The horror style is at all times searching for methods to innovate, new approaches, or a unique perspective when doing traditional tales, and followers are fast to reward these inventive fancies after they’re executed nicely. It doesn’t should be difficult, and a majority of these re-imaginings are sometimes simpler after they use acquainted – however legally distinct – characters, particularly in comedic conditions. Then all that’s required is just a little intelligent writing, possibly just a few likable protagonists, or simply some gnarly ingenious kills. Bloody Axe Wound is festering in that sense—no, wait, I meant thriving—in that candy spot the place it nearly hits all of those bars in an try and make one thing new and enjoyable with just a little chew.
The story follows Abbie Bladecut–and that final title is greater than acceptable, as her household is within the slasher enterprise. Her dad, Roger, has turned killing youngsters into his life’s work and it retains their video rental retailer open and places meals on the desk. Eager to appease her weakening father – even when he doesn’t assume a lady can carry the franchise – Abbie is decided to turn out to be one of the best serial killer she will be able to, however a rocky path leads her to attempt some extra in-depth analysis on the native highschool, exhibiting the younger lady what it’s like for youths on the opposite facet. Now she’s confronted with weighing her potential new mates and a budding romance towards her obligations and household legacy, resulting in an eventual confrontation towards the patriarch that gained’t finish nicely.
Bloody Axe Wound was written and directed by Matthew John Lawrence, somebody I’m not conversant in, however after this film and discovering out one in all his earlier initiatives known as Uncle Peckerhead, I’m taking observe. Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Watchmen, The Boys) is concerned as a producer, however he additionally pops up within the movie briefly, one thing that they made certain to indicate off within the glorious trailer. What attracted me even additional was that excellent retro-styled poster, which made me wish to sit down and watch all the Bladecut collection instantly.
What Lawrence crafted right here is a superb coming-of-age lesbian romance slasher flick, and it really works as a result of it feels as real as doable inside the established universe. It is a comedy, and the humor is completed nicely, even when not all the things lands excellent. The film has an perspective. The characters swear, say naughty issues, whereas the teenage angst and rebel come throughout as simply uncooked sufficient. Extra importantly, we care in regards to the folks we’re following. All of the gamers, even the antagonists, have real-life points on their plates, from payments and household squabbles to misplaced loves and the need to attain one thing. All of them really feel like somebody we knew in class or might have interacted with, minus the killer half.
Sari Arambulo (A.P. Bio) is great as Abbie, and Molly Brown (Evil, Dexter: Authentic Sin) superbly performs her fiery counterpart, Sam, with the 2 bouncing completely off one another as their relationship escalates rapidly and violently. Billy Burke (Twilight, Batman: The Lengthy Halloween) is the strict father determine, however he has moments of exhibiting concern and being grateful, which makes it worse when he and his daughter begin working towards one another. There isn’t a whole lot of speaking towards the tip, however every character feels strongly about their convictions and the entire actors are doing a improbable job, exhibiting off tons of chemistry, minus one or two annoying facet characters that would have been trimmed.
Bloody Axe Wound strikes rapidly after a particular inciting occasion and is available in at a brisk 83 minutes. As a lot as I benefit from the story, it feels just like the ending might have taken a bit extra time to breathe, extending the battle between Abbie and her dad, however possibly Lawrence felt that wasn’t the purpose as a lot, or that there was a threat of overstaying. Abbie’s motivations to proceed her household legacy might have been touched on extra basically, making a stronger argument for why she by no means thought to query what they did prior to now. Her being adopted appears to play a small function, inflicting an urge to be accepted into the household, however there’s nearly nothing mentioned about that. There’s a whole lot of lore right here, particularly with the supernatural components we’re given, which might be simply brushed up towards and I’ve to surprise if Lawrence has discovered that devoted lesson that followers wish to know extra, however as soon as they do, a franchise can lose its mystique. Nonetheless, though I loved the ending I felt there have been many unanswered questions – like who’s filming these items – and we have been lacking about ten minutes or just a bit extra exposition. However in a manner, that simply makes me need a sequel, so maybe that was the intention.
Most of my complaints in regards to the film equal to wanting extra or considering they need to have gone a bit additional, none of meaning this wasn’t extremely pleasurable. A number of of the aforementioned constructive components simply fell into place, making it a enjoyable expertise. This was helped by the interval setting, like an actual small city out of a ‘90s horror story, some great digital camera work, and a strong licensed soundtrack with not less than one acceptable catchy cowl.
It is a horror comedy, so there are some kills right here. One or two are trendy, and a pair are completely hilariously dumb, however the murders aren’t the place this mission excels. What’s dealt with nicely is the gore. Barely savage and grotesque, the make-up and slashing aftermaths look nice, even when a few them are accompanied by ridiculous quantities of blood–so many gallons. There are over-the-top moments and silly deaths, even some charred genitals, however the majority of it labored. These components are a part of why I initially thought the title was a metaphor for a vagina—in all probability not, however there’s a fairly abrupt interval gag early on, so possibly I’m not too far off. These bits are all a part of that punk perspective I discussed earlier, giving the movie a playful and energetic really feel.
Bloody Axe Wound isn’t redefining the style. It’s a cute twist, a bloody tryst, and it’s dedicated to an pleasurable idea that performed inside the established playground whereas managing to let splashes of its type shine. I’ll take extra of those for certain, and I believe others would possibly take pleasure in it too. Even when not, it’s only a wound.
SCORE: 7/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a rating of seven equates to “Good.” A profitable piece of leisure that’s price trying out, however it might not enchantment to everybody.
Disclosure: ComingSoon obtained a screener for our Bloody Axe Wound assessment.
