Choice and Destiny Slash

Read Time:3 Minute, 39 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Bloody Axe Wound
–

Genre: Comedy, Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 23m
Director(s): Matthew John Lawrence
Writer(s): Matthew John Lawrence
Cast: Sari Arambulo, Molly Brown, Eddie Leavy, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Billy Burke, Sage Spielman
Where To Watch: in select theaters December 27, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: New slashers are a dime a dozen anymore, but when there is passion, purpose, and story behind one, it stands out as a game changer! In BLOODY AXE WOUND, Abbie Bladecut (Sari Arambulo) wrestles with the shadows of her family's dark past. She is at a crossroads between embracing her legacy and forging her path forward. Set in the ominously charming town of Clover Falls, this film combines comedy with spine-chilling horror, turning a typical teen rebellion into a battle for the soul.

Abbie's journey develops under the shadow of her father, Roger, portrayed with a chilling stoic charm by Billy Burke. Roger has turned his past into a booming business by selling videos of real-life horrors. Jeffrey Dean Morgan delivers a formidable performance as Butch Slater, Roger's newest “star,” who casts a long shadow over the family's legacy. Morgan's dual role as actor and producer, alongside his wife, Hilarie Burton Morgan, adds a deeper connection to the production's eerie atmosphere.

Directed by Matthew John Lawrence, BLOODY AXE WOUND is crafted with a keen eye for blending the absurd with the macabre. Lawrence ensures the film stays true to its slasher roots while infusing it with themes of autonomy and choice, challenging the characters to defy the paths predetermined by their bloodline.

Arambulo portrays Abbie with sensitivity and sincerity, exploring the subtle emotional battleground between her duty to her family and her “moral” compass. Her relationship with Molly Brown’s character, Sam, introduces a critical subplot that serves as a turning point, steering Abbie towards self-discovery and potentially away from the darkness that has enveloped her family.

Practical effects are perfect here, adding a depth that too many modern-day slashers miss. The film's homage to the genre is executed with an unabashed embrace of gore, facilitated by expertly crafted effects that anchor the horror in a visceral reality. Yet, the film cleverly balances these intense moments with humor and a touch of heart, ensuring it resonates with a broader audience.

BLOODY AXE WOUND sets itself apart in the horror-comedy landscape by twisting the complexity of legacy, identity, and autonomy themes into its core. It challenges viewers to ponder whether we are bound by fate or can carve out our destinies. The film concludes with a resolution and renewal, satisfying Abbie’s conflicts while hinting at potential expansions of this macabre universe.

RLJE Films and Shudder will release the film in a limited theatrical run on December 27, 2024, followed by a digital release. The Film will engage those seeking innovation in horror. Its blend of terror, laughter, and drama will draw a diverse viewership, presenting a tale that challenges and entertains. For those who appreciate a cinematic experience that honors and subverts traditional genre elements, this film promises a journey that is as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling.

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[photo courtesy of RLJE FILMS, SHUDDER, BULLMOOSE PICTURES, DYNAMATT PRODUCTIONS, OFF LABEL HV]

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