Italian
A fresh take on found-footage horror: ‘In Our Blood’ review
A promising premise with a familiar downfall
Every so often, a film emerges that breathes new life into the found-footage horror genre, a style that has been extensively explored since the groundbreaking success of “The Blair Witch Project.” Unfortunately, ”In Our Blood” does not claim that accolade for 2024. Despite its superior acting and production quality, Pedro Kos’ first narrative feature ultimately falls short, teasing viewers with expectations that lead to an underwhelming conclusion.
A slow burn with a rushed finale
The film’s overt horror elements are delayed until the final 20 minutes, making it feel more like an extended prologue for a potential series rather than a standalone movie. This approach might remind some of the conceptual realms of “Blade” or “Underworld,” though it remains uncertain whether this premiere will generate enough enthusiasm to warrant a sequel, let alone a series.
A journey of personal and supernatural discovery
Emily (Brittany O’Grady) embarks on a road trip from Los Angeles to the Southwest with her amiable cameraman, Danny (E.J. Bonilla). The trip holds personal significance for Emily, as she plans to reunite with her mother, Samantha (Alanna Ubach), whom she hasn’t seen in a decade. Samantha, a former addict, now works at the Hooper Center, a community organization aiding the homeless and vulnerable populations of the desert county.
The Hooper Center’s dark underbelly
As Emily and Danny interview the center’s residents, they encounter whispered rumors of abductions and violence. Samantha herself mentions a close friend who recently went missing and was later found dead, adding a chilling layer to the narrative. The community’s reluctance to be filmed, despite permission from the center’s chief administrator Ana (Krisha Fairchild), adds to the growing sense of unease.
Unraveling the mystery
The newcomers’ vague suspicions turn to alarm when Samantha disappears, followed by other unsettling events. Severed pig heads and poisoned rats are left at locations where Emily and Danny had previously spoken to locals, indicating that someone wants to scare them off from uncovering the dark truth that controls life and death in the area.
The cult-like atmosphere
The film hints at a cult operating beneath the Hooper Center’s surface altruism. Emily and Danny’s dynamic remains professional, with no hint of potential romance, which is a refreshing change from typical horror tropes. Supporting characters, including Bianca Comparato and Steven Klein as a local couple, and Leo Marks as an unstable center case, make promising first impressions but are seldom allowed to develop further.
A missed opportunity
Despite its intriguing premise, “In Our Blood” ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying narrative. The film’s supernatural denouement features two major twists, one of which is disappointingly familiar, while the other introduces a “Matrix”-like larger conspiracy that arrives too late to have the intended impact.
Lack of suspense and atmosphere
While the film is bloody at times, primarily due to the decapitated hogs, it lacks the ominous atmosphere and suspense necessary for a successful horror movie. Shot mostly in bright southwestern daylight, the film keeps viewers interested but fails to build much tension. It seems the filmmakers might have preferred to make a documentary about the tent city they used as a location, as the horror elements feel like a commercial necessity rather than a fully developed imaginative commitment.
Final thoughts
“In Our Blood” is a film with potential that ultimately falls short. Its intriguing premise and strong performances are overshadowed by a lackluster narrative and a failure to build suspense. While it may not be the fresh take on found-footage horror that fans were hoping for, it still offers an interesting exploration of personal and supernatural themes.
For those interested in exploring the film further, you can watch the trailer here.
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts
If you’re a fan of cinema and TV series, “In Our Blood” might still be worth a watch for its unique setting and character dynamics. However, be prepared for a slow burn with a rushed finale that may leave you wanting more.
For music lovers
While “In Our Blood” may not be a musical experience, its atmospheric soundtrack adds to the film’s overall mood. If you’re interested in exploring more music, check out the latest albums and songs on Spotify.
By experimenting with different narrative styles and formats, this article aims to provide a unique and engaging perspective on “In Our Blood,” offering insights and reflections for cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts alike.
