[FrightFest 2025]: The Arbiter

Kicking with a vibe of Guy Ritchie does a post-apocalyptic-esque The Warriors (1979) remake, The Arbiter is a violent depiction of gangland London, overseen by Verril (played by Craig Russell) also known as, The Arbiter. 

Directed by Marc Price, The Arbiter portrays London as being terrorised by hordes of gangs governed by a code, but when one gang in particular called The Knightcrawlers begin to initiate an extermination of all gangs to become the big boss, the leaders of each “community organisation” must come together with The Arbiter and a police representative in order to put a stop to their bloody reign. 

Littered with a quintessential British gangster style humour, The Arbiter follows a pretty typical and entirely predictable storyline of gangleaders having a fraught and tense meeting, only to discover they have been betrayed and must put aside their differences in order to unite against a common enemy. And whilst the plot may be the weakest part of the film, the fight choreography is where it saves face. Grand fight scenes are punctuated with ultra graphic violence and impressive practical effects are just enough to prevent The Arbiter from being another throwaway absurd gangster film rip off. 

Whilst the violence is definitely commendable, unfortunately the character development falls short. Whilst we are meant to align ourselves as an audience and feel sympathy towards Verril, a world weary warrior who has his own demons to deal with, his character and backstory never seems fully developed and viewers’ alignment feels forced and entirely two-dimensional. 

The Arbiter is a simple homage to London gangster films, with flecks of humour and impressive gore gags, but unfortunately nothing groundbreaking in a genre full to the brim with very similar offerings. 

2 Screams out of 5