Seize Them!

Directed by: Curtis Vowell

Written by: Andy Riley

Medieval Queen, Dagan (Aimee Lou Wood), is not the most popular Queen. When she is overthrown by the leader of the people’s revolution, Humble Joan (Nicola Coughlan), she goes on the run with one of her maids Shulmay (Lolly Adefope). Shulmay has a plan to get the Queen to the east coast and safety. On the way they pick up shit shoveler, Bobik (Nick Frost), and make their way through towns and forests chased by Leofwine (Jessica Hynes), the Queens former aid. The three have lots to overcome, including their growing friendship, as they try to get Dagan to safety.

This follows a template of recent films from the likes of Horrible Histories and Catherine Called Birdy. While it’s not the quality of the latter, it is still an amusing adventure.

Ultimately this is a medieval road trip, that follows the road trip tropes of a quirky group brought together by circumstance, whose friendship develops. And that’s where it is at its best, as the three’s relationship goes through ups and downs and is tested to breaking point. It’s maybe a pity that the story of Humble Joan is no more than a bit of a distraction and perhaps a stronger storyline could have made a better film. But that said while it’s not rip-roaringly funny, it packs plenty of charm and comes with enough chuckles to keep you on-side.

Performances are enjoyable, especially Lolly Adefope who steals the show. Aimee Lou Wood is engagingly annoying and Nick Frost as reliable as ever. And the three of them take you along on a pleasant ride.

Its not perfect. It can drag occasionally and isn’t consistently funny. It also has a strange 15 rating which feels like it takes it out of reach of what would be an ideal audience.

Seize Them! Won’t live long in the memory or become a classic. But in its two leads and short running time there is enough humour and charm to keep you on-side. Amusing rather than hilarious but enjoyable enough.