Stake Land – 2010 – Post-Apocalyptic, Horror, Sci-Fi
Directed by: Jim Mickle
Written by: Nick Damici; Jim Mickle
Main Players: Nick Damici; Connor Paolo; Kelly McGillis; Danielle Harris
The post-apocalyptic wasteland is a common genre these days, however Stake Land adds another layer of danger, namely: vampires. This low budget affair feels all too realistic and is a tale rife with peril. Despite likely not being familiar with the actors, there is no reason to hesitate if you are game for a dark and twisted vampire tale.
The overall plot is basic, and involves Martin (Paolo) and “Mister” (Damici) on their journey across the tattered country. Mister is a seasoned survivor and hunter, and he takes in the boy and gives a chance at staying alive, and “un-vampired.” The dialogue is light, and the road they travel is sparse. The surrounding world and the destruction it has felt from the plague of blood drinkers feels natural somehow, and pragmatic.
Not featuring many “big-time” actors allows Stake Land to maintain its overall ambience and authentic vibe. The character interactions are practical, and dialogue is infrequent at times, but these factors all add-up to a strong tale of survival with a hint of coming-of-age.
There is violence however, and the vampires are presented as truly awful creatures. This is not a romanticizing of either the apocalyptic setting nor the evil beings held within. The viewer needs to be prepared for some harrowing results mixed in with the moments of discovery and even love.
Cinematography and the direction provided are great, and the acting is more than adequate to bring the story to its conclusion. While there was a sequel, I myself didn’t find it offered as much as this original movie, which itself is well worth the time.
See This If You Liked:
I Am Legend; 28 Days Later; Night of the Living Dead (1968); Dawn of the Dead (1978; 2004); The Girl with All the Gifts; Afflicted; It Comes at Night; The Crazies (1973; 2010)
Score:
7.5