My Farmer Dad Is Secretly An Archmage

starring: ALEX BRITT & DAVID BUTTLE

Eden Thorne - the most powerful mage ever, has disguised himself as a lowly peasant for twenty years since defeating the dark forces. Even his son Garrett, who fought his way to become Knight Paramount, remains unaware of his father’s true identity. Now, with the Dark Lord’s return, the Oracle emerges once again to protect the kingdom of Vern - only to be mistaken for a mere beggar by the capital’s nobles.

REVIEW

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Well this is a great attempt at something different in a vertical, a fantasy adventure.

We have stunning costumes and make up, amazing locations and the biggest cast I have ever seen in a vert. Plus a lot of SFX which by and large work, and are miles better than some of the dodgy green screens seem recently. I mean these were done in about 8 weeks..astonishing. Massive step up in ambition for verts

Now the story is a bit trad vert, no one believes Eden is actually a mage BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER

Because this is fun, thanks to the awesome cast

@davebuttlephoto channels Dr Who with his eccentricities, disinterest in court, and sudden seriousness when needed. He is utterly brilliant

@alexjbritt Garrett loves his father so is always likeable, even when he is about to lose the plot over his dad eating all the snacks. And he gets his hero moments at the end with bestie @aidan_nicholas as they hold the line

@_bradleyyp needs to do more comedy, has some super deadpan moments

@thecarolinaclarence is great as wise elf Ivy

@anna.arthur.uk brings the snob value but also has some very cool demonic possession moments

And loved Peter Stone as obsequious Roderick

I wish the celestial 3 of @jessamiewaldonday
@lucyhallettjones_ and @sauliussungis has been given a bit more to do would have loved them to have an epic action scene. Waste of that giant sword. That is probably my main gripe, would have liked more action / fight scenes

I also adored @ellisjwells as the Auctioneer and @wonderdog81 as Brian

Plus @dylanreevesfellows styled out that crown and is a much needed decent king in a fantasy who wants to protect his people

It is all a bit mad, and can see it becoming a cult classic like Flash Gordon, and other 80's movies. Most of all it is fun and I have missed that in verts.

💖 Top swoonworthy moment:

We have father son relationship between Eden and Garrett. Garrett’s unresolved crush on Ivy. And personally I am shipping besties Garrett and Alex. That’s where the real chemistry is.

🦹🏼‍♂️ Top villain award:

The Dark Lord. Who is a bit Sauron with that evil eye. And then the random follower at the end who did have epic make up, but not quite the moves to follow it up.

😂 Comedy gold:

Eden’s amazing painting

That poor autcioneer

But mainly Garrett slowly losing the plot with his dad “LEAVE THE SNACKS” and Eden gently taking the mick out of everyone, and not caring at all about all the snobbery.

🎺 Unsung hero:

Scottish Baron Brian totally stole every scene he was in. And the locations / costumes. Medieval setting a refreshing change to endless billionaire houses, and looked awesome on screen.

✍🏼 DETAILS

Director: Tom Chambers | 2025

Available on Shortmax