By Paul Salfen, Christine Thompson for AMFM Magazine
The Irish folk horror film The Morrigan has arrived on Digital and Video on Demand via Cineverse as of February 3, 2026, delivering a chilling blend of ancient Celtic mythology, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and thoughtful commentary on modern struggles. Directed and written by Colum Eastwood, who expanded his 2015 short film of the same name into this feature, the movie stars Saffron Burrows as a dedicated archaeologist specializing in Gaelic mythology. She journeys to a remote corner of Ireland with her teenage daughter, only to unleash a vengeful Pagan War Goddess—The Morrigan—from her long-sealed tomb. The two must fight for survival as the ancient entity threatens to exert control.
In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine, conducted by Paul Salfen, Eastwood and Burrows opened up about the film’s long journey, its personal resonance, the magic (and challenges) of shooting in Northern Ireland, and the deeper layers beneath the scares.
From Short to Feature: A Decade in the Making
Eastwood reflected on the film’s origins, explaining that the project began as a short film years ago. “It started with a short film I made years and years ago, and then people kind of wanted… We’re interested in doing a feature, but it took about ten years.” He aimed for something more meaningful in the expanded version: “With this, I kind of wanted to make it… more kind of up to date or mean something in our modern kind of era, so that that kind of took a bit longer.”
Burrows, known for roles in films like Troy and The Bank Job, expressed deep pride in her involvement. “I’m very proud of this film. I think, when Colum sent it to me… There’s so many layers in this film that, true to things that I’ve experienced, true to what women in my archeological domain have experienced.” She highlighted the film’s balance of terror and substance: “How do you make a truly frightening film that’s like on the edge of your seat frightening, but also has a lot of thought and layers and philosophy and content behind it that so it’s actually enriching in many ways.”
Shooting in the Land of Legends
Much of the film’s atmospheric power comes from its authentic locations in Northern Ireland. Burrows recalled favorite memories: “I adore shooting near the Giant’s Causeway… the area where we had the ruins and we shot the catacombs.” They filmed exteriors at Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on coastal rocks, and interiors in catacombs at another historic site (also used in Game of Thrones). Challenges included protected bats limiting shoot time, but the real landmarks added authenticity.
One heartwarming highlight involved a cast member—likely James Cosmo—who brought pastries and baked goods daily from his family’s café in Derry. “I’ve never met an actor who is so nurturing,” Burrows said. “He would bring in… beautiful pastries and baked goods and share them around… flapjacks… he was a sweetheart.”
The wild, windy beauty of places like Giant’s Causeway made for memorable (if freezing) shoots, underscoring the film’s deep connection to the Irish landscape.
Mythology, Motherhood, and Modern Struggles
At its core, The Morrigan weaves Irish pagan mythology—often overshadowed by Greek, Nordic, or other traditions—into a contemporary story. Eastwood hopes the film raises awareness: “I hope it brings a bigger awareness to our… very rich Irish mythology… it’s be cool to see a bit more Irish things coming through.”
Burrows prepared by consulting real archaeologists, validating the script’s portrayal of sexism in the field. “Some of the underlying sexism that Colum’s written into the way that my character’s undermined… they said, oh that spot on.” The film also explores the tensions of balancing career passion with family: “The tussle between your working life, your love of your working life and your love of your children.”
Eastwood emphasized one-problem-at-a-time focus on set: “Trying to stay focused… you always have to have the big picture. But I think you have to also be able to zero in on this moment.”
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
Both shared grounded advice for those chasing a career in film. Eastwood cautioned: “Don’t follow mine… it’s not a very logical life… you kind of have to only do it if you really can’t imagine yourself doing anything else because it’s still crazy. And unstable.” He advocated persistence: short films, gradual growth, and resilience against setbacks.
Burrows agreed on the need for singular dedication: “You have to adore it and just want to do it more than anything else… that’s years and years of work.”
A Film That Lingers
The Morrigan—featuring a strong supporting cast including Toby Stephens (Die Another Day, Black Sails) and James Cosmo (Braveheart)—offers more than jump scares. It’s a thoughtful folk horror tale rooted in personal stories, stunning landscapes, and underrepresented mythology. Eastwood called it “deeply personal… drawing on the stories and landscapes I grew up with,” and expressed gratitude for its release with Cineverse.
As the film hits VOD platforms, it’s the perfect time for horror fans seeking something atmospheric, layered, and distinctly Irish. Stream it now and let the ancient goddess give you a proper fright—one that might just spark deeper conversations long after the credits roll.
