Guardian of the Ancient Shadow Crown is a mysterious fantasy about a young boy Matthew ( Lorcan Melia), who goes to live with his grandmother and discovers a secret entrance to another world in her garden. With eerie music throughout; ominous nighttime shots with plenty of shadows; adults whispering in other rooms; and ghostlike presences, this film takes on an adventure to another realm.

When Matthew discovers a secret treasure map and learns about the powers of a special ancient crown, he sets out to do what he feels is his duty in honor of his deceased grandfather, who seems to have had a hand in the fusion of these two worlds. In fact, we come to learn that the shadow people have discovered how to cross-over into the land of men in order to seek aid for their quest.

There is much whispering that takes place by all adults in the film, at times to the detriment of clarity, but young Matthew is a breath of fresh air with his disarming and adventurous style of discovery. Making friends with the shadow people, who have vowed to protect him, he seeks out the wicked white witch Geldren (Natalia Kosterzewa), who is quite terrifying in her obsession to possess the crown at all costs. Geldren kills two men on screen when she has exhausted their services, and she herself experiences a bitter and violent demise.

The bravery of Matthew is applauded by all the shadow people, and the film leaves us wondering what will come next, as we are told that he will later discover his purpose in life by revisiting this land that only he on earth knows about.

The Dove Take

Guardian of the Ancient Shadow Crown is at times quite frightening in this adventure to another realm, delivering an edge-of-your-seat experience that promises not to disappoint.