IT STAINS THE SANDS RED

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JASON

It Stains The Sands Red offers a refreshing take on the zombie genre, delivering a slow burn experience centered on strong character development rather than traditional horror elements. While the film showcases well-executed Romero-style zombies, its true focus lies in exploring the complexities of its protagonist, Molly.
Molly's portrayal brings a welcome feminist sensibility to the film, with her monologues and resourcefulness in dire situations highlighting her resilience and intelligence. The inclusion of a scene involving a bloody tampon as a weapon, though shocking, showcases both the film's strengths and weaknesses. It presents Molly as a clever and empowered character, yet at times, the shock value detracts from her ingenuity.
The film's narrative, unfortunately, suffers from inconsistency. Scenes depicting Molly's ability to outsmart her pursuer, Smalls, leave the audience questioning the plausibility of her actions. Smalls's effectiveness as a zombie fluctuates, resulting in an inconsistent portrayal that at times feels dictated by plot convenience.
However, the film's greatest accomplishment lies in the character of Molly herself. Brittany Allen's compelling performance brings Molly to life, defying expectations set by typical horror movie tropes. Molly's determination and intelligence shine through, turning her into a captivating survivor who refuses to be defeated by the desert or its predatory inhabitants.
While It Stains The Sands Red may have its flaws, Molly's character elevates the film above its shortcomings, making it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a strong female lead in the horror genre. As the embodiment of strength and resilience, Molly injects life into this undead tale, cementing her place as a memorable character within the realm of the dead.

MIKEY

What sets It Stains the Sands Red apart from other zombie films is its unique and evolving dynamic between Molly and her relentless pursuer. Despite his lack of speech, Smalls stands out as a character in the undead genre, reminiscent of memorable figures like Bub from Day of the Dead, Fido from Fido, and Colin from Colin. His portrayal as a characterized member of the walking dead adds depth to the film, surpassing the development of even some of the human characters.
However, as the story progresses and Smalls exits the scene, the film transitions into a more conventional third act. Nevertheless, director Colin Minihan and writer Stuart Ortiz, known for their collaborative work, have managed to create a fresh, intelligent, and humorous tale of survival amidst the undead. It Stains the Sands Red explores themes of feminist empowerment, unconventional relationships with the dead, and themes of redemption through motherhood.
Overall, It Stains the Sands Red presents a unique take on the zombie genre, offering viewers a fresh and engaging story that stands apart from the usual tropes. The evolving relationship between Molly and Smalls, along with the film's clever and humorous elements, make it a standout addition to the genre. Fans of unconventional horror tales will find much to enjoy and appreciate in this film.

GHOSTFACE 

It Stains the Sands Red is an undiscovered gem that offers a fresh approach to the zombie genre while still embracing its classic tropes. The film excels in two key areas that elevate it above the usual fare: the breathtaking Nevada Desert setting and the standout performances by Brittany Allen as Molly and Juan Reidinger as the pursuing zombie.

An impressive aspect of the film is its use of the natural beauty of the Nevada Desert, which is captured flawlessly by a talented cinematographer. No special effects are needed here; just a keen eye and skillful color correction. The striking visuals create a unique atmosphere and add an extra layer of depth to the story.

Brittany Allen's portrayal of Molly is exceptional, and her position as executive producer is evident in her commitment to the role. Molly's character undergoes a remarkable transformation throughout the film, transitioning from a sleazy party girl to a resilient survivor and dedicated mother. Allen captures these changes effortlessly, delivering a nuanced and natural performance that holds the audience's attention.

A significant portion of the movie consists of Brittany Allen's monologues, as Smalls, the pursuing zombie, can only moan. Molly's decision-making skills fluctuate between wise choices (prioritizing water, preserving phone batteries) and foolish ones (missing the presence of a nearby river and failing to ditch Smalls when the opportunity arises). However, despite these inconsistencies, the film remains engaging. The constant pressure created by the threat of Smalls catching up to Molly keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. A curious détente develops between the two characters, adding an intriguing dynamic to the film. Molly's ingenuity, particularly in her ability to manipulate Smalls into assisting her, is a highlight.

It is worth mentioning the outstanding cinematography once again. It Stains the Sands Red stands out as one of the most visually stunning zombie movies, and the fact that it achieves this on a low budget is commendable.

This film left a significant impression on me. Molly may not always be the sharpest tool in the shed, but her character arc is complete, and it is impossible not to root for her. It Strikes the Sands Red manages to incorporate enough scares and zombie carnage to satisfy horror enthusiasts, but it also offers a captivating introspection through Molly's inner monologues. Come for the gore, stay for the breathtaking vistas and compelling storytelling. You will be pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem.

Behind-the-Scenes: It Stains the Sands Red

It Stains the Sands Red, directed by Colin Minihan, is a gripping horror film that took audiences by surprise with its unique concept and strong performances. Here's a glimpse behind the camera at the making of this intense and captivating movie.

The film follows Brittany Allen as Molly, a woman relentlessly pursued by a single zombie in the desert outside of Las Vegas. Allen delivers a standout performance, fully embodying Molly's journey from fear and desperation to resilience and determination. Her portrayal captivated audiences and garnered praise from critics.

Filming took place at the visually stunning Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, providing a picturesque and atmospheric backdrop for the intense story. The rugged and desolate landscape of the park adds an additional layer of tension and realism to the film, enhancing the immersive viewing experience.

It Stains the Sands Red had its world premiere at the prestigious Sitges Film Festival in October 2016, where it received an enthusiastic response from the audience. It also had the honor of being screened at the 2017 LA Film Festival, further cementing its status as a noteworthy film in the horror genre.

The limited theatrical release of the film in July 2017 allowed a wider audience to experience the gripping narrative and unique take on the zombie genre. The film's reception was generally positive, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 67% based on 15 reviews. Critics praised Brittany Allen's performance and noted the film's inventiveness and ability to keep viewers engaged.

Dennis Harvey of Variety commended Allen's performance and acknowledged the film's offbeat theme and memorable title. Rob Staeger of LA Weekly described the film as inventive and even buoyant, surpassing expectations with its wordless exploration of fear and survival.

However, some critics found the film tonally confused and less satisfying. John DeFore of The Hollywood Reporter noted the challenges It Stains the Sands Red presented to genre fans and its limited commercial prospects, despite certain appeals to underserved audiences.

Overall, the behind-the-scenes of It Stains the Sands Red showcases the dedication and talent of the cast and crew who brought this unique horror film to life. From the captivating performances to the visually stunning locations, every element came together to deliver an intense and memorable viewing experience.