Films like The Demons of Alcácer Quibir.

The Demons of Alcácer Quibir (1977) reads as Sombre, measured, measured sebastian / myth, inventive in texture. Nihilistic, mid-stakes, cold. Every film below is ranked by distance across the same twelve hand-scored axes — with what it keeps, and where it walks away. Not a genre dump.

The Mystery of Oberwald (1980) poster
1. The Mystery of Oberwald1980

Keeps the patient, unhurried pace and the cold, bleak undertow — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

The Stranger and the Fog (1976) poster
2. The Stranger and the Fog1976

Keeps the patient, unhurried pace and the bone-dry seriousness — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Ballad of Tara (1979) poster
3. Ballad of Tara1979

Keeps the patient, unhurried pace and the cold, bleak undertow — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

The Promised Land (1973) poster
4. The Promised Land1973

Keeps the patient, unhurried pace and the bone-dry seriousness; trades toward a cold, bleak undertow.

Budapest Tales (1977) poster
5. Budapest Tales1977

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the bone-dry seriousness; trades toward a patient, unhurried pace.

Le Pont du Nord (1981) poster
6. Le Pont du Nord1981

Keeps the patient, unhurried pace and the cold, bleak undertow — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Genesis (1986) poster
7. Genesis1986

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the bone-dry seriousness — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) poster
8. Picnic at Hanging Rock1975

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the bone-dry seriousness; trades toward a intimate, personal stakes.

Picnic at Hanging Rock (re-pass) (1975) poster
9. Picnic at Hanging Rock (re-pass)1975

Keeps the cold, bleak undertow and the bone-dry seriousness; trades toward a intimate, personal stakes.

The Round-Up Bull (1971) poster
10. The Round-Up Bull1971

Keeps the patient, unhurried pace and the bone-dry seriousness; trades toward a cold, bleak undertow.

Toula or the Water Spirit (1973) poster
11. Toula or the Water Spirit1973

Keeps the patient, unhurried pace and the cold, bleak undertow — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

Allegro Barbaro (1979) poster
12. Allegro Barbaro1979

Keeps the patient, unhurried pace and the cold, bleak undertow; trades toward a unmistakable directorial hand.

These are The Demons of Alcácer Quibir’s neighbours — where are yours?

Rate five posters and the same twelve axes read you — then tonight’s pick comes from your own centre of taste.

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