Festival Horror Sensation to Expanding Universe: THE RELIC

A sweeping new indie genre film blending cosmic horror, Viking legend, and treasure-hunting adventure, THE RELIC | DRAGON marks the feature debut of The Relic Universe, an ambitious new storytelling franchise from writer-director J.M. Logan.

Set against the vast and mysterious landscapes of the American Southwest, the film follows two estranged sisters drawn back together by tragedy—and a discovery that could reshape the fate of humanity. What begins as a search to unravel a historical mystery becomes a race against an ancient evil, buried for centuries and waiting to be awakened.

An Epic Story Rooted in Myth and Mystery

At the heart of THE RELIC | DRAGON is a deeply layered narrative that fuses real-world history with mythological lore.

When thrill-seeking adventurer Aura vanishes while tracking a mysterious artifact, her sister Echo, a skeptical academic, is forced back into a world she abandoned—a world of myth, conspiracy, and a hidden lineage of secrets stretching back centuries:

· A cursed Viking treasure tied to ancient madness and destruction.

· A lost manuscript connected to Spanish conquistador Francisco Coronado.

· A relic that feeds on human greed and chaos, threatening global catastrophe.

As myth and reality collide, the sisters are pulled into a battle not just for survival—but for the future of civilization itself.

From Festival Horror Hit to Expanding Universe

THE RELIC | DRAGON builds on the success of Logan’s short film The Relic, which premiered at major genre festivals and reached wide audiences online, earning hundreds of thousands of views and critical attention for its cosmic horror tone and ambitious storytelling.

The original short—produced under intense pandemic conditions—became a creative proving ground for the team, showcasing their ability to deliver high-end practical effects and immersive atmosphere on an independent scale.

Now, that concept evolves into a full-length feature launching a broader narrative universe centered on monsters, mythology, and human obsession.

A Director Built from Every Corner of Filmmaking

J.M. Logan’s path to directing THE RELIC | DRAGON is as unconventional as the film itself. A veteran of over 100 feature films, Logan has worked across every aspect of production over more than three decades—from building practical creature effects and animatronics to supervising post-production for the major studios.

His career includes work on projects such as:

· Annabelle

· The Passion of the Christ

· Apocalypto

· Stoker

· Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation

This deep, hands-on background informs THE RELIC | DRAGON, which emphasizes practical effects, tactile filmmaking, and grounded performances to bring its supernatural elements to life.

Cast Bringing the Myth to Life

The film stars a dynamic ensemble of exceptional local Austin actors led by:

· Taylor Bini (Echo)

· Richard C. Jones (Edward)

· Hollis L. Edwards III (Luis)

· Sarah Jack (Aura)

Together, the cast anchors the film’s high-concept mythology in human relationships, grief, and fractured family bonds, giving emotional depth to its epic scale.

A Modern Take on Classic Treasure Adventure

Drawing inspiration from classic treasure-hunting films and mythological epics—stories that blend danger, discovery, and ancient power—THE RELIC | DRAGON offers a darker, more contemporary evolution of the genre.

Treasure-hunting narratives have long captivated audiences with their mix of mystery and secrets lost to time from lost civilizations to cursed artifacts and ancient legends waiting to be uncovered.

THE RELIC | DRAGON expands that tradition by introducing a cosmic twist, where the treasure itself serves as a gateway to the unknown.