PopHorror Let's Get Scared
John Leguizamo is an actor who I’ve watched growing up, one that has been able to do so many roles and not lose himself. He goes above and beyond, delivering his best performance whether it’s a small role, a cameo, or even leading the movie. In Harold Trompetero’s Dark Blood, we see the dark side of John, and it’s one of his best performances yet.
Synopsis for Dark Blood
A father who is imprisoned after committing a brutal revenge crime. He adapts to a new life of abuse, including injury and humiliation by guards and other prisoners.
Watching this film felt uneasy but in a good way. It takes place primarily in one location, a prison. This location brings a terrifying experience of feeling forgotten by society relieved only when friends and family take time to visit. It feels like a void of forgotten hope, dreams, and desires. Dirt, mold, and rot fills the walls holding back the prisoners, some who show decency while others have turned into a shell of a human.
Dark Blood shows us the horrors of reality. That’s the constant battle that John Leguizamo’s character, Masiel, faces. He accepts his fate after killing to avenge his son and protect his family, but he can’t grasp the weight of judgment from his family. This is a heartbreaking struggle that we see throughout Dark Blood. The scenes of violence are horrible, but they’re nothing compared to when we discover the truth. The fact that there are no flashbacks to happier times or to his former life is telling and greatly appreciated. I just can’t see a movie like this going back and forth when the road we’re on is paved perfectly for storytelling. A lot of movies do this, but in this case, it’s not needed. The emotion created is so strong it creates scenarios in our minds. John Leguizamo is a powerful actor in the film where he loses himself in the character. He has shown he can do any role in any project, but this movie cements him as an amazing actor.
Final Thoughts
There’s more I would love to say about Dark Blood, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Just know that the ending is the cherry on top of an already fantastic film. Dark Blood is now available On Demand.
