Blood River is a 2009 American psychological thriller film directed by Adam Mason and written by Simon Boyes and Adam Mason. The film takes the audience on a mysterious, suspenseful and tense journey where a newly married couple and a mysterious wanderer come face to face in a deserted town. The film revolves around a couple named Clark and Summer, who arrive in a deserted town in search of help after their car breaks down during their trip. There they meet Joseph, a mysterious drifter, whose presence gradually shakes their relationship and mental stability.
The film not only works as a thriller but also touches upon deeper themes such as human sin, guilt, religious beliefs and moral responsibilities. Adam Mason’s direction style, Stuart Brereton’s cinematography and the thrill-packed story keep the audience captivated till the end. Blood River is one of those films that scares you as well as makes you think.
| Title | Blood River |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2009 |
| Genre | Psychological Thriller |
| Directed by | Adam Mason |
| Written by | Adam Mason, Simon Boyes |
| Produced by | Timothy Patrick Cavanaugh, Mary Church, Patrick Ewald, Lee Librado, Adam Mason |
| Cinematography | Stuart Brereton |
| Edited by | Adam Mason |
| Production Company | Epic Pictures Group |
| Language | English |
| Country | United States |
| Runtime | 104 minutes |
| Starring | Andrew Howard, Tess Panzer, Ian Duncan |
| Premiere | April 17, 2009 – Atlanta Film and Video Festival |
| Release Format | Film festivals, Online streaming, DVD |
| Home Release Date | July 19, 2010 |
Blood River Story
The story is about a newlywed couple, Clark and Summer, who are on their way to visit Summer’s parents. On the way, their car tire bursts and they don’t have a spare tire. They head to a nearby deserted town in search of help. There they meet Joseph, a mysterious drifter whose words and behavior immediately impress Clark.
Joseph describes himself as a servant of God and talks about living a life away from society. Gradually he grows close to Summer and belittles Clark for his weaknesses. The next morning Joseph and Clark return to the car, where Clark finds the body of his stepson Ben in the trunk of the car. He is stunned and runs back to Summer.
Meanwhile, Summer finds photos in a room with a cross drawn on Ben’s picture. Joseph suddenly appears, attacks Summer and carves a cross on her forehead. When Clark returns, he captures Joseph and asks him for directions to escape. Joseph reveals himself to be a divine messenger who has come to punish sinners.
Finally, Joseph gives Summer a gun and urges her to find out Clark’s sin. Summer realizes that Clark killed Ben, and she shoots him. In the end, Joseph miraculously recovers and leaves, leaving Samar alone.
Movie Trailer
Conclusion
Blood River is an intense psychological thriller that forces the audience to contemplate on topics such as morality, sin and self-atonement. The atmosphere of the film is mysterious and sinister, which gradually builds up the tension. The character of Joseph emerges as a symbol of mystery and divine justice, while the characters of Clark and Summer represent human weaknesses and unseen sins. The story of the film keeps the audience captivated till the end and gives a shocking twist. This film is suitable for viewers who enjoy deeply thought-provoking and uncomfortable stories.
