“Bleeding” Attempts a New Vampire Story

Bleeding (Andrew Bell, 2024) 3 out of 5 stars

Director Andrew Bell’s Bleeding launches us into a world where blood creates vampires as synthetic drug beings, not too differently from how smoking marijuana or snorting cocaine makes you high. The story follows Eric and Sean, one who is addicted, the other who watched his older brother become addicted and overdose and then become a mindless vampire. Both cousins endure the struggles that come with the blood-opioid world, including confrontational family members, other addicts, and a vicious drug dealer bent on exploiting, and possibly harming, the two boys for monetary gain.

Bleeding paints a vivid picture of a provocative universe where vampirism is associated with drug abuse, criminal activity, and the effects of both on teenagers. Jasper Jones and John R. Howley—Sean and Eric, respectively—work well together as two F-bomb dropping cousins navigating their struggles and obstacles, and the context of the story at times provides for some gripping twists and turns. It fascinates to see how Bell extends the lore of vampire storytelling and combines it with analysis of real-world issues (I am instantly reminded of Sinners, and how well Ryan Coogler meshes 1930’s America with vampirism). While the pacing drags at times, Bell’s strongest suit is his ability to explore the idea that being a vampire is synonymous with trafficking drugs and overcoming addiction.

While Bell’s conceptualization skills are strong, there is much left to be desired in Bleeding. The writing and performances by the lead actors come across as generic, with little dynamics to their development as the film progresses. Bell stays confined to the small-town setting of his story, while never truly exploring the fascinating high concept in front of him. Various scenes are dragged down by dialogue, as well.

In the end, Bleeding relies on basic film conventions to push itself forward and neither reaches for cinematic achievement nor full embraces its genuinely unique premise. While certain scenes create a satisfying shock factor, overall Bell plays it safe to the detriment of his narrative. While vampire fans will find a fun new take on the lore, and cinema fans will find something fresh and new in concept, Bleeding nevertheless stands as more of a mediocre execution of cinema and not a fresh look at fans’ favorite blood-sucking mythology.

Adam Vaughn

Adam Vaughn is a graduate of the Film & Moving Image program at Stevenson University, with a focus in Cinematography and Production. He also has a minor in Theater and Media Performance. Adam works as a freelance photographer and videographer, focusing his craft on creating compelling photographic and cinematic imagery. Adam is excited to join the Film Festival Today team and explore the world of cinema and visual arts.