Review of: “Stake Land”

Stake Land (2010)
Writers: Nick Damici, Jim Mickle
Directed by: Jim Mickle
Stars: Connor Paolo, Nick Damici, Kelly McGillis, Michael Cerveris, Danielle Harris
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10 Stars
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 62%
Runtime: 1 hour, 36 minutes

Spoilers Ahead,
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Jim Mickle’s film "Stake Land," has a different feel, a different vibe than your typical end-of-the-world zombie-vampire apocalypse-type film. Take “The Walking Dead,” the more popular post-apocalyptic standard and “The Road,” the somber tale of a surviving father and his young son in a post-apocalyptic future and 2010’s “Stake Land” is somewhere in the middle with a post-apocalyptic world where zombie-vampires rule. The performances, particularly by Connor Paolo as Martin and Nick Damici as Mister, are commendable, grounding the human elements of the plot with believable characterizations. “Stake Land” offers a fresh take on the vampire genre, blending elements of horror, drama, and worldbuilding to create a decent movie here. I saw this over the weekend of April 7^th, 2024 and was left uncertain as to why I had not heard of this back when it came out. I really liked this. It grabs you from the beginning. “Stake Land” stands as a hidden gem in horror, offering an intimate and beautifully crafted story of human survival, not just from zombie-vampires, but other groups of surviving humans. Some that use these creatures as weapons for their own dominance. The movie doesn't shy away from violence or difficult themes, presenting a stark portrayal and more realistic take on a collapsed society. Despite its limited theatrical run, “Stake Land” made some noise and earned praise from its audience. It’s original and does not feel forced. It was originally envisioned as a web series before it evolved into a feature film. Mickle's background in horror, demonstrated in previous works like "Mulberry Street," shines through here as well.

The story follows Martin (Connor Paolo) and Mister (Nick Damici) as they navigate through a world ravaged by zombie-vampires, encountering both allies and adversaries along the way. The addition of characters like the pregnant Belle (Danielle Harris) adds depth to the story, characters and struggle of the complexities of human survival in the face of horror by the undead and the living.

The notion of humanity is challenged relentlessly as characters confront the dual threats of zombie-vampires and ruthless human survivors. The film portrays a world where the line between humanity and monstrosity blurs, forcing individuals to deal with their moral compasses in the face of loss and death. Whether it's the visceral terror of encountering the bloodthirsty undead or the sobering realization of betrayal by fellow humans. The characters are constantly reminded of their fragile existence. Yet, amid the chaos and despair, moments of compassion, love, humanity and resilience shine through, underscoring the enduring spirit of being human. Despite the horrors surrounding them, the characters cling to their humanity as a beacon of hope, like Kelly McGillis’s character of Sister Agatha (a Nun) navigating through the darkness with courage and determination. “Stake Land” serves as a poignant reminder of the essence of being human—adapting, surviving, and finding solace in the bonds forged amidst adversity.

What sets “Stake Land” apart is its ability to deliver a compelling story on a small budget of $650,000, utilizing practical effects and smart storytelling to create a fully realized world where you care what happens to the main characters. The film's pace keeps viewers engaged. One would think having this much human-relationship-building in the film that it would be over two hours. This movie moves along pretty quick, but doesn’t feel forced or too long for its 96-minute runtime. The pacing feels very natural, while its atmospheric score by Jeff Grace adds to the overall experience. The special effects and make-up are on point. When it is necessary this movie provides plenty of action, gore and it gets dark with the reality it portrays. It is not shy about its approach to the violence which I was appreciated for. These movies tend to try to scare people rather than just freaking people out with the gravity of reality dealing with circumstances that come with a story like this. While it may not have achieved blockbuster status, “Stake Land” remains a fine gem of indie horror films that do not get enough credit. As Danielle Harris herself attests, it's a film that deserves more recognition and discussion within the genre. So, if you're looking for a hidden gem to add to your horror collection, look no further than “Stake Land.”

“I've seen things you wouldn't believe. Things a boy shouldn't see. I was like any other kid; I didn't believe in the boogeyman. Then the world woke up to a nightmare.” ~ Martin (Connor Paolo).