You do not have to watch too many vampire movies before coming across one that is centered around addiction. Bleeding is one of these, but its approach separates it from similar films. Set in a world where the blood of vampires is harvested to make a highly addictive drug, the plot follows two cousins who break into a house to steal money, but instead find a teenaged girl locked inside a room. The following series of events change a number of lives forever.
Bleeding is a grounded film that is reminiscent of indie films of the 1990s. There are no extravagant set pieces or garish costumes. It is set in a small town and its troubled characters take center stage. While it has moments of horror, this is very much a story about addiction and how it affects everyone.
Since it deals in harsh realities, characters and pacing are the most important part of this movie. This is a moody watch filled with difficult moments, and audiences need to be invested in what they are watching. John R. Howley and Jasper Jones have great chemistry as the two cousins. The two share an antagonistic relationship that comes off naturally. They are scared kids who are trying to deal with what life has flung at them.
Bleeding does not introduce its villain until more than midway through the film. It is an interesting choice since it risks not giving enough time for development. And sure enough, they are little more than a generic evil drug dealer. The performance make sure audiences hate the character, however.
Of course, the real bad guy is not the drug dealers or violent parents. It has already been hammered home how addiction has ruined the lives of almost everyone.. The third act is filled with blood and death and all of it is because of a powerful drug. It may not be a typical vampire movie, but Bleeding is just as terrifying.
Bleeding is now available on Screambox.
