Priest (2011) is a dystopian science fiction action film directed by Scott Stewart, based on the Korean comic series of the same name by Min-Woo Hyung. Set in an alternate, post-apocalyptic world ravaged by centuries of war between humans and vampires, the story follows a legendary warrior known as Priest (played by Paul Bettany). Once part of a highly skilled group of fighters trained by the Church to battle vampires, Priest lives in obscurity after the war ends, with the Church having disbanded the Priests and society now living in walled cities controlled by religious authority.

The story begins when a vampire hive led by the mysterious and powerful Black Hat (Karl Urban) kidnaps Priest’s niece, Lucy (Lily Collins). Despite the Church’s orders forbidding action, Priest defies them, setting out to rescue Lucy. Accompanying him is Hicks (Cam Gigandet), a sheriff from a frontier town, and a former Priestess (Maggie Q), who still possesses loyalty to him and the fight against the vampire threat. Together, they uncover a plot that reveals the resurgence of vampires and the Church’s ignorance or unwillingness to recognize the danger.

The film blends gothic and futuristic aesthetics, with towering megacities, desolate wastelands, and a mix of high-tech weaponry and ancient religious iconography. The vampires in Priest are depicted as feral, monstrous creatures, distinct from the romanticized versions common in pop culture, and the battles between Priests and these creatures are fast-paced and visually intense.

While Priest features strong performances and a compelling premise, it received mixed to negative reviews from critics upon its release. The narrative was criticized for its lack of depth and reliance on genre clichés, while the visual effects and action sequences were generally praised. Despite the potential set up for sequels, the movie’s lukewarm box office performance and critical reception made follow-ups unlikely.

The film explores themes such as the conflict between faith and authority, the role of religion in controlling society, and the personal struggles of loyalty and duty. Although it didn’t achieve significant acclaim, Priest has since garnered a small cult following among fans of dystopian and action-heavy science fiction.