This week in the crypt we review another 2020 Shudder Exclusive, Blood Vessel.

by Adam Holtzapfel

Clocking in at 93 minutes, Blood Vessel was a rough ship to sail.

Taking place in 1945 near the end of World War 2 the film starts with a life raft holding six survivors of various nationalities. The group are from a hospital ship targeted by the Germans with one mission, no survivors.

As the film gets going the raft encounters a vessel that they sneak on, because rations are low and survival is key.

Prior to boarding the ship tensions were high, they continue to grow for the first 45 minutes of the film, yes half the film is exploring the characters and their relationships even with the introduction of Mya (Ruby Isobel Hall).

What worked for me was the setting, some good gore and effects, and some twists.

What didn’t work was the pacing, the film seemed extremely long with very little action until the second half. This is a film that the synopsis screamed 30 Days Of Night on a boat, but was very far from it. Most of the film I found myself not caring if the main cast lived or died.

Using a letter grading system this gets a D. I’m not sure if this has a rewatchability quality and some fans may not like that there are some subtitled parts. The cast seemed to work well together, this just fell short for me. I will say check it out and judge for yourself as this film will definitely have an audience and I would like to see more in the future from Dix and company.

And remember kids, if you feel a chill…that’s not the cold. You’re in the crypt!