Leprechaun: Origins

Two young couples set out on an adventurous backpacking trip across Ireland, eager to explore the stunning landscapes, rich history, and captivating culture of the Emerald Isle. What starts as a carefree journey soon turns into a terrifying ordeal when they stumble upon a dark, ancient legend that turns out to be much more than just folklore. This terrifying experience brings them face-to-face with one of Ireland's most famous and deadly myths, forcing them to confront their deepest fears.

The story begins with a typical backpacking journey. The four friends, filled with youthful excitement and wanderlust, begin their adventure in Dublin before making their way through the rolling hills, verdant fields, and picturesque villages that dot the Irish countryside. As they hike along winding trails and spend nights in quaint pubs, they revel in the beauty of the landscape and the warmth of the locals. The couples bond over shared experiences, telling stories and learning more about Ireland’s storied past, from its Viking history to its Celtic traditions.

However, the mood of their trip shifts when they visit a small, remote village in the heart of the country. Here, they learn of an old Irish legend about a creature that has haunted the land for centuries. Descriptions vary, but most accounts speak of a fearsome, mythical being, often likened to a large, ferocious wolf-like figure, said to emerge from the depths of the earth at night. The locals tell the group that the creature is said to possess incredible strength and an unrelenting hunger for those who venture too close to its lair.

The couples laugh off the story at first, dismissing it as just another folktale, a charming bit of local color. But as they continue their journey deeper into the countryside, they begin to notice unsettling signs. Strange noises echo through the forests at night, and eerie shapes seem to lurk just beyond the reach of their campfire light. The further they travel, the more the legend begins to feel real.

One evening, after setting up camp near a dense, misty forest, the group is plunged into a nightmare. They hear the unmistakable sound of heavy breathing and the crackling of branches underfoot. At first, they think it’s an animal, but the chilling sensation of being watched soon overwhelms them. Fear sets in as they realize they are not alone in the wilderness.

As the night wears on, the couples find themselves hunted by a terrifying force that seems to track their every move. With no cell service and no help to call upon, they must rely on their wits and survival instincts to evade the creature. The legend of the fearsome beast becomes all too real, as the couples are forced to confront not only the creature but their own fears, loyalties, and the bonds of friendship and love that hold them together in the face of unimaginable terror.

The couples' journey turns into a fight for survival as they discover that the line between myth and reality is much thinner than they could have ever imagined. Each step they take deeper into the Irish countryside feels more dangerous, as the legendary creature seems to close in on them with every passing hour. What started as a simple backpacking trip has now become an adventure of life and death.

In the end, the couples are left to wonder if they truly escaped the monster or if they’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of Ireland’s dark and dangerous legends. Their journey is a stark reminder of the powerful forces lurking in the shadows of the world, where ancient myths are often rooted in a terrifying truth.

Director: Gary Hawes, Michelle Fitzpatrick, Nick Fletcher, Scott Kukurudz, Susan Williams, Zach Lipovsky

Genre: Horror

Cast: Adam Boys, Andrew Dunbar, Brendan Fletcher, Bruce Blain, Dylan Postl, Emilie Ullerup, Garry Chalk, Gary Peterman, Mary Black, Melissa Roxburgh, Stephanie Bennett, Teach Grant