Frightfest 2017: It Stains the Sand Red Review: Dir. Colin Minihan – The Hollywood News (blog)

It Stains the Sand Red Review

The late George A. Romero is of course known for pretty much inventing the zombie genre. Since his spectacularNight of the Living Dead there have been hundreds, if not thousands, of zombie movies. The vast majority of those films tend to stick to a predictable formula, but every now and then we get something a little different, something that can rival Georges masterpiece, and we think thatIt Stains the Sand Red is a definite contender.

Set within, what we assume to be, the start of a zombie apocalypse, Las Vegas party-girl Molly (Brittany Allen) and her drug-dealing boyfriend Nick (Merwin Mondesir) are on their way to an airfield. The plan is to get out of zombie dodge and flee to Mexico in hopes of a walking dead free existence. However, they encounter car troubles en-route and, after an unexpected attack, Molly suddenly finds herself stranded alone deep in Nevadas desert wasteland. Determined to make it to the airfield on time, Molly sets out on foot to make her rendezvous. But shes not alone. As she continues her journey, she finds herself relentlessly stalked by a lone, and very hungry, zombie (Juan Riedinger).

It Stains the Sand Red is Brittany Allens movie. Allen may always have Riedinger around, giving a great zombie performance, but the bulk of the film is simply her, essentially talking to herself.The whole film relies on her portrayal of Molly in order to succeed, and she doesnt let it down. Molly, when first introduced, could easily be passed off as just another vapid blonde girl in a zombie film. The type that, within minutes, will be zombie chow. That is not the case here though as Molly is of course our final girl. One that, like an onion, has many layers to her. On the surface shes shallow and mouthy, but beneath all that, shes a gutsy gal with a strong survival streak. Shes basically Alabama Worley displaced into a horror film. Haunted by decisions from her past, Mollys journey through the desert also serves as a time for her to reflect on them.

Usually zombie films are just concerned with people killing and trying to survive, but It Stains the Sand Redis not your typical zombie movie. It has a lot of heart and explores some tough topics. During the ninety minute run time the film tackles substance abuse, toxic relationships, sexual assault, child abandonment, dehydration, and the importance of wearing sunscreen. Whilst it might not be the typical norm, it works, adding a new dimension to established conventions.

An inventive update to an over-saturated market,It Stains the Sand Red stands away from the pack and is certain to become a genre classic in years to come.

It Stains the Sand Red review by Kat Hughes, August 2017.

It Stains the Sand Red is currently playing as part of the Horror Channel Frighfest 2017 programme.

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Frightfest 2017: It Stains the Sand Red Review: Dir. Colin Minihan - The Hollywood News (blog)

Reviewed and Recommended by Erik Baquero