The Outcasts Blu-Ray

BFI Flipside presents... a previously unavailable Irish folk horror written and directed by the author of Blood on Satan's Claw.

Set in an isolated rural community in an Ireland marked by poverty and magic, The Outcasts sees introverted farm girl Maura (Mary Ryan) discover a magical fantasy world through "a wild, ungodly man," the mysterious wanderer Scarf Michael (Mick Lally). When she is accused of witchcraft, she turns to her own supernatural powers for protection. Director Robert Wynne-Simmons combines horror, earthy drama, dreamlike fantasy, and tragedy to produce this intelligent and visually stunning directorial debut.

The film was once billed as the first Irish feature film in 50 years, but has hardly been seen in the last 40 years. With this new 2K restoration by the Irish Film Institute, The Outcasts is available on Blu-ray for the first time. Extras New 2K restoration by the Irish Film Institutep>

Newly produced audio commentary by Dr. Diane A Rodgers

Writing Folk Tales (2024, 9 min): a newly recorded interview with director Robert Wynne-Simmons

The Fugitive (1962, 31 min): Robert Wynne-Simmons' first film with an outsider at its center is this dark tale of violence, guilt, and revenge shot on 8mm film amid the violence of the Mods and Rockers backstreets of 1960s Brighton

The Outcasts in Pictures (2024, 15 min): a gallery of stills from the film with audio commentary by director Robert Wynne-Simmons

The Wanderings of Ulick Joyce (1968, 5 min): this distinctive animated short film by Gillian Lacey was inspired by Irish folk tales and made with the help of the BFI Production Board. Booklet with director's statement, new text on the film by BFI's Vic Pratt, archive essay by Dr. Diane A Rodgers, and memories of The Fugitive by Robert Wynne-Simmons.