Summary
Vampires have long been a staple ofhorror movies, which makes it interesting when they can mix genres and create compelling films. The genre has produced manyiconic movie vampires, though notably,fewer vampire hunters are depicted. The monstrous fantasy allows for manyiconic settings in vampire movies, which allows some to stand out above others.
Given the many vampire films, standing out andsubverting the common vampire horror tropescan be challenging.Unfortunately, many good vampire films go unnoticed in the oversaturated market.One of the best genre-mixing vampire-centered films is also a brutal post-apocalyptic film that went unnoticed at its release.
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These vampire hunters, such as Blade and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, rank among the best in movies and TV shows ranked based on their skill levels.
Stake Land Is About A Vampire Hunter Living In A Post-Apocalyptic Future
The Post-Apocalyptic Movie Stands Out In Terms Of Plot
Directed by Jim Mickle,Stake Landis a post-apocalyptic vampire horror film that bends genre and tells an engaging story.The film revolves around a young man who Mister, a vampire hunter, takes in as they struggle to survive while looking for a new home. The film stars Nick Damici as Mister and Connor Paolo as Martin, as well as Danielle Harris and Kelly McGillis. Overall, the film has positive reviews, with a 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Stake Landis available to stream on Tubi, Peacock, and Pluto TV.
The movie was initially envisioned as 40 eight-minute web series episodes,but creators Mickle and Damici were encouraged to develop it into a feature. Several web series prequels, which are set at the beginning of the apocalypse, were produced after the film’s release, as well as a 2016 sequel,Stake Land II: The Stakelander. Due to its limited release and overall quality, the total domestic gross for the film was only around $33,000. The movie’s budget was $625,000.
What Stake Land Does Differently From Other Vampire Movies
The Movie Focuses More On World Building And Setting
An original version of the script was rejected and rewritten to focus more on the feeling of isolation rather than violence. The film is not interested in only showing bloodshed but tries to develop a story.
Stake Landhas all the markings of a low-budget horror movie, but its setting sets it apart.No longer just a typical vampire wreaking havoc on a town, the genre-mixing allows for more intrigue with government factions and militias.The desolate setting and hauntingly shot landscapes emphasize the movie’s hollow and forlorn setting and tone. An original version of the script was rejected and rewritten to focus more on the feeling of isolation rather than violence. The film is not interested in only showing bloodshed but tries to develop a story.
Despite positive reviews that the film stood out in the genre,Stake Landhas mainly been overlooked since its limited release.The characterization and eerie atmosphere make the film stand out for those who have seen it.Stake Land’s unique setting and premise allow it to extend beyond the typical vampire hunter story and focus more on creating a brutal fantasyhorror movie.
Stake Land
Cast
Stake Land is a post-apocalyptic horror film directed by Jim Mickle. It follows a young boy named Martin, played by Connor Paolo, who teams up with a grizzled vampire hunter, known only as Mister, portrayed by Nick Damici, as they traverse a desolate America overrun by vampires. The film explores their struggle for survival while encountering various threats, both human and supernatural, in their quest for safety in the titular “New Eden.”
