‘Bloodspawn’ Review: A Terrifically Retro Monster Movie
There are very few horror films set during the American Civil War, so Bloodspawn managed to drill into an untapped well of potential. The monster movie was co-directed and co-written by Derek S. Campbell and David Rotan, and it has the potential to be remembered as one of the most unique giant monster films of the year.
The film takes place in the late 1800s and opens with a group of soldiers in the Appalachian Mountains transporting a shackled Indigenous man named Yonagadoga, who they’re escorting on his way to be hanged for murdering several members of their regiment. However, things take a turn for the worse when a gigantic, winged monster straight out of Indigenous mythology begins to terrorize the group. The beast forces the men to seek refuge in a store owned by a woman named Clare (Sara Romanello). However, the relentless creature refuses to leave the group alone, forcing them to take more drastic action in order to survive.
The decidedly retro monster featured in Bloodspawn was truly a sight to behold. Created by Luis Orozco Perez, the retro-style monster puppet looked like something straight out of a 1970s creature feature. Resembling a monstrous reptile-like creature, the beast was later identified as the Uktena, and it gleefully disembowels anyone who crosses its path. The creature puppets were filmed against a green screen before rotoscoping techniques were used to visualize their movements, as the filmmakers wisely chose to utilize practical effects over CGI to create the Uktena. The result made it look like something that really was soaring across the screen. Rest assured, although it certainly did not look realistic, the Uktena from Bloodspawn is still a uniquely memorable creature that you won’t forget anytime soon.
On the other hand, heavy CGI is used to create over-the-top gore effects, with an abundance of joyously fake-looking digital bloodshed and dismemberments splattered across the screen at every available opportunity. This is a film where nobody dies a subtle death, as everybody clearly needs to be torn to pieces whenever the time comes for them to meet their demise. The gore was clearly intended to be as silly as possible, with the deaths being as absurdly gruesome as you could imagine.
Although the monster and the gore effects were clearly not intended to be taken seriously, the actors all played their individual roles with absolute seriousness and dedication. The somber tone of the performances often clashes with the absurd creature and gore effects, as it feels like the film almost did not seem like it wanted to be serious or campy in tone. However, aside from the inconsistent tone, the actors all did their best with the material they were given.
R. Keith Harris effortlessly depicted the platoon’s leader, Corporal Sam Tuttle, as a decisive veteran who doesn’t hesitate to take bold measures to protect his men. Although it was baffling to witness Tuttle test a very loud Gatling gun he comes to possess, quickly alerting the Uktena to their location. Thankfully, Clare steps in to help. Clare, portrayed by Romanello, is a woman who refuses to yield despite the odds against her. Roger Willie is also believable as a skeptical Indigenous soldier who gradually comes to believe the supernatural tales told to him by the captive Yonagadoga. And the murderous Yonagadoga is played with palpable somber fury by Raw Leiba.
As the beast continues to attack the group, Willie does a convincing job of depicting a man who initially refuses to believe in the implausible until he is left with no other option. Bill Oberst Jr. also makes a memorable appearance as a racist and brainless plantation owner named Augustus. You’ll no doubt be eagerly counting down the seconds until the character meets his justified demise. While Eboh Ajeroh was impressive as Eli, a slave owned by Augustus, who proves to be more intelligent than his master in every respect imaginable. If you can look past the contrast the seriousness of the performances created when compared to the absurdity of everything else on display, you will no doubt be impressed by the efforts which each of the actors put in.
With a runtime of just 76 minutes, your attention is guaranteed not to waiver before Bloodspawn reaches its impressive conclusion. The filmmakers really make the most of what they have, which is more than can be said for most overpriced blockbusters these days. Plus, the costumes and sets all looked authentic, making Bloodspawn feel like an authentic period piece. There’s also a spectacular animated sequence explaining the origin of the Uktena, which again helps make Bloodspawn a visually spectacular film. The noble score by Budde and the sweeping shots of the Appalachian landscapes also help elevate Bloodspawn into more than just a monster movie.
Anyone fond of old-school monster movies will appreciate Bloodspawn for how it harkens back to a bygone era when monster films were not afraid to be over the top. Fans of splatter films will also be thrilled by the abundant gore effects, so Bloodspawn really is a film that has something for everyone. And while the notable inconsistent tone may be too jarring for some, this is still a giant monster movie that takes the popular subgenre in a bold new direction.
Summary
With its outrageously old school monster effects and its bucket loads of gore, Bloodspawn is certainly a creature feature which fans of retro monster movies will cherish.
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