Bloody Axe Wound Review: Tearing at the Heart of Things

by

As a seasoned gamer and horror aficionado with decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that Bloody Axe Wound is a refreshing take on the slasher genre. It’s a delightful blend of comedy, coming-of-age drama, and good old-fashioned gore that manages to stand out in a sea of sameness.

The horror genre is always looking for ways to innovate, new approaches, or a different perspective when doing classic stories, and fans are quick to reward these creative fancies when they’re done well. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and these types of re-imaginings are often easier when they use familiar – but legally distinct – characters, especially in comedic situations. Then all that’s required is a little clever writing, maybe a few likable protagonists, or just some gnarly inventive kills. Bloody Axe Wound is festering in that sense—no, wait, I meant thriving—in that sweet spot where it almost hits all of these bars in an attempt to make something new and fun with a little bite.  

The story follows Abbie Bladecut–and that last name is more than appropriate, as her family is in the slasher business. Her dad, Roger, has turned killing teenagers into his life’s work and it keeps their video rental store open and puts food on the table. Wanting to appease her weakening father – even if he doesn’t think a girl can carry the franchise – Abbie is determined to become the best serial killer she can, but a rocky path leads her to try some more in-depth research at the local high school, showing the young girl what it’s like for kids on the other side. Now she’s faced with weighing her potential new friends and a budding romance against her responsibilities and family legacy, leading to an eventual confrontation against the patriarch that won’t end well.

The movie titled Bloody Axe Wound is crafted by Matthew John Lawrence, a name I wasn’t previously acquainted with. However, learning about his previous project, Uncle Peckerhead, has piqued my interest enough to remember him. Jeffrey Dean Morgan (of Watchmen and The Boys fame) serves as a producer for this film, and he also makes a brief appearance – a detail highlighted in the impressive trailer. What really drew me in was the striking, retro-inspired poster that had me eager to dive into the entire Bloody Axe Wound series right away.

Lawrence has skillfully created a compelling blend of coming-of-age lesbian romance, horror, and comedy in this film. The authenticity within its universe is what makes it successful, as if it’s a genuine portrayal of life. The humor may not hit the mark perfectly, but it’s still well-executed. This movie carries an edgy vibe, with characters who curse, express themselves frankly, and embody teenage angst and rebellion in a relatable way.

In the series, Sari Arambulo shines as Abbie in A.P. Bio, while Molly Brown impressively portrays her fiery opposite, Sam, who clashes spectacularly with Abbie. Their dynamic is electric and well-matched, especially as their relationship intensifies dramatically. Billy Burke delivers a strong performance as the authoritative father figure, but he also displays moments of vulnerability and gratitude, which adds depth when he finds himself at odds with his daughter. Towards the end, dialogue becomes sparse, yet each character’s determination is palpable, and every actor delivers an outstanding performance, demonstrating great chemistry among the main characters, except for a few supporting roles that might have been streamlined to improve the overall flow.

In a streamlined manner, let’s discuss “Bloody Axe Wound.” The movie progresses swiftly post its defining moment and clocks in at 83 minutes. Despite appreciating the narrative, I felt the conclusion could have benefited from more development, particularly deepening the conflict between Abbie and her father. It seems Lawrence might have prioritized pace over prolonged tension to avoid potential overstaying.

The majority of my criticisms towards the movie revolve around feeling that more could have been added or that certain aspects should have been developed further. However, these points do not diminish the fact that I found the movie extremely entertaining. Many elements of the film aligned perfectly, creating an enjoyable viewing experience. This was enhanced by its period setting, which resembled a genuine small-town atmosphere from a ’90s horror tale, impressive cinematography, and a well-chosen licensed soundtrack featuring at least one fitting catchy cover song.

In this horror-comedy, you’ll find some gruesome kill scenes. A few are stylishly executed with a touch of humor, while others are so absurdly dumb they’re hilarious. However, the real strength of this project lies in its graphic depiction of gore. The makeup and gory aftermaths are well-done, even if they occasionally spill an excessive amount of blood – enough to fill many swimming pools! There are also over-the-top moments, ridiculous deaths, and even burnt body parts, but overall it comes together quite effectively. Initially, I thought the title might be a metaphor for a vagina, although that’s probably unlikely. However, there is a rather abrupt joke about menstruation early on, which might suggest I’m not too far off base. These elements contribute to the punk attitude I mentioned earlier, giving the film a lively and energetic vibe.

Bloody Axe Wound isn’t revolutionizing the genre; instead, it offers an adorable spin on a violent romance. The film stays true to an entertaining theme while playing within the familiar boundaries of its genre, yet manages to showcase unique elements of its style. I’d definitely like to see more of this kind of content, and I believe others would find it enjoyable as well. Even if it doesn’t resonate with everyone, it’s only a small wound in the grand scheme of things.

SCORE: 7/10

According to the explanation provided by ComingSoon’s review policy, a rating of 7 translates to “Good.” This means it’s an enjoyable piece of entertainment that you might want to watch, but its appeal could vary from person to person.

Disclosure: ComingSoon received a screener for our Bloody Axe Wound review.

Read More

2024-12-25 01:40