Survival and Sanity in a Macabre Circus

Read Time:3 Minute, 57 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Baby Blood (4KUHD)
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 1990, 2024 Kino Cult 4K
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Alain Robak
Writer(s): Serge Cukier, Alain Robak
Cast: Emmanuelle Escourrou, Jean-François Gallotte, Christian Sinniger, Alain Chabat, Michel Audiard, Roselyne Geslot
Where To Watch: available now, order here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Step right up to the spectacle that is Alain Robak's BABY BLOOD, where the boundaries of body horror are not just crossed—they're obliterated. Within the dimly lit confines of a circus, we encounter Yanka, embodied by Emmanuelle Escourrou, whose mundane existence is cataclysmically altered when she becomes the vessel for an ancient, ravenous entity. This isn't just another tale of survival; it's an inventive reimagining of maternal themes. It is approached with a thread of autonomy and enveloped in a style that defies the usual genre trappings.

Robak eschews traditional horror motifs to weave a narrative that is intellectually stimulating and unsettling, working hand in hand. His eye for combining the grotesque with dark humor creates a film that both horrifies and amuses, refusing to settle into the expected rhythms of its genre. Through the chilling yet compelling interactions between Yanka and the creature within her, the film explores a dynamic of control and rebellion. Escourrou's portrayal is nothing short of transformative, depicting Yanka's evolution from a passive bystander in her own life to an active participant in a bizarre new reality.

The structure of BABY BLOOD is a meticulous blend of visceral horror and clever plot twists reminiscent of the shocking transformations found in the most iconic works of horror cinema. Yet, Robak introduces a unique twist: an injection of absurdity that keeps the audience guessing. The film's episodic nature enhances this effect, with each chapter in Yanka's ordeal upping the ante on both the stakes and the depth of her character's development.

BABY BLOOD does encounter some narrative stumbling blocks. At times, it suffers from a lack of external narrative pressure. The absence of such threats sometimes isolates Yanka’s internal conflict, making her struggle feel somewhat removed from a larger context. While focusing the story on personal battles, this choice might limit the film's tension to those already invested in her journey.

Nonetheless, BABY BLOOD secures its place as a standout film, another incredible Kino Cult entry, by successfully marrying horror elements with profound psychological insight. The film challenges its audience to confront unsettling themes of autonomy and control, packaged in a narrative that captivates as much as it terrifies. It's a film that not only horror enthusiasts will appreciate but also those who value a narrative that can provoke laughter in one breath and screams in the next.

BABY BLOOD delivers a mix of gore, existential dread, and dark humor, crafting more than just a horror movie—it explores the darker recesses of human nature. Restored in stunning detail, this cult classic invites newcomers and longtime fans to delve into its uniquely eerie atmosphere. It is an essential watch for those searching for a film that pushes the envelope while delving into meaningful thematic content. It offers an unforgettable journey into darkness, serving up a cinematic experience that lingers in the psyche long after the unsettling echo of the final scene fades.

Product Extras:
2019 UHD SDR Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative
Audio Commentary by Film Historian Lee Gambin and Film Critic Jarret Gahan
Includes both Original French and English Audio
Theatrical Trailer
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, KINO CULT]

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