Director – Justin Dix (Bounty Trail, Crawlspace)
Starring – Nathan Phillips (Wolf Creek, Chernobyl Diaries), Alyssa Sutherland (The Mist, Don’t Look Up), and Robert Taylor (Kong: Skull Island, Coffin Rock)
Release Date – 2019
Rating – 4/5
A few months ago I was sent the release guide from my friends in Australia, Umbrella Entertainment. A few releases caught my eye but one that really stood out was the 2019 horror flick Blood Vessel. This World War II period piece was one that I had previously heard about when it was announced as a Shudder exclusive. Shudder’s exclusives have been pretty solid so far so I reached out to Umbrella and they were kind enough to send over a review copy of this one on blu. Thanks guys!
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows a group of Allied soldiers on a life raft after their boat was hit by a German u-boat. With their rations running low they believe the end is near until they are approached by a Nazi ship. They can’t find anyone on the deck and board the ship where they find the corpse of the captain. They do find a little girl and more remains. Things take an even more unexpected turn when they uncover an ancient book detailing encounters with vampires and several coffins in storage. Soon they uncover that the little girl is, in fact, a vampire and the coffins are her parents. **Spoiler Alert**
I was really looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint. I knew it was a World War II horror film but I had no idea that it was centered around vampires. That was a very welcomed change and it worked very well. I, honestly, really enjoyed it and I can see myself revisiting it several more times before I get sick of it.
The acting in this one is absolutely phenomenal. The characters from various backgrounds really worked for the story and show how, even though the world was divided, they still came together to stop the Axis powers. There is animosity among the various backgrounds but they still fight side by side beside each other for a common cause. The cast does a great job at bringing those little conflicts together. They really get into their characters and go above and beyond to make their performances feel genuine.
The story for this one is very centered around classic vampire mythology and tired it together nicely with the Nazi’s obsession with the occult. That, mixed with the claustrophobic story of the soldiers on an abandoned naval vessel, works very well. The films does one hell of a job at building atmosphere and tension with the final battle something you predict but still love watching it unfold.
Finally, the film has some very impressive practical effects and make-up effects. The film has some blood and doesn’t shy away from it but if you are looking for outlandish amounts of gore you will be disappointed. With that being said, the cadavers on the ship and the vampire make-up are all fantastic. They really do need to be seen to be believed. Overall, Blood Vessel is an absolutely blast. I hate using the phrase “a must watch” but this film truly is a must see. I fucking loved it and I’m sure that you will too. Check it out.
