depth and vulnerability to Marek, portraying a complex heroine torn between light and darkness. Kevin Sorbo’s brief but pivotal appearance adds gravitas, while Jake Stormoen and Adam Johnson provide comic relief and grounded strength. Nicola Posener’s Teela remains the group’s moral compass, though her role is somewhat diminished in this entry.

Mythica: The Necromancer does an admirable job of balancing action, character development, and world-building. Though it may not rival big-budget fantasy franchises in terms of scale, it makes up for it with heart, passion, and a clear respect for the genre. Fans of Dungeons & Dragons, The Lord of the Rings, or The Witcher will find much to enjoy in its commitment to fantasy tropes and ethical complexity.

Ultimately, the film serves as a pivotal turning point in Marek’s journey, setting up even higher stakes for the subsequent entries. It’s a tale about embracing one's destiny, even when it leads into the shadows, and discovering that heroism can come from the unlikeliest places—even from a necromancer.