This is another fun indie movie from Mahal Empire. From past experience, their movies range in quality substantially. However, Bloodthirst truly stands out as one of their better ones.
It is set in a post-apocalyptic world a la Mad Max. The exact nature of the disaster that led to this scenario is not explained. However, the great camera work of Michael Su (who also directs this feature) truly helps to build the world and make it and the pockets of survivors believable to the audience. Added to this backdrop are groups of wandering vampires tribes who, like Blade, are able to operate in the daytime and hunt down and feed on some of the survivors.
Given the low budget that this movie was filmed with, one might expect that it would be extremely low quality. However, due to some solid acting talent and great camera work, score and editing, this movie gives a feeling of being much bigger in scope and feels very rich.
Now, don't get me wrong. Some of the practical effects were a little weak and this was not my favorite role for Tara Reid who I felt did not really pull off being the vampire queen. I also felt the final showdown was extremely predictable and would have played better if that battle was more drawn out.
On the other hand, there were some solid acting standouts. Unlike many indie movies, where big name actors are often only utilized in one scene, the star power was well used and had major screen time throughout the movie. Robert LaSardo truly plays up his role as the leader of the vampires. He is cold, scheming and calculating when called for but violent and passionate when angered. Sarah French is also solid in her role as a hardened survivor. However, Costas Mandylor absolutely stole the show with his role as the tough, wise and no nonsense vampire hunter, John Shepard, who we follow across the desolate landscape in his quest to rid the world of vampires.
All in all, if you love the vampire or post apocalyptic genre, there is a lot to love about this movie. Also, a final scene definitely leaves this movie open for a sequel which I have fingers crossed will happen at some point.
