PopHorror Let's Get Scared
If you’re reading this in order from my published Unearthed Films’ American Guinea Pig reviews, you’ll already know that each stand alone film within the series is next level horror. If you need a recap, read my review for Sacrifice here and Guts and Gore here. If not, no worries! All you need to know is that all American Guinea Pig films originated from Hideshi Hino’s controversial underground Japanese Guinea Pig series. With the exception of The Song of Solomon, which was deemed more tame with Guinea Pig-esque moments, these stand alone films are meant to push the unnerving limits of grotesque gore and depravity. This time, we’re taking a look at 2015’s American Guinea Pig: Blooshock.
You can see trailer here.
Stephen Biro and Unearthed Films return for their second addition to the franchise, daring you to look away with top notch practical effects and discomfort. However, this time, the twisted mind of Biro teams up with Marcus Koch (The Song of Solomon), who takes up the director’s seat for this Guinea Pig installment. Sparing nothing, this addition falls right in line with the infamous series, delivering blood, shock and so much more.
Bloodshock ups the ante in unexpectedly fucked up ways… and I emphasize fucked up. Setting out to extract a chemical the body releases under stress, a deranged doctor (Andy Winton: Dead Of Night) begins implementing mild, yet painful, forms of physical torture on an imprisoned patient (Dan Ellis: Gutterballs). After the orderlies begin the patient’s (mal)treatment with physical beatings overseen by a physician who would give Doctor Moreau a run for his money, the sessions become more extreme. Escalating from shallow bloodletting to broken bones to graphic surgery without the use of anesthetic, the unnerving intensity will have you inevitable squirming before the end credits begin to roll. If the twisted doctor’s sick and inhumane dental and surgical practices don’t get to you, a bold and bizarre stomach churning sex scene meant for seasoned gorehounds will at least have you in awe.
Whereas its predecessor, Guts and Gore, has minimal plot, Bloodshock has a surprising level of plot development for a Guinea Pig film, which only adds to this devious work of underground horror. In the beginning of the imprisoned patient’s stay, he develops a relationship with another hostage (Lillian McKinney: Infinity Girls) further along in “treatment.” After sparks between these kindred spirits blossom into a gory bloodbath, a little bit of light is shown on what type of individuals we have been witnessed to all this time.
Having seen all the American Guinea Pig films, I hold Bloodshock in as high regards as my personal favorite, American Guinea Pig: Sacrifice. Despite being largely depicted in black and white, Bloodshock does exactly what it sets out to do: gross you the fuck out while creating a brutal level of discomfort. Amplifying the film’s shock appeal with dramatic effect, this extreme horror eventually transitions into color, cleverly adding to the steadily crafted plot. All of this and more is what earns the film’s place among the controversial series, obliterating the boundaries of exploitation horror.
Available for purchase on Amazon or through Unearthed Films’ website, this film is not for the weak of stomach or the easily disturbed. This is an underground work of horror for hardcore gorehounds and collectors of horror history. Bloodshock, along with the other American Guinea Pig installments, is for those searching to feel shocked, squeamish and exhausted on the same level they felt during their early years of horror exploration. Approach with caution and handle with care. That is, if you dare.
