Blood Born

An exercise in atmospheric suspense and terror, the 2021 horror film Blood Born is a macabre tale of occult, sacrifice, and the desperation for a miraculous event. Directed by Reed Shusterman, this chilling narrative features Rosie Moss, Antoine Perry, and Melanie Haynes in key roles and is sure to captivate audiences seeking intrigue, unease, and supernatural narratives.

Rosie Moss plays Leslie, a woman desperate to start a family, while Antoine Perry is seen as Matt, Leslie’s devoted husband who will go to any lengths to fulfill their shared dream of parenthood. Melanie Haynes delivers a chilling performance as Madam Lola, their peculiar yet oddly comforting neighbor who claims to possess powers that could potentially help Leslie and Matt.

Blood Born ropes in its viewers through the everyday struggles of a couple unable to conceive naturally, exposing very real and human fears. It explores the couple's emotional journey, their yearning for a child and the lengths they are willing to go to realize their parenthood dreams. However, the film takes an unexpected turn to the eerie when Leslie and Matt decide to seek the aid of their enigmatic neighbor, Madam Lola. Claiming to be an ancient being gifted with extraordinary powers capable of producing miracles, Madam Lola presents an unconventional solution to their problems - an ancient ritual that is said to bring about new life.

The film does a commendable job in building suspense and maintaining an eerie atmosphere from this point. The couple's desperation for a child, combined with the intrigue of ancient rituals and the supernatural, provides a compelling mix that keeps audiences on the edge of their seat, while also confronting them with questions about the boundaries of human desire and the ethical complexities involved in pursuing its fulfillment.

As the ominous ritual is set in motion, the atmosphere gradually escalates from unsettling to downright terrifying. The anticipation of something dark and uncontrollable gradually takes form. Audiences are subjected to the inherent fear of the unknown, and the tensions induced by the unpredictable nature of the supernatural forces they have chosen to deal with.

The creative narrative of Blood Born is further enhanced by a persistent sense of increasing anxiety. It ingenely combines realistic fears around parenthood and fertility, with the horror and suspense typically associated with occult themes. Throughout the entire viewing experience, the looming repercussions of the couple's decision form a haunting subplot that underpins the main narrative, creating an immersive and chilling ambiance that leaves a lasting impression.

Both Moss and Perry deliver sincere, convincing performances as a couple driven by desperation and hope. Haynes, on the other hand, shines as the mysterious Madam Lola, embodying a cryptic figure who elicits both unease and intrigue. Each interplay among the actors contributes to the constantly mounting tension, enhancing the overall eeriness of the film.

In terms of visuals, Blood Born employs clever cinematography that amplifies the building suspense with the use of dim lighting, unsettling camera angles, and creative transitions. Each element contributes to the overall sense of dread and anticipation, compelling the viewer to be a part of this nerve-wracking journey.

Blood Born is not just a horror film revolving around occult practices, but it's also a psychological drama that explores the depths of human yearning and the resulting consequences of the choices made in desperation. It uses anticipation and suspense to create a gripping plot making it more than just a straightforward horror movie. It is a well-made film that stands out in the genre, made even more remarkable by the outstanding performances and an intricately woven suspenseful narrative. A definite must-see for fans of the supernatural genre and psychological dramas.