Here for Blood (2022) Review

Shawn Roberts (known for playing Albert Wesker in the Resident Evil films) stars as Tom, our protagonist with a twist flips the stereotypical narrative in horror; as he’s now the babysitter stuck in the house defending himself and everyone around him. As his girlfriend Phoebe (Joelle Farrow) was meant to babysit young Grace (Maya Misaljevic) but she gets held up with exam studies. Tom is a struggling wrestler who finds himself out of his comfort zone but luckily for him a supernatural cult is on their way for Grace murdering anyone who gets in their way.

Here For Blood is everything you want it to be, starting out as a retro feeling slasher pulled right out of the eighties. We get introduced to our villains in a cold open with a tease of the gore we’ve got to come. I must commend the wrestler design of these villains especially Loverboy (played by TNA star Channing Decker) who looked so menacing, unique and also very badass, and one who could definitely be seen becoming the head of a possible franchise. Starting out simple once they start to invade the home Tom turns to almost Home Alone type defense methods, using his environment to cause some damn right nasty injuries. With a beer can in hand, he declares them all ‘Perverts’ he must take them down one by one.

But these villains just don’t stay down. This is where the film take an Evil Dead-style twist, with makeup very reminiscent of the deadites. Added to that is the sort of disgusting dialog we’ve heard in films such as The Exorcist. And soon it’s very evident this movie is a love letter to all things horror, with sly nods to other classic horrors. It’s at this point it’s clear that Here For Blood is shooting to solidify itself as a cult classic.

Shawn Roberts puts out a stellar performance making his character Tom a soft approaching almost childlike character. Instead of writing him to be some hardass hero, he’s so much more charming and likable. He’s compassionate and caring to those around him. With one-liners you’ll find yourself repeating, Shawn Roberts sells this character very well you’ll find yourself constantly rooting for Tom. The screen radiates as it’s easy to tell that all the cast and crew are having a good time with this then transcending onto the audience.

A shout has to go out to the Butcher Company who did all the gore and effects and really hit it out of the park with their over the top blood usage and grizzly kills. This film isn’t meant to be a serious horror play, but more camp and comedy. And it’s way more enjoyable if you don’t set out to be scared, but you’ll most likely find yourself laughing. Although Here For Blood claims to be a low budget horror, this just adds to its quirks, similar to films like Evil Dead 2 before it, we settle down into one location. It also has some great cinematography and its promise on delivering the audience’s insane amount of blood.

Although the plot does turn a little predictable and slows, once the action kicks in you’ll find yourself glued to the screen. Also I relished the hidden Dee Snyder cameo. I won’t spoil it but you’ll have to check it out for yourself to find him.

With a sequel tease at the end, I really hope they continue to make this a franchise, following our protagonist Tom and the cult. This could be a new yearly Halloween watch for any gorehound. I know it’s going onto my list.

Movie Rating:

Here for Blood trailer