Code Duello: From the Tithebanner Saga

Highly ambitious sci-fi/fantasy Code Duello: From the Tithebanner Saga promises to be the first instalment of an epic, universe and era spanning adventure. But does this initial instalment demonstrate the quality and interest to sustain a series?

 

Following a collision of galaxies, a collection of survivors from spacefaring societies revert to ancient customs to survive in a new world. A menacing Duke, Horic (Ryan Thompson) rules this neo-medieval society with an iron fist, taking pleasure in tormenting his subjects. Claiorin (Morgan Black), Easla (Paula Mikolajczyk) and Lathril (Rhys Floyd) are survivors who paths fatefully cross, each holding their own secrets from the others that threaten to upturn not only their relationships, but the future itself.

 

Code Duello’s shorter runtime (at just over 60 minutes) proves something of a downfall for the first instalment of the ‘Tithebanner’ saga. Interestingly given its epic scale, these failures do not materialise in its world-building. The story is high-fantasy stuff, and the filmmakers are not exactly aiming for scientific accuracy. However, the respect with which the cast and writers treat the story creates an authenticity that serves the film well. If the characters treat their own story with respect, the target audience will as well – regardless of how extravagant the material. Impressive costuming and immersive sets play no small part with this either – particularly the prosthetics.

 

The major stumble the film makes is how quickly it races through its character arcs. The forbidden romance between Claiorin and Easla completely convinces thanks to the magnetism of both Morgan Black and Paula Mikolajczyk who share excellent chemistry. Their link to the Duke Horic threatens to unleash a ferocious vengeance against the pair, with which the audience will be totally engaged. Yet this ends up reaching a conclusion far too quickly given the scene-setting and potential for drama – and viewers will feel both regretful at not getting to spend enough time with the characters and short-changed due to the rapid developments they go through.

 

It should be said though that being left wanting more is ultimately a sign of solid work, and there is certainly enough good in those aforementioned areas to please fantasy fanatics. Fans of Shadow & Bone-esque dark YA worlds will certainly find enough in the romance story to want more from this saga given its shocking ending, and more traditional fantasy fans will enjoy influences from the likes of Game of Thrones to satisfy any sword/shield lustre.

 

Code Duello deserves credit for impressive world-building and its creation and refinement of an engaging romance angle between its leads. This first instalment needed more time to explore its characters – who are engaging and original presences but move through their arcs too quickly. But it certainly justifies further additions to give its cast and creators time to build upon the promising world and story presented here. A younger target audience will forgive sweeping logical reaches, and are likely to reward a convincing world with loyalty.

Watch our Video Film Review of this movie here.