“Addiction takes a deadly turn in Andrew Bell’s blood-soaked vampire thriller Bleeding.”
In today’s society, youth culture is driven by addiction, whether to their phones or other screens, fostering obsessive habits that carry into adulthood as gambling, Ponzi schemes, and other vices. One issue that parents often overlook is the ongoing, and even growing, drug addiction epidemic. Pharmaceuticals, both over-the-counter and prescription, have seamlessly woven themselves into the drug-fueled counterculture. Today’s youth are more familiar with the effects of substances like codeine before even understanding their intended medical purpose. Adderall, Wegovy, and Ozempic are no different; we’re living in a society more dependent on pills and shots than natural resources like food and water. Andrew Bell’s Bleeding directly reflects this addiction-driven lifestyle. It follows two young men battling addiction in a world where the ultimate high comes from vampire blood. Bleeding is a unique and traumatizing watch that will leave you speechless.
The film centers around Eric (John R. Howley), a troublesome figure from the outset, and quickly sets a dark tone for addiction, though it doesn’t immediately feel like a horror film. However, when Sean (Jasper Jones), who lives in an abusive home, enters the scene, the true essence of Bleeding begins to unfold. The story follows two friends, with Eric being more of an outsider. Set against familiar backdrops of lower-income or abusive homes, these environments often lead teens to drugs for escape. Although Bleeding is set in modern times, the aesthetic and interactions evoke a 90s to early 2000s feel. A single glance at a flip phone firmly roots us in that era.
The film introduces “Dust”—the highly sought-after vampire blood. In this world, vampires are a known presence, and while the concept of craving vampire blood isn’t new (The Addiction [1995], The Shed [2019], Bliss [2019]), Bleeding stands out by focusing on the consequences of both addiction and becoming a vampire. Instead of glorifying vampiric deeds, Bell’s story highlights the harsh realities of a user’s transformation and the fallout for those around them. The detailed portrayal of addiction suggests that Bell may have personal experience with it, as the depiction is both raw and unsettlingly authentic.
The only drawback is the film’s conclusion, which drags slightly as if it wanted to further explore the characters’ performances. Fortunately, both leads deliver strong portrayals, so the additional exposition isn’t necessary.
Overall, Bleeding is a refreshing take on vampires and the growing drug addictions plaguing our youth. It reminds us, even in the face of supernatural threats, humans will find a way to become addicted. Bleeding is a stark reminder of our inherent self-destructive tendencies, and that’s why indie horror keeps us hooked.
3.5/5
Bleeding
Director: Andrew Bell
Producer: Nicholas Payne Santos
Cast: John R Howley, Jasper Jones, Tori Wong
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