The Scythian (2018) – Official Trailer

The Scythian, also known as The Last Warrior, is a 2018 Russian historical fantasy film that transports viewers to a world of epic battles, raw survival, and complex loyalties. Set in the ancient steppes around the 11th century, the film offers a fresh perspective on a warrior culture known for its fierce nomadic lifestyle and brutal combat skills. Directed by Rustam Mosafir, The Scythian combines historical realism with stylized action to depict a time when the old gods were dying, and the ancient tribes were fading into history.

Plot Overview

The story follows Lutobor (played by Aleksey Faddeev), a skilled warrior and bodyguard to the prince of a Slavic tribe. When his wife and newborn child are kidnapped by a mysterious nomadic tribe known as the Scythians, Lutobor is forced into a desperate mission to retrieve them. His pursuit leads him into an alliance with Martan (played by Aleksandr Kuznetsov), a captured Scythian warrior with his own motives and fierce loyalty to his people.

The journey quickly spirals into a series of brutal trials as Lutobor and Martan navigate treacherous landscapes, deadly enemies, and cultural divides. Both men face inner conflicts and are forced to make uneasy alliances, with the fragile bond between them tested by distrust, violence, and betrayal. Through their journey, they uncover dark secrets about the fall of the Scythians and the shifting power dynamics of their world.

Themes and Symbolism

The Scythian explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the erosion of ancient ways in the face of changing times. It delves into the notion of cultural extinction, as the proud Scythian tribe finds itself on the brink of being forgotten in history. The film examines how warriors from different backgrounds—each with deeply ingrained beliefs and customs—navigate an uncertain future.

The movie also touches on the idea of manhood and honor, as both Lutobor and Martan grapple with what it means to be warriors in a time of fading traditions. The complex relationship between the two men, torn between cultural allegiance and personal survival, serves as a focal point for the story’s exploration of friendship, rivalry, and the unbreakable bonds forged in adversity.