Of all the movies John Leguizamo has made, I think it's safe to say this is decidedly darker than many others, at least among those I've seen; it doesn't get much more grim and gritty than a prison drama. Of course there's expected violence and blood on top of the general ugliness of the institutional setting, but these are still nothing compared to the filth and dreariness of the sets, or the costume design, hair, and makeup; the overarching tone is not just dour, but resigned, haunted, and hopeless. 'Dark blood' isn't actively depressing, per se, but what it is instead is a vacuum of bleakness that sucks away all good feelings, and obliterates them. "Enjoyable" isn't possibly a word that could be used in association with this film, and even merely "engaging" seems too positive a descriptor. In the very least, though, for better or worse it keeps one watching, and it provides some level of satisfaction as a viewing experience.
It's well made, such as it is. The cast perform admirably amidst the absolute gloom, embracing the swarthy seediness. I include not just Leguizamo but co-stars like Hernán Méndez and Álvaro Rodríguez - to the point that if nothing else I'd like to see them all in other titles. Those behind the scenes turned in fine work all around, even if I don't agree with every choice; this is to say, chiefly, that while the editing is sharp in and of itself, the use of jump cuts here is possibly more excitable than even Jean-Luc Godard at his most self-indulgent. Filmmaker Harold Trompetero demonstrates capability as a director in orchestrating shots and scenes, and there are splendid ideas in the screenplay. The problem is that all this perceived value, the discrete story being told, and the dim pinpricks of relative light that the plot allows, are consumed and destroyed in that same vacuum that rubs out any good feelings we brought with us into the picture. 'Dark blood' is, more than anything else, sheer brutality, whether in the imagery to greet us, the tale being told, or in those sparing emotions that remain for us to feel. The goriest of horror flicks at least inspire revulsion and distaste; this robs us of or deadens every sentiment but hollowed-out misery.
It's not bad, and I do appreciate the contributions of those who participated in its creation. But the feature is built in such a way that it's hard to see what it has to offer beyond the extreme malaise and unfettered inhumanity. That's really the crux of the matter, and I'm not sure how much more there truly is to say. It's decent enough for a quiet day if you can abide such horribleness, and most suggested for those who are diehard fans of those involved, but it seems quite impossible to give any heartier of a recommendation than that. I'm not saying "don't watch 'Dark blood,'" but I am saying one should be aware that there's no walking away from this feeling good about the experience, and even more to the point, that same desolation is the defining quality of these eighty-three minutes. Genuinely - viewer discretion is advised.
