Directed by Russell Mulcahy (Highlander), Tale of the Mummy (1998), also known as Talos the Mummy, is a supernatural horror film that resurrects the classic mummy curse myth with a modern twist. Part ancient legend, part creature feature, the film blends Egyptian mysticism with late-20th-century urban horror, creating a tale where the past claws its way into the present—wrapped in bandages and soaked in blood.
The story begins with an archaeological dig in Egypt led by Sir Richard Turkel (Christopher Lee), who attempts to uncover the tomb of Talos, an ancient, powerful figure shrouded in myth. Despite warnings, the tomb is disturbed—and Talos is awakened. Years later, strange and gruesome deaths begin occurring in London, linked to artifacts taken from the site. Something has followed them back.
Louise Lombard stars as Samantha, Turkel’s granddaughter, now a scientist trying to uncover the truth as the murders escalate. She’s joined by Jason Scott Lee as a detective with a skeptical mind but a growing sense that this is no ordinary case.
Talos doesn’t rise as a traditional mummy—his spirit manipulates cloth, shadow, and fear itself, making for a more abstract and eerie form of villainy. The kills are stylized and grotesque, true to the film’s gothic horror roots.
While the film didn’t win over critics and suffers from uneven pacing, it remains a cult favorite for its atmosphere, practical effects, and dramatic score. It’s a classic “ancient evil meets modern world” story, draped in mystery and myth.
Because some tombs are sealed for a reason—
And when you break that seal,
You don’t just wake the dead…
You unleash what should never be known.
