Review: ‘Blood Quantum’ now available on AMC’s Shudder

The dead are coming back to life outside the isolated Mi’gmaq reserve of Red Crow, except for its Indigenous inhabitants who are immune to the zombie plague. Traylor (Greyeyes), the tribal sheriff, must protect his son’s pregnant girlfriend, apocalyptic refugees, and reserve riffraff from the hordes of walking white corpses. 

Mesmerizing opening cinematography, unsettling imagery, and a stunning bit of animation are all in the first few minutes of Blood Quantum. It’s a hell of a way to begin. All the bloody practical FX, the creative kills, the extraordinary make-up, combined with an awesome plot are just a few reasons why Blood Quantum is an outstanding zombie film. You’re getting 3 distinct acts with the shift in time and a shocking third act you may not see coming. In truth, it is a study of historic irony. While the native American population was decimated by European viruses, in this film they are immune. Even with that advantage, rage from the youngest generation is their ultimate downfall. Writer-director Jeff Barnaby has given us a truly poignant and thoroughly badass film.

The fact that we’re experiencing it now during a world-wide pandemic only makes it more relevant. The exploration of social, economic, and family dynamics are all the more impactful. All of that is a bonus because it’s truly a bloody disgusting zombie flick. Genre fans will live in this film. Extra special mention for the use of Fawn Wood‘s song “Mommy’s Little Guy” at the end. You can watch Blood Quantum now on Shudder.

From writer & director Jeff Barnaby (RHYMES FOR YOUNG GHOULS)

Starring:

Michael Greyeyes (True Detective, Fear the Walking Dead)

Forrest Goodluck (THE REVENANT, THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST)

Kiowa Gordon (The Twilight Saga)

Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (THE BODY REMEMBERS WHEN THE WORLD BROKE OPEN)

Olivia Scriven (Degrassi: Next Class & The Next Generation)

Revered MMA trainer Stonehorse Lone Goeman

Brandon Oakes (RHYMES FOR YOUNG GHOULS)

William Belleau (Frontier, SCALPED)

Devery Jacobs (American Gods, The Order, RHYMES FOR YOUNG GHOULS)

Gary Farmer (DEAD MAN, JIMMY P)

About Liz Whittemore

Liz grew up in northern Connecticut and was memorizing movie dialogue from Shirley Temple to A Nightmare on Elm Street at a very early age. She will watch just about any film all the way through (no matter how bad) just to prove a point. A loyal New Englander, a lover of Hollywood, and true inhabitant of The Big Apple.

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