Here for Blood (2022) - Movie Review
What if I told you that there was a wrestling horror-comedy movie in the vein of You’re Next?
It’s gotta be terrible right?
The answer might surprise you…
Let’s Discuss.
Here for Blood is a 2022 horror-comedy brought to us by writer James Roberts and director Daniel Turres. No, you would not recognize either name as this is Roberts’ only screen credit and I have no familiarity with Turres body of work after reviewing his cv. But, like we always say—It doesn’t matter. If they make a good product, I’ll defend em.
Is this a good product?
Unfortunately, it’s a yes and no.
The film focuses on Tom O’Bannon, a musclebound independent pro-wrestler working indie shows for a peanuts. Not achieving his dream hasn’t dulled his dreams of the bigtime. The problem is, Tom is a monster in the ring, but he’s way too nice outside the squared circle. He lacks the guts to speak up for himself; to demand he be treated better at work. The one thing going right for him is his relationship with his girlfriend Phoebe. When Phoebe needs him to cover one of her babysitting gigs so that she can study for her college finals, he doesn’t fight it. Little does he know that he’s walking into the biggest fight of his life. An evil cult, a hungry head, and maybe even the devil himself might come knocking. Will Tom O’Bannon have what it takes to pin the forces of evil for the one, two, three, or will he find himself doing the job for the devil? Find out in tonight’s feature, Here For Blood.
While yes, the film is a quick, fun experience, especially with a ground of friends—it doesn’t live up to what was promised.
The advertising heavily emphasized that this would be a Pro-Wrestling movie ala WWE. Hell, most of the villains are playing by good workers from TNA/Impact—so I expected that we’d get to see Tom utilize his wrestling moves, but the only memorable one I remember is him doing an elbow drop over and over ala MJF and the devil mask.
The fights with the actual, real-life wrestlers were kind of a disappointment.
However, this is a movie that doesn’t take itself seriously. It’s funny, heartfelt, and the cast does a great job with what they’re given. Shawn Roberts, most known for playing Albert Wesker in the last few Resident Evil films, is almost unrecognizable in the role. He got unbelievably jacked for the role, which is commendable—but with the bitch tits, rough complexion, and bubble gut—It’s obvious he had to take the path of the Legends of the 80’s, 90’s, and 2000’s. Which makes me sad, because the majority of indie wrestlers I’ve seen live, don’t even workout. Hell, the majority of AEW’s roster hasn’t seen the inside of a weight room sine signing—Other than the house of black, I see you Buddy.
But I digress.
This is a low-budget film, but they make the most of the money they did have. CGI is sparring and only used for specific emphasis—which makes the cheap effects less impactful to the viewing experience. Overall, the practical effects are solid and even remind me of the great Screaming Mad George.
There isn’t a whole lot of creative camera work, or fancy transitions. This is shot like a mid to late 80’s direct to rental film. It’s shot fast and cheap, which I believe was the filmmaker’s goal. They weren’t aiming for Hereditary, they were shooting down towards Slumber Party Massacre.
So, if you’re looking for a quick fun watch for a movie night with friends, or just need something upbeat and colorful going on in the background of you workshop—you should check this one out.
It’s streaming free on Screambox if you’re a subscriber, or it’s available on all physical and digital platforms.
