Day of the Dead: Bloodline (2017) – Movie Review
Introduction
“Day of the Dead: Bloodline” is a 2017 horror film directed by Hèctor Hernández Vicens. A loose remake of George A. Romero’s 1985 classic “Day of the Dead,” this film attempts to modernize the zombie genre with a fresh take on the apocalyptic scenario. Starring Sophie Skelton, Johnathon Schaech, and Marcus Vanco, “Day of the Dead: Bloodline” explores themes of survival and fear amidst a zombie outbreak. This review examines the film’s plot, performances, and overall reception, as well as provides information on where to watch it in the United States.
Plot Summary
The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a zombie virus has decimated much of the human population. The story follows a group of survivors holed up in a fortified compound, including medical student Zoe Parker (Sophie Skelton), who is haunted by her past experiences with the undead.
Zoe’s life takes a turn for the worse when Max (Johnathon Schaech), a particularly menacing zombie who was once a human with a violent past, breaks into the compound. As Max hunts down Zoe and the remaining survivors, the group must navigate the perils of the zombie-infested world while grappling with internal conflicts and personal demons.
The film’s narrative focuses on Zoe’s struggle to confront her past and protect her fellow survivors from Max’s relentless pursuit. It combines elements of psychological horror with traditional zombie action, aiming to deliver both scares and character-driven drama.
Performances
Sophie Skelton stars as Zoe Parker, delivering a performance that emphasizes both vulnerability and resilience. Skelton’s portrayal provides an emotional anchor for the film, though some critics felt that her character’s development was limited by the film’s focus on horror elements.
Johnathon Schaech plays Max, the primary antagonist, with a menacing and intense presence. Schaech’s performance adds a level of psychological horror to the film, portraying Max as a formidable and terrifying zombie.
Marcus Vanco and the supporting cast contribute to the film’s ensemble, but their performances are often overshadowed by the central conflict between Zoe and Max. The cast’s interactions and dynamics add depth to the narrative, though the film’s character development is generally limited.
Visual Style and Effects
“Day of the Dead: Bloodline” employs a mix of practical effects and CGI to depict its zombie horror. The film’s special effects are designed to be visceral and graphic, aiming to deliver a modern and intense zombie experience.
The cinematography by Manel Ruiz enhances the film’s dark and foreboding atmosphere, using a muted color palette and dynamic camera work to create tension and suspense. The visual style reflects the film’s apocalyptic setting and contributes to the overall sense of dread.
Reception and Legacy
“Day of the Dead: Bloodline” received generally negative reviews from critics and audiences. While some viewers appreciated the film’s attempt to update the zombie genre, others criticized it for lacking originality and failing to live up to the legacy of Romero’s original film. The film’s reliance on genre tropes and its uneven execution contributed to its mixed reception.
Despite its critical response, “Day of the Dead: Bloodline” may still appeal to fans of zombie horror looking for a modern take on the genre. Its attempts to blend psychological and physical horror offer a unique, if uneven, addition to the zombie film landscape.
Streaming and Purchase Options in the U.S.
For those interested in watching “Day of the Dead: Bloodline,” several streaming and purchase options are available in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rental or purchase.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rental or purchase.
- Google Play Movies: Available for rental or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rental or purchase.
- YouTube Movies: Available for rental or purchase.
Conclusion
“Day of the Dead: Bloodline” offers a contemporary take on the zombie genre with a focus on survival and psychological horror. While the film received mixed reviews and struggled to distinguish itself from other entries in the genre, it provides a modern update to the classic zombie narrative. With performances from Sophie Skelton and Johnathon Schaech, and a visual style that emphasizes modern horror elements, the film may be of interest to fans of zombie and apocalyptic fiction.
