The horror independent film scene may be the most supportive community of movie goers and filmmakers.  Take Blood Hunters, for instance.  Despite the movie’s routine qualities, I can imagine horror fanatics who scroll through weekly VOD titles every Tuesday will appreciate it for what it is – an honest effort with some admirably gruesome moments.  Blood Hunters isn’t just for this niche audience though.  It’s a harmless escape for those with a strong enough stomach for body horror and are looking for decent jump scares.

The film reunites Tricia Lee and Corey Brown, the director and screenwriter of Canadian indies Clean Break and Silent Retreat, yet Blood Hunters is their most straightforward collaboration.  Some may view this as a setback considering how layered their previous effort Silent Retreat was, but not I.  Personally, I think the duo benefits from surface-level scares.  They have a knack for practical effects and “haunted house” aesthetics, and that’s evident in Blood Hunters.  As soon as they cut deeper (no pun intended), Lee’s directorial style becomes as heavy-handed as Brown’s writing.  The filmmakers almost cross that line when they indulge in debates between scientists and a priest in Blood Hunters, but Tricia Lee would much rather spook you with freaky visuals this time around.

Blood Hunters’ may feel recycled (the “wake up in a strange place” premise is due for a break), but this humble horror does the trick.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie