A film about a virus has had its release schedule changed because of a virus – with horror streaming service Shudder opting instead for a surprise release a few days ago.
Blood Quantum, from First Nations indigenous filmmaker Jeff Barnaby, is a zombie flick with a twist. Set on the Mi’gMaq reserve in Quebec, the indigenous population are the only ones immune to the reanimating virus.
Here’s the synopsis:
The dead are coming back to life outside the isolated Mi’gmaq reserve of Red Crow, except for its Indigenous inhabitants who are immune to the zombie plague. Traylor (Michael Greyeyes), the tribal sheriff, must protect his son’s pregnant girlfriend, apocalyptic refugees, and reserve riffraff from the hordes of walking white corpses.
Here’s the trailer:
Barnaby was born on the reserve where both Blood Quantum and his debut feature, the cult hit Rhymes For Young Ghouls, take place. Blood Quantum opened TIFF’s Midnight Madness program in 2019 to both audience and critical acclaim.
His films frequently cast from within the Indigenous community and paint a stark and scathing portrait of post-colonial Indigenous life and culture.
Blood Quantum stars Michael Greyeyes, Forrest Goodluck, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Kiowa Gordon and Olivia Scriven. Barnaby wrote, directed, and edited the film, and composed the score. You can read my 3.5/5 review here (not spoilery!) and see images from the film.
Leave a Reply