The Lost Tribe (1985 film)

The Lost Tribe, a New Zealand horror film from 1985, was directed by John Laing and features John Bach and Darien Takle in leading roles. The story centers on a man who travels with his sister-in-law to a remote island, where the mysterious Huwera Maori tribe dwells. Although production wrapped in 1982, the movie did not see a theatrical release in New Zealand until three years later.

Anthropologist Max Scarry, played by John Bach, disappears while studying the reclusive Huwera Maori on an isolated island in Fjordland. After a woman is found murdered, authorities suspect foul play, as witnesses report seeing someone matching Max’s description with her shortly before her death. Max’s partner, Ruth Scarry (Darien Takle), joins forces with his identical twin brother, Edward (also John Bach), to investigate. Police grow suspicious of Edward but permit him to travel to the eerie island, where he stays in Max’s cabin.

The night after their arrival, the pair experiences a series of supernatural events: voices without a source, unsettling tribal markings, and aggressive efforts by the island’s inhabitants to drive them away—hinting at a fiercely protected secret tied to a deep spiritual force. Paranoia mounts as Edward’s mental stability crumbles under the oppressive isolation. Ruth leaves for the mainland the next day, but Edward remains, still searching for his brother. She checks into a hotel with her young daughter, who begins having visions of the island’s events. Edward’s condition worsens; he destroys a dig site and burns documents containing Max’s findings.

Later that night, a disheveled Max emerges from a hidden entrance in the cabin and confronts Edward. A fight breaks out, and Edward shoots Max, but the bullets seem to have no effect. Max then strangles his brother to death and displays his body in an underground shrine. The next morning, Max returns to the mainland, assuming Edward’s identity. He deceives the police and the boat captain, though his wife and child are not fooled.