Night of the Templar is a 2012 horror-thriller directed and written by Paul Sampson. The movie stars Paul Sampson himself along with the acting legends David Carradine and Udo Kier. The film tells the story of a group of guests who have gathered for a party at the castle of Lord Sinclair, but as the night goes on, they come to realize that they are not alone.
The opening scene of Night of the Templar introduces us to the setting of the movie - a medieval castle steeped in history and legend. As the camera pans through the castle, a voice-over informs us that this castle belonged to the Knight's Templar - an order of warriors who were believed to have held mystical powers. The movie then cuts to a small boat adrift at sea, carrying a group of people who are dead or dying. We learn that they are the survivors of a massacre that took place on the island where the castle is located.
In the castle, a group of guests have gathered for a night of revelry hosted by Lord Sinclair, played by David Carradine. The guests include a famous actress, a journalist, a couple of models, a politician, and a few others. As the party gets underway, strange things start to happen. One guest finds a Templar helmet, another sees visions of a bloody massacre, and a third discovers a hidden room filled with Templar artifacts.
As the night progresses, the guests begin to disappear one by one. They are killed off in gruesome ways, and it becomes clear that someone - or something - is out for revenge. The survivors band together to try to uncover the truth about what is happening and why they are being targeted.
The movie contains some fantastic visuals and gore, with great set-pieces that give you a sense of the eerie, eerie feel of the castle. The music is perfect, being both thrilling and haunting, and the performances are superb. David Carradine is excellent as the charming and enigmatic Lord Sinclair, while Udo Kier delivers an electrifying performance as Rampling, a mysterious guest.
Night of the Templar has a strong plot with a well-executed storyline, and the climax is both satisfying and chilling. There are enough twists and turns to keep the viewer engaged and entertained. Added to that, the movie has an incredible supporting cast, including Norman Reedus, who portrays Henry Flesh, a character that is intricate yet consistent with the plot.
The movie explores the history of the Knights Templar, tying in both fact and fiction, delivering an enlightening experience to the viewer. As the plot unravels, it is easy to see that the murder mystery is connected to the Knights Templar, and each guest has a history that connects to the Order.
Overall, Night of the Templar is an enthralling and riveting movie that combines elements of horror, mystery, and thriller effortlessly. The plot is filled with twists and turns, while the cast performances ooze intrigue and mystery, keeping the viewer engaged throughout the duration of the movie. The setting too is perfect and adds to the eerie charm of the movie, making it an ideal movie for fans of period horror-thrillers.