From Infertility to Fear: An Examination of the 2021 Horror Film 'Blood Born' - A Review

Unveiling the chilling world of "Blood Born," a 2021 horror flick skillfully woven together by the creative genius of Reed Shusterman, the iconic journey begins with the disheartening plight of a couple, roles played masterfully by Rosie Moss and Antoine Perry, grappling with devastating infertility. A remarkable addition to the horror genre, the film renders a terrifying plunge into the realms of despair and desperation with a spine-chilling twist.

Feel the palpable anguish of the infertile couple – Eric, played by Antoine Perry, and Makayla, portrayed by Rosie Moss – hitting rock bottom, yearning for the joyous laughter of a child echoing through their home. Their reservoir of hope restores when they cross paths with Ola, Melanie Haynes in her most enigmatic role to date, a doula weaving promises of a mystical solution to their heart-rending predicament.

As Ola moves into their residence with a dedicated mission to aid the couple in conceiving, she unveils a plethora of magical rituals, the execution of which is physically and emotionally draining for the desperate couple. The pace of suspense quickens as they discern the horrifying hinted at possibility - their anticipated child might not be of human origin. The fear, uncertainty, and desperate longing for a family muddled their emotions, forming a macabre psychological labyrinth.

Join the couple on their journey, unleashed in the digital sphere on July 16th, 2021. Captured in the picturesque locale of Whittier, California, this 92-minute-long venture into the surreal world of horror was brought to life by Epic Level Entertainment, an eminent production house.

"Blood Born" features an ensemble cast, each character breathing life into the somber narrative. Besides the main characters, the narrative is enriched by the performances of Laurine Price, Cole Gerdes, Leah Verrill, and Stacey Moseley, each adding layers of complexity and dimension to the storyline. Colin Cassidy, the unseen hero, narrates the eerie tale with a chilling precision that adds to the aura of suspense.

The official trailer of "Blood Born" serves as the prologue to this critically acclaimed cinematic masterpiece. Apart from portraying the arduous struggles of the central couple and their yearning to conceive, it sets the mood for the impending horrors lurking in the shadows of this film.

"Blood Born" has succeeded in stirring a mixed bag of reviews. Many brave the analogies made between this movie and the seminal horror classic, "Rosemary's Baby." The similar themes of conception and the advent of a non-human baby have struck chords with the audiences. And yet, while there are parallels, "Blood Born" has built a unique identity around the horrifying and stomach-churning fears associated with pregnancy, attributed to the director’s personal experiences potentially influencing the storytelling.

Even amidst the harrowing darkness, the silver lining of the film is its direction. Despite operating on a shoestring budget, “Blood Born” has elevated itself amongst the sea of low-budgeted horror movies, with its mesmerizing cinematography and skilled direction unscathed. The casting choice has also been lauded for the standout performance by Melanie Haynes, whose spellbinding presence captivated the audience.

However, the early scenes of the film may prove to be its Achilles’ heel as some viewers found them excessively light-hearted and absurd. The dread seems to lurch in the background without manifesting itself until the final act. Despite discomforting some horror enthusiasts, it adds to the suspense and emotional connection with the characters, keeping viewers hooked in anticipation of the ominous twists and turns.

A common trope in horror films – the claustrophobic interiors initiate a sense of doom and unease, translated effectively here through Eric and Makayla's dwelling. Despite this element being lacking in originality, it expeditiously conveys to the viewer a sense of confined space and increasing hopelessness that the couple experiences.

Unfortunately, the lack of a grand budget contributes to the ultimate downfall of the film as the absence of advanced special effects and quality editing makes the product appear underwhelming. The primitive said elements starkly glare at the audiences, leading to an overall lacklustre viewing experience.

Summarizing the reactions of the viewers, the strong plot and intriguing connection with "Rosemary's Baby" stand uncontested. However, the execution lacks the panache required to stir the audiences deeply. A seeming dichotomy subsists where “Blood Born” receives applause for its direction, while simultaneously, the anti-climactic final scenes with underutilised resources for editing and special effects render the viewers indifferent. Neither an essential masterpiece for horror aficionados, nor a complete disaster, it finds a mid-ground with its story-centered approach and casts a veil on the quintessential elements of gore and gruesomeness in its storyline, thus failing to really stand out in the genre.