PopHorror Let's Get Scared
One of my favorite sub-genres of horror has always been vampires. From The Lost Boys to John Carpenter’s Vampires to From Dusk Til Dawn, it’s a topic that has always captivated me. I mean, Buffy The Vampire Slayer is my childhood hero! So when I heard about the new vampire film Aaron’s Blood, I knew I just had to see and review it! So did Aaron’s Blood slay me? Let’s discuss!
Aaron’s Blood opened in select theaters on June 2, 2017. It was not only written but also directed by the very talented Tommy Stovall (Hate Crime 2005). Fun fact: The film also stars Stovall’s son, Trevor! Aaron’s Blood just had a very successful festival circuit run and it currently holds a very prominent 6.9 out of 10 rating on Imdb.com.
Official synopsis of Aaron’s Blood:
Single father Aaron fights to save his 12-year-old hemophiliac son after he becomes infected with vampire blood.
The Good
The father/son dynamic between Aaron (James Martinez) and Tate (Trevor Stovall) is undeniable. They play so well off of each other it was like they were really father and son. I love the twist of the title of the film, Aaron’s Blood. Initially I thought that it had to do with the vampire concept of the film, when in all actuality it is based off of the blood relation between father and son which, in my opinion, is a really cool. I liked the turn of events on how one becomes a vampire in Aaron’s Blood and I honestly didn’t see it coming.
The ending of the film left me wanting just a little bit more but was overall satisfying. There is one scene in particular that takes place with a really rude nurse/receptionist (Crystal Hoyle) was so authentic, it felt as if I was at the hospital with them, so major kudos to Martinez and Hoyle. David Castellvi as Father Kane was a standout performance and one I will not be forgetting him anytime soon! There was so much fun to be had with Earl (Michael Chieffo) that provided some much needed comic relief to a somewhat sad and depressing film.
The Not So Good
Although I really dig the concept and there are some incredibly intense moments, at times Aaron’s Blood played more out like an edited for TV movie. For a film with the word “blood” in its title, I felt like the gore was lacking just a bit. Not that I need my movies really bloody, but this is a vampire flick and that aspect could have been turned up just a notch.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed how Stovall made a weak kid who was bullied into almost a super hero. There are hints of brilliant filmmaking throughout the movie. It is a unique spin on modern day vampires without going Twilight on us. Aaron’s Blood really does make you stop and think, however… how far would you actually go to save someone you love and at what costs?
