Review of Stake Land (2010) by Joanne D — 12 Jun 2011

STAKE LAND is an assured, remarkably atmospheric and filmed apocalyptic vision from writer/director Jim Mickle and writer/actor Nick Damici. While the premise is undoubtedly familiar to horror moviegoers and literature readers, the cinematography and atmosphere in STAKE LAND conjures a nightmarish vision that is very original and engaging. Available only on IFC Midnight OnDemand, STAKE LAND is a great late night weekend watch that will put and keep you on the edge of your seat.

STAKE LAND's story follows the journey of a young man, Martin (played quite silently by Connor Paulo) as he loses his family to a vampire as a vampire apocalypse takes over the United States. As his family is attacked, a man named Mister (played with quiet nuance by Nick Damici) rescues Martin from the attack, and immerses him in the art of killing vampires. On their ride to the hopefully vampire-free safe zone in New Haven, they are joined in unexpected places and accompanied by a motley-sorted crew.

The script of STAKE LAND may seem like ZOMBIELAND in serious mode with vampires, but the original plot twists that Mickle and Dimici conjure and a thoughtful take on how religion can be twisted to unimaginable lengths and horrors intrigues the mind (this theme brings to mind the Visceral Games franchise DEAD SPACE).

Composer Jeff Grace's strong music is reminiscent of a more dramatic version of Nick Cave's score for THE ROAD. While his tracks suit every scene they are inputted into, the repeated use of hard-hitting violins can become tiresome on the ear.

The gore in STAKE LAND is well-done and very realistic. For the most part, the bloody scenes of stake-hammering and vicious vampire attacks are explicit when they need to be and implied (in a much more effective manner regarding mood). And the suspense in STAKE LAND is consistent and intense.

As is the acting, especially from Damici and Paolo. Their camaderie certainly does the story justice and it keeps STAKE LAND's nightmarish vision from overwhelming the previously mentioned film aspects. Conviction is shown, and convinced will be the viewers who see this solid horror film.

STAKE LAND is very remarkable in capturing an original apocalyptic vision through its twisting and thoughtful storyline, strong yet familiar score, realistic gore, consistent and intense suspense, as is the acting. Writer/director Jim Mickle and Nick Damici are creative minds who are worth keeping track of, for their next project is hard to predict (as are the best filmmakers'projects of today are).