In the world of Overlord, the true king is marked by their ability to win. But does victory make one trustworthy?
Overlord takes us into an online game with a life of its own. After his favourite game is about to be shut down, Momonga finds himself transported into the mainframe to play indefinitely. Living as his avatar, the Sorceror King Ains Ooal Gown, Momonga attempts to keep the peace in the kingdom as it sits on the brink of war. Now, in The Sacred Kingdom, that tenuous harmony is threatened with the arrival of the Demon Emperor Jaldabaoth and his villainous army of demi-humans. Claiming to be the one true ruler, Jaldabaoth slaughters human warriors with such brutality that they are overwhelmed. Though they fear the undead, their only hope lies with King Ains and they reach out to the Sorceror King to come to their aid.
As the latest chapter to Overlord, The Sacred Kingdom continues to build a world worth exploring. King Ains returns with a fury in a story that almost feels like it’s trying to do too much. In some ways, the film feels like a trilogy in and of itself with a story that encompasses multiple arcs. Nevertheless, one can’t deny that this entry takes the viewer on an effective emotional ride that pushes its characters to the limit. (However, I must confess that, as a newcomer to the world of Overlord, I found that Kingdom rarely explored the potential for the game’s relationship with the real world.)
Overlord is most interesting when it’s attempting to understand the nature of power. In this film, strength and honour are indelibly linked. As King Ains fights for the souls of the human race, so too does he have high expectations for them. If families die, it’s because their protectors did not fight hard enough on their behalf. If characters show weakness, they are not believed to be worthy to lead. Every battle is an opportunity for these individuals to not only show their power but also to display their character.
For Ains, offering anything less than everything is nothing.
But that also means that his character makes questionable choices. While no one can deny his power, some characters are unsure about his abilities as king. While humans continue to carry their biases against the undead, King Ains doesn’t always give them reasons to trust his character. To them, human life is more important than showing strength. And Ains seems almost reckless in his pursuit of glory.
For King Ains, might makes right.
Even so, his kingdom remains a place where everyone is safe. There’s something beautiful about his Sacred Kingdom. To him, everyone is worth protecting, regardless of species. There’s a benevolence to him that appears to offset his violent nature. Is he a leader who cares? Or reckless in his pursuit of victory? Each interaction with Lord Ains appears to leave these men and women confused, angry or afraid as they attempt to understand him.
Yet Neia seems to see something else. To him, King Ains’ ends justify his means. As he is trained by the Sorceror King, his devotion is tested and his character challenged. Yet, through it all, Neia never questions Ains’ motives. There’s an admiration within his character that makes him endearing, relatable and, potentially, a little naïve.
Most of all, it’s Neia’s eyes that make Overlord: the Sacred Kingdom accessible for anyone who isn’t fully immersed in the series’ lore. This is an accessible entry into Momonga’s world without feeling like you’re missing out. (However, fans of the series will clearly appreciate the way that it builds the legacy at the same time.) Frankly, Ains is so compelling to watch that one can’t help but want to visit this Kingdom, especially on the big screen.
Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom is available in theatres on Friday, November 8th, 2024.
