Nightstream Review: 'Bloody Hell' is a Perfect Blend of Action, Comedy and Horror

Alister Grierson’s horror-comedy Bloody Hell hit screens this weekend as part of the Nightstream 2020 line up. The Australian film was written by Robert Benjamin and stars Ben O’Toole, Meg Fraser, and Caroline Craig.

O’Toole plays the seemingly unlucky Rex, who’s life was derailed when he takes an opportunity to stop a bank robbery. Looking to leave his past behind, he decides to make a new life in Helsinki. Things continue to spin out of control when he is kidnapped and discovers his struggles are just beginning.

Rex is on his journey alone, but he often has conversations with himself or rather an imaginary version of himself. The back and forth between the versions of Rex are very relatable. Especially when subconscious Rex berates himself for ending up kidnapped. Like other ‘fish out of water’ horrors, Bloody Hell is a story about what happens when all your decisions lead you to a terrible place. What will you do when it comes down saving yourself or doing the right thing?

Bloody Hell works for a number of reasons, but the pacing of this film is what brings the tension. From the opening scene, viewers are strapped in through this fast paced horror/thriller. The quicker the tempo the more destruction and comedy that comes as the villains, heroes and others fight for their lives. The film kicks off with a bang and manages to keep the same brutal yet comedic tone throughout. Director Alister Grierson succeeds at bringing the style of Ready or Not mixed with a Greg Nicotero-esque approach to gore. If you are a fan of either, you are sure to enjoy Bloody Hell.

The themes within the film will all feel familiar to you, but in the best ways. The gore comes at the same pace as the rest of the film, sometimes so quickly you may miss it. I won’t spoil the fun, but I will say there were a few scenes that actually surprised me. Which is a win for any horror film these days. Overall, Bloody Hell is fun, chaotic and an interesting inner look at the strength of survivors. Instead of rooting for the protagonist to die, you’ll be rooting for him to limp into the sunset by the end. 4.5/5