Blood Child

Blood Child is a Canadian horror movie released in the year 2017, written and directed by Jennifer Phillips. The film features an impressive cast led by Alyx Melone, Cynthia Lee MacQuarrie, and Biden Hall. This film masterfully blends ghost stories, haunted house tropes and tales of tragic loss into an emotional roller coaster ride that is meant to chill the bones and tug at the heartstrings.

The plot starts with Ashley, played by Alicia Melone, a woman who is struggling with the grief of losing her unborn child. After the painful tragedy, Ashley and her husband Bill, portrayed by Biden Hall, move to Singapore, hoping for a fresh start. There they embrace local traditions and cultural experiences as a way to cope with their grief and heartbreak. Intrigued by a local folklore about ghost children, Ashley decides to summon her unborn child's ghost. Misguidedly, she believes this could help her to find closure, mend her broken heart and reconnect with her lost child.

Ashley enlists the help of her housemaid, Siti, performed by Cynthia Lee MacQuarrie, who reluctantly agrees to assist with the ceremony. She is well-versed in the local customs and mythologies and reluctantly, provides Ashley with the guidance she needs for the unconventional ritual.

Unsurprisingly, things don't go as planned and what started as an emotional healing process quickly morphs into a terrifying ordeal as the couple suddenly finds themselves dealing with supernatural events in their own home. The director, Jennifer Phillips, skillfully uses the mysterious and eerie myth cycle of ghost children, which is deeply rooted in the Southeast Asian culture, to build an uncanny atmosphere and setup the supernatural occurrences that soon spiral out of control.

As the story unfolds, viewers are treated to a tense, chilling, and emotional narrative that examines the depth of motherly love while highlighting the potential disastrous consequences of meddling with forces beyond human comprehension. The performances of the lead actors Alyx Melone, Cynthia Lee MacQuarrie, and Biden Hall are exceptional, delivering realistic interpretations of their characters that are both captivating and empathetic.

Melone’s portrayal of Ashley beautifully captures the raw emotions of a grieving mother desperate to reunite with her unborn child at any cost. Her emotive performance does well to anchor the plot, which at times can be quite heavy. MacQuarrie, on the other hand, expertly imbues her character with a mixture of cautionary wisdom and cultural insight, serving as Ashley's guide into the world of spirits. Hall’s interpretation of Bill is equally commendable, playing the supportive husband who is just as lost in his grief.

Jennifer Phillips’ effective use of the horror genre to explore themes of love, loss, and guilt adds an unexpected depth to the movie. She demonstrates an adept hand at weaving supernatural elements and horror into a psychologically thrilling narrative. The film offers not just scary moments but emotional depth, too.

There is a certain haunting beauty found in the cinematography of "Blood Child," with its somber atmosphere reflecting both the physical and emotional spaces the characters inhabit. The setting plays into the story quite effectively as the vibrant city of Singapore adds a layer of exotic mysticism while also serving as a stark contrast to the foreboding things taking place in the couple's home.

However, "Blood Child" is not for the faint-hearted. It's a deep dive into the horror genre with heavy emotional tones, bound to leave audiences thoroughly disturbed yet profoundly moved. It skillfully uses the medium of ghosts and horror to portray the deeper, more profound themes of love, loss, and desire for resolution – the universal themes that everyone, at some point, can relate to.

In conclusion, "Blood Child" is a poignant mix of supernatural horror alongside a heart-rending examination of grief. For those drawn to horror movies with substantial narratives, "Blood Child" offers a unique perspective that both captivates and terrifies, firmly establishing Jennifer Phillips as a refreshing voice in the world of horror. With strong performances and a narrative that intertwines love, loss, and horror, "Blood Child" is sure to leave an indelible mark on its audience.