‘In Our Blood’: A Chilling Horror Debut That Delivers the Unexpected. Pedro Kos’s debut narrative feature, In Our Blood, is a horror film that intentionally withholds as much as it reveals, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. Starring Brittany O’Grady, known for her upcoming role in It’s What’s Inside, and E.J. Bonilla from The Exorcist: Believer, this film subverts expectations in ways that are both surprising and satisfying.
The screenplay, written by Mallory Westfall (notable for her work on the Chucky series), employs the visual style of documentary filmmaking but then skillfully deconstructs it. The story revolves around a mystery that builds until the tension becomes nearly unbearable, leading to a twist that will have audiences on the edge of their seats. While this review won’t spoil the details, it’s safe to say that In Our Blood offers a fresh and innovative take on the found footage genre. Be ready for a cinematic experience that’s both a feast and a challenge.
A Fresh Take on the Found Footage Genre
The film begins with Emily (O’Grady), who is seen speaking directly to the camera in what appears to be both a confession and a denial. Before we can fully understand the context, the narrative rewinds, showing brief flashes of something gone wrong, before bringing us to Day 01, as indicated by on-screen text. We then join Emily and Danny (Bonilla) on their journey to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Their lighthearted banter hints at deeper, more painful truths that slowly emerge.
We learn that Emily and Danny are filming a documentary about Emily’s mother, Sam (Alanna Ubach), who claims to have overcome the drug addiction that tore their family apart. Sam’s letter explaining her recovery prompts their visit, but upon arrival, it becomes clear that something is being withheld. After an emotional reunion and a tense interview, Emily storms out, questioning the purpose of the documentary. When Sam mysteriously disappears, the focus shifts from reconnecting to a frantic search, exposing the harsh realities of their world and the complexities of documentary filmmaking.
The Ethical Dilemmas of Filming Pain
In Our Blood delves into the ethics of capturing pain on camera, challenging the notion that documenting suffering is a neutral act. Although recent found footage films like The Outwaters and Late Night with the Devil have explored the genre’s boundaries, In Our Blood feels more akin to Alex Garland’s Civil War in its inward skepticism. Kos and Westfall explore the potentially exploitative nature of documentary filmmaking, pushing viewers to question why certain painful moments are being filmed and whether the act itself causes more harm than good.
The film doesn’t shy away from showing the discomfort of its characters, and the audience is left to grapple with the implications of their actions. Unlike other found footage films that might prompt viewers to wonder why the camera hasn’t been turned off, In Our Blood leans into the discomfort, making the commodification of suffering a central theme.
In Our Blood : A Brutal and Thought-Provoking Finale
The film’s climax is a bold, bloody sequence that ties together all the thematic threads. The tension builds as the duo frantically navigates winding roads, leading to a final reveal that rivals the shocking twist in Barbarian. The uninterrupted sequence that unfolds without cuts intensifies the impact, as Emily’s confession brings everything full circle.
Brittany O’Grady’s understated yet powerful performance anchors the film, particularly as it races toward its grim and shocking conclusion. By the end, viewers are left to contemplate the cost of the truths uncovered and the role they play as consumers of this harrowing story. As the film closes, Kos leaves us with one final, unsettling question: In a world where suffering is commodified, who will be the next meal on the table?
