Lazar

Directed by Michael & Rafe Bird

2025

Elevate Film Collective

Not judging a book by its cover. That’s the premise for this snappy period comedy from writer directors Michael and Rafe Bird. It opens on a bard (Joseph Emms) who is on the run from law in the 16^th or 17^th century (various bits of press around the film can’t seem to decide on which) when a supposed wood nymph interrupts proceedings.

Of course, it’s not really a wood nymph, instead it’s an outcast of local legend, Lazar Pete (Devon Junior). Pete was ostracised from his community after been suspected of having leprosy. What follows is a buddy comedy of sorts, as the bard and Lazar Pete learn about each other and overcome their preconceptions to tackle the various characters they meet.

The premise gets a lick of paint thanks to the period setting, which allow the Birds to have some linguistic fun within the script. These include little flashes of modernity, from the bard’s attitude – closer to that guy from university who always had an acoustic guitar – to little quips in the dialogue. This is neatly combined with playful twists on folklore.

At just over 18 minutes, it doesn’t outstay its welcome, but nor does it really tackle the ideas behind it. It’s approach to not judging people by their appearance is surface level. It’s a tricky criticism, because the genre doesn’t require it to get right down to the nitty-gritty. But the promotion of the film highlights this as a key reason for making it. Those coming into this blind will likely not have the same reservations because the film does everything else so well.

It's funny and it’s just quirky enough to stand out without being so out of the box that it puts off some. It’s also stunningly shot, with the woodland setting looking beautiful thanks to director of photography Laurence Mason Guetta.

Lazar is likely to find a welcome home on the festival circuit, where it will no doubt be an audience favourite.

★★★½

3.5 / 5

Matthew Tilt

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