Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Blood Flower’

9/12/2023

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still from BLOOD FLOWER Courtesy of Shudder. A Shudder Release.

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.

It is definitely safe to say that coming-of-age stories are synonymous with drama. Since they often feature a teenager or pre-teen that is barreling toward an emotional and mental awakening, one grounded in some very real-life problems. Such as losing a family member in a manner that forces the young one in question… to grow up before our eyes and uncover what matters in this life. Or they go on a powerful and sweeping journey of discovery and self-discovery. Wherein they once again… learn what it means to live on this Earth and be part of the human experience, and going this route from a storytelling perspective, also allows for the story to be relatable in nature.

Which is precisely why this type of movie rarely jumps ship to another genre. Because drama gives it everything it needs to thrive and function, but now and again, the right story does allow for that to happen. But even, that kind of shift is rare, especially when it comes to genres that don’t normally look at such subject matter, so that the purity of this type of story is preserved. But as we enter this new phase in entertainment, where creatives want to challenge norms and experiment with new concepts, there are filmmakers out there, working to see if the coming-of-age story can work in unique genres that we normally wouldn’t associate with them, such as horror. And it just so happens that a brand-new feature on Shudder attempts to fuse terror and the wonder of life together, and that makes Blood Flower, quite the fascinating ride.

One that of course, leaves you, dear reader, wondering as well… if it is successful in its endeavors? To which the answer is… a resounding yes. Thanks in large part to its plot. For this is a story that introduces us to Iqbal, a sixteen-year-old that harbors some unique gifts. For his family’s understanding of the supernatural allows for him, and his family members, to see things that are not apparent to others; the evil spirits that lurk in the darkness. Which is why his family makes a point of helping people keep those dark spirits at bay. But one fine day, when disaster strikes during what should have been a routine cleansing of evil spirits, Iqbal finds himself in a strained place. Where he doesn’t know his purpose, or if his gifts are worthy of having in hand. Prompting him to really think about his future, his standing, and of course… the safety of his family. Since new threats are emerging around him, and that will of course force him to make a decision as to what his path in life is going to be.

Which is… shockingly… the perfect way to introduce a coming-of-age story into horror. Because let’s be honest… those are all elements that come from that type of story, and they are presented here in a smooth and organic manner that works and gives the audience something to relate to when it comes to Iqbal’s plight. After all, we too spent time worrying about who we would become and our purpose when we came of age as well. Not to mention, family loss, and strife helped shape some of that for us, for better or for worse. So, those elements truly draw us in, and give us the emotional connection we need to root for Iqbal and his safety and the safety of his family and watching him handle those elements and grow before our eyes… presents a flawless coming-of-age story that works well within the framework of a genre that traditionally doesn’t present such concepts. Granted, that’s not to say that horror is vapid, since it is hyper-intelligent as a genre. But this is something new, and it is welcome.

However, while it is refreshing to enjoy a horror film that features this kind of concept and this kind of depth, make no mistake about it… this is a scary story through and through and it makes sure to never stray from those particular roots. Courtesy of those evil spirits that Iqbal and his family must fight. For they bring about some fascinating scares, thanks in large part to the fact that this movie more or less pays tribute to every single kind of scare out there. For you’ll find jump scares here, shadow scares, loud noises and special effects that unsettle, alongside plenty of gore and plenty of unsettling concepts involving possession and what the afterlife looks like. Which results in a woefully bleak and powerfully emotional experience, the kind that leaves you breathless when this movie has come to a close.

All of which brings forth, a magnificent and refreshing horror story. One that really does resonate on a fundamental level with the viewer and one that genuinely terrifies with its fascinating visuals and scares, courtesy of the unknown, really. Not to mention, it is well-acted, well-written and really does leave the viewer with a lot to think about when it comes to loss, life, and why we are here in the first place. And that… is what great horror does. It leaves us thinking, and it explores life through and through, and all of these elements definitely make this movie a worthwhile watch, since it really is that rare horror feature that hits all the right notes, spills the right amount of guts and finds a way to keep us up late at night, and hopefully you give this little gem a look, because it really is a breath of fresh air courtesy of the new ground it breaks within the genre.

Watch ‘Blood Flower’

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