Mostri

The Maltese islands are tiny yet surprisingly rich in mythical creatures. Civilisations who occupied the Maltese islands weaved these beings in their stories and religious beliefs. Creatures such as the Belliegha (the well-serpent), the Gawgaw (man-beast), demons like the Jinn and the Afrit are among the array of monsters that populate our culture. Many of these have been relegated to fantasy, but, if one is attentive, they can be found in the stories narrated by our elderly, who vividly describe them in their generations-old stories. Mostri follows the story of Frans, a police detective who believes monsters are real and behind many horrific crimes. He has to prove their existence to the force and the police psychiatrist or otherwise he risks ending up off the force and into the asylum.

Directed by Lawrence Sultana, Mostri leans on a strong ensemble — Silvio Baldacchino, Noel Cuschieri-Huij, Paul Portelli — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about horror titles of 2023.