Blood Punch is a cool, innovative little horror flick that takes inspiration and crafts something wholly unique, but its appeal lies in knowing next to nothing about its plot.
Our story centres on Milton, a former meth cook who finds himself in rehab. When Skylar shows up and plans a breakout, under the guise of utilising his talents, the two join her unhinged boyfriend Russell at a remote cabin to cook up a massive score.
Things naturally go south and Skylar and Milton must find a way out of a their nightmarish cycle of murder.
Blood Punch does this very wonderful little thing, where it goes from somewhat flat to highly intriguing and inventive in the span of 10 minutes. I had no knowledge of the plot before I watched Blood Punch and it was for the best. I want to extend that same vagueness in this review.
There are so many factors working in harmony that comprise Blood Punch’s fantastic run time. Milton and Skylar’s complex relationship played wonderfully by Milo Cawthorne and Olivia Tennet, respectively. Skylar’s tough exterior and venomous barbs trade off of Milton’s exponentially rising confidence.
A tongue in cheek approach to horror and extreme violence is more fun than it has any right to be while make up and great camera work contribute to solidifying its genre, where it could be argued that it’s an amalgam of many.
Madellaine Paxson directs her debut feature with all the affluent spirit of an indi veteran, weaving in and out of plot twists and genre swaps with ease. Her attention to continuity and character is a credit to her skill as a director.
Blood Punch is equal parts True Romance and Groundhog Day thrown into a horror film and it couldn’t be any more beautiful because of it. I’ve never written a review that is as reticent as this one but I took a chance, so that maybe whoever is reading this, approaches Blood Punch the same way I did and comes out pleasantly surprised. The nature of its plot and penchant for repeatedly turning itself on its head almost demand it.
Review Score: FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Blood Punch is available on DVD and video on demand now.
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