Nightstream Review: ‘Boys From County Hell’ a Fresh Take on Vampire Lore

The Irish vampire horror Boys From County Hell had its North American debut at the Nightstream Film Festival over the weekend. The film was written and directed by Chris Baugh, and stars Jack Rowan (Born to Kill), Nigel O’Neill (Bad Day for the Cut), and Louisa Harland (Derry Girls) and was filmed in Northern Ireland.

Boys From County Hell focuses on a group of blue collar construction workers who are tapped to build a roadway through a desolate stretch of Irish wilderness. After their work ends up disturbing an ancient bloodthirsty vampire, they must work together to save their town. Based on the 2012 short film of the same name. Baugh brings us a new and unique view of vampires along with a ton of laughs.

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Jack Rowan plays Eugene who is struggling to find his way as a new adult in the world. Up against his father’s expectations and his own listlessness, Eugene has to figure out if he has what it takes to be his own person. But before that he’ll have to figure out if he can defeat a vampire, who seems to be immune to the long held vampire myths.

What makes the comedy work is the real world context that the characters are in. By that I mean, this film shows what happens if a group of everyday people were suddenly put up against a vampire and left to their own devices. You’ll get to see how the Boys From County Hell try and fail different techniques that have long been held as vampire canon.

The film also doesn’t take itself too seriously which allows for little hints of different pop culture references. Opening with the lush green fields of Ireland, with a pair of tourists walking along a quiet road always ends with an obligatory American Werewolf in London joke, right? However, if you are unfamiliar with Irish comedic wit, I highly recommend subtitles so you don’t miss any of the hilarious quips between these lads.

Moreover Boys From County Hell succeeds with a brilliant tone, a different spin on vampires and successful comedy throughout. So get ready to throw away all the vampire lore you know and strap in for this hilarious and blood soaked coming of age tale. 4/5

★★★★

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Boys From County Hell was streamed as part of The Nightstream Film Festival. The Nightstream Film Festival is a collaborative venture between The Boston Underground Film Festival, The Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, Northbend Film Fest, The Overlook Film Festival and Popcorn Frights Film Festival. Bringing the festivals together virtually allowed many fans to view the new and unique films in the comfort of their own home.

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