Film Reviews

Stake Land

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Connor Paolo
• Details: US/98mins 16

Atmospheric and well executed, this horror film has flown strangely under the radar. Pitched as a cross between Zombieland and The Road, the tone is very much of the latter, as a young boy and a tough older man, named only as "Mister", trek across America and dispose of particularly nasty vampires along the way. Shocking in parts, the gore is here in abundance but isn't the only thing Stake Land has going for it.
Gossip Girl youngster Connor Paolo is Martin, a teen who like so many, had his family killed by a vampire during an epidemic that saw the vast population of America infected with a virus that makes them crave blood. After he's saved by broody vampire hunter Mister (Damici), he is then trained in the ways of slaying the bloodsuckers and the two make their way across America to Canada which is now called "New Eden."
Borrowing liberally from other horror flicks is generally a given nowadays and Stake Land does it sans irony. Those familiar with Cormac McCarthy's derelict world of The Road will certainly recognise things, while the vampires are more like the zombies of 28 Days Later. That doesn't make Stake Land any less enjoyable and even though the script is a little too earnest for its own good sometimes, there are some innovative kills and genuinely affecting moments.
The two men meet others on their journey and those relationships develop organically through the film, tugging at the heartstrings when they are inevitably chowed down on. Supporting cast includes a stellar if unrecognisable Kelly McGillis and horror stalwart Danielle Harris who has less to do but is nonetheless effective. Lead Paolo is excellent, showing genuine potential, while co-star Damici (who also writes with helmer Mickle) has to utter some cringey lines but manages to pull it off with relative aplomb.
It's shaky in parts and is far from original, but Stake Land is still worth your time.

Review by Mike Sheridan