Loved it. Post-apocalyptic is easily my favourite subgenre, and Stake Land scratched that itch like few other movies can. The production values are sky high, the world-building is wonderful (I adored the detail put into the small towns, the radio station, the bars, and the Brotherhood), the acting is spot on, the cinematography is beautiful, the characters are well-developed, and the vampire angle is an interesting twist on the classic Wasteland-wandering tale. It even features a crazy ambitious long take that will have you watching in awe and believing that the budget was ten times what it actually was.
There are of course a few problems. The second half of the film, after the party
leaves 'civilization' entirely behind
, is nowhere near as much fun as the first; I would have liked the movie to explore the survival aspect of the world in this section, but instead
they never really want for food or shelter and kind of just coast through
. Related to this criticism is a problem that many post-apocalyptic movies struggle with, namely how to end. In this case what we got was a pretty rushed and unsatisfying conclusion, including a final confrontation that left much to be desired and went against the established world rules that the movie set for itself.
But all this is easily forgiven, because what the film has achieved is absolutely mammoth. It's such a fun and wild adventure, although it's also suitably bleak and surprisingly emotional when it needs to be. I guess I'm just a sucker for these types of movies, but I really don't understand why this hasn't received much more acclaim. Sequel please.
Absolutely fantastic for a small budget film. If you like bleak dystopian post-apocalyptic themes especially with vampires, this is definitely your cup of tea.
One of those little independent treats that you expect very little from but actually rewards your attention. Lovely cinematography, nice acting and an impressive degree of seriousness toward the subject matter without becoming worthy or boring. The tension it builds is impressive, and manages to get by without masses of gore, the usual failing of a inexperienced director trying to make their mark. Although the story eventually runs out of road, so to speak, it's always an interesting journey. Worth a look.
Amazing what they did considering the budget. Like others have said, they didn't reinvent the wheel but they added vampires to a formula and did it well.
I watched it not expecting much, but it was a pleasant surprise. nice cinematography, acting, locations, and as some have said, this one reminds 'The Road' but now with vampires. I did not like the end of the film, was really weak, but at the end "Stake Land" its a good post-apocalyptic road movie, worth watching if you are a fan of this type of movie.
I liked it, best things have been said already. I don't understand why people do not search for valuables when crossing casualties. Why leave all the arrows behind, maybe you can use them again.
Excellent setting of an American dream becoming a nightmare.
Its not without its problems, but overcomes them by sticking to its guns in tone and style throughout. Bleak, dark and at times overwhelmingly hopeless the film's real triumph is in its execution, gorgeous cinematography, use of budget and locations. There are several excellent set pieces that really sell and up the ante. I'd recommend it to anyone who like Post-apocalyptic fare or good old monster-in-the-night Vamps.
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Comments 1 - 13 of 13
CSSCHNEIDER
This film deserves a bigger following.lachyas
Loved it. Post-apocalyptic is easily my favourite subgenre, and Stake Land scratched that itch like few other movies can. The production values are sky high, the world-building is wonderful (I adored the detail put into the small towns, the radio station, the bars, and the Brotherhood), the acting is spot on, the cinematography is beautiful, the characters are well-developed, and the vampire angle is an interesting twist on the classic Wasteland-wandering tale. It even features a crazy ambitious long take that will have you watching in awe and believing that the budget was ten times what it actually was.There are of course a few problems. The second half of the film, after the party
But all this is easily forgiven, because what the film has achieved is absolutely mammoth. It's such a fun and wild adventure, although it's also suitably bleak and surprisingly emotional when it needs to be. I guess I'm just a sucker for these types of movies, but I really don't understand why this hasn't received much more acclaim. Sequel please.
Pristine
Absolutely fantastic for a small budget film. If you like bleak dystopian post-apocalyptic themes especially with vampires, this is definitely your cup of tea.lekast
Skyscore
http://www.afisha.ru/movie/206829/review/387577/dombrewer
One of those little independent treats that you expect very little from but actually rewards your attention. Lovely cinematography, nice acting and an impressive degree of seriousness toward the subject matter without becoming worthy or boring. The tension it builds is impressive, and manages to get by without masses of gore, the usual failing of a inexperienced director trying to make their mark. Although the story eventually runs out of road, so to speak, it's always an interesting journey. Worth a look.KevinFranco
Amazing what they did considering the budget. Like others have said, they didn't reinvent the wheel but they added vampires to a formula and did it well.psalbego
I watched it not expecting much, but it was a pleasant surprise. nice cinematography, acting, locations, and as some have said, this one reminds 'The Road' but now with vampires. I did not like the end of the film, was really weak, but at the end "Stake Land" its a good post-apocalyptic road movie, worth watching if you are a fan of this type of movie.abmannetje
I liked it, best things have been said already. I don't understand why people do not search for valuables when crossing casualties. Why leave all the arrows behind, maybe you can use them again.Excellent setting of an American dream becoming a nightmare.
Zebula77
I liked it. Sorta like The Road with vampires, which worked well for me.Froznic
It was alright, the vamps were unique in the way they looked. The fangs added to it slightly (the collection).CSSCHNEIDER
Its not without its problems, but overcomes them by sticking to its guns in tone and style throughout. Bleak, dark and at times overwhelmingly hopeless the film's real triumph is in its execution, gorgeous cinematography, use of budget and locations. There are several excellent set pieces that really sell and up the ante. I'd recommend it to anyone who like Post-apocalyptic fare or good old monster-in-the-night Vamps.Deafz
It was predictable, it wasn't something I hadn't seen before. But the atmosphere and cinematography made me love it anyway.What can i say, I'm a sucker for post-apocalyptic settings.