Las Vegas entertainer Molly (Brittany Allen) encounters a stray member of the undead in Nevada’s desert (aka. the Valley of Fire) while a zombie apocalypse breaks out.  The blood-thirsty brute terrorizes Molly by stalking her through the desolate outskirts, which is an incredible challenge since Molly has seen how ravenous and relentless her enemy is.  Knowing safety is 36 miles away is added distress for Molly since maintaining energy and will is a personal struggle for her already.

Colin Minihan’s vivid thriller It Stains the Sands Red is the film horror fans have been waiting for.  The make-up and special effects are appropriately grotesque, the open environment make viewers feel trapped, and the film’s engaging premise allows a full arc for Molly – our leading damsel – to become an edgy heroine.

Interestingly enough, the screenplay (written by Minihan and Stuart Ortiz) works backwards;  climactic scenes are used earlier than expected so the audience can be settled down by the time the credits roll.  It’s an unconventional way to tell an intense story, but it’s also fitting to Molly’s journey – her wild-and-crazy lifestyle is anchored as soon as she realizes what’s truly important to her.  Talk about a film with brrraains.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie