Review of Stake Land (2010) by Skyler I — 10 Aug 2011

At first glance, Stake Land can be seen as a low budget knockoff of Zombieland, just with the comedy replaced with drama. An experienced monster slayer takes on a young apprentice who had lost his family, they encounter a beautiful young woman who the apprentice falls for, etc.

Even the title has the world 'Land' in it. But for those able to look beyond these obvious similarities, you will find a well-written, very well-acted and dramatic story. The pace can seem a bit slow at times and overall the film can be more than a little depressing.

The post-apocalyptic world this film crafts is depressing and bleak, much like the real world. Most people are either insane or complete assholes, just like the real world. Jeff Grace's musical score is well composed and suits the tone of the film perfectly, lending credence to the story and depressing world.

Jim Mickles' direction is competent as he guides his actors the films story and world. I was also impressed with the movies focus on characters as oppossed to action. This makes the film seem a lot more mature than it would've been under any other writer or director.