Kicking Blood

Kicking Blood is a compelling and enthralling Canadian horror-drama film released in 2021. This gripping narrative, directed by Blaine Thurier, features a remarkable performances from Alanna Bale, Luke Bilyk, and Benjamin Sutherland. The film is a unique blend of vampire lore, romantic tension, and the quintessential struggle of an individual yearning for personal change and redemption. It is a must-watch for individuals who look for depth and layered meanings in their movie experiences.

The film's central character, Anna, portrayed by the talented Alanna Bale, is a modern-day vampire leading a cheerless and solitary life under the cover of darkness, adding intrigue and mystique to her character. Anna's seemingly infinite vampire life seemed grim and perpetually filled with bloodshed, exhibiting a brilliant blend of horror and realism, typical of contemporary vampire tales. Her monotonous existence is punctuated by her feeding habits, which involves preying on terrible men who mistreat women, turning a classic horror trope on its head.

However, beneath the frightening exterior lies a withering soul, yearning for change and a return to her lost humanity. This longing for transformation makes Anna the quintessential anti-hero; she is a vampire who induces empathy rather than fear. This portrayal offers a stark contrast to the traditional portrayal of vampires, highlighting the film's innovative and fresh approach toward fantastic narratives.

One day, Anna stumbles upon a lonely, washed-up alcoholic, Robbie (played by Luke Bilyk) who's amusingly mourning the death of a raccoon rather than his disappointing life. Robbie's different approach to life fascinates Anna, as his choice to wallow in sorrow and death is something Anna never had. Since she’s an immortal, the idea of unchanging life, sorrow and mortality becomes a novelty, spurring her curiosity in Robbie and his life.

Featuring elements of romance and drama, Anna’s fascination for Robbie gradually blossoms into affection, initiating her journey towards self-discovery and redemption. This budding relationship between a mortal and an immortal creature speaks volumes about the duality of human emotions - yearning for immortality on one hand and desiring an end, on the other. This humane side of Anna is exceptionally portrayed by Alanna Bale, adding depth, relatability, and warmth to an otherwise cold, vampire persona.

In addition to Alanna Bale and Luke Bilyk, Benjamin Sutherland also delivers an exceptional performance as the cold-blooded vampire brother, asserting their way of life and forcing Anna to question her changing perspective throughout the narrative.

The storytelling is intense, inviting viewers into the dark yet deeply insightful world of Anna. The director's approach of eschewing clichés and tropes of vampire stories in favor of a more relatable and sensitive narrative is highly engaging. The film brilliantly uses the backdrop of vampire lore to portray human emotions such as loneliness, the search for purpose, and the need for change, effectively blurring the lines drawn between human and supernatural beings.

Visually, Kicking Blood is a cinematic spectacle. The cinematography captures the hauntingly beautiful and eerie darkness that engulfs Anna's existence and mirrors her inner turmoil. On the other hand, moments of human connection and warmth are highlighted with soft and brighter frames.

Kicking Blood dexterously incorporates horror, drama, and romance into a cohesive, engaging narrative, twisting the archetypical vampire lore into a philosophical journey. Ultimately, it is a film not just about a vampire, but a reflection on the human condition, the nature of change, loneliness, and the strength that comes from acceptance and transformation.

In conclusion, Kicking Blood marks a new age in the portrayal of vampire tales. It ditches the usual vampire clichés and takes a unique approach that showcases these creatures of the night as emotionally deep and vulnerable. Powered by exemplary performances and infused with a fresh blend of genres, Kicking Blood is a provocative and hauntingly beautiful picture that is bound to leave the viewers riveted.