“Fake Blood” by Rob Grant is one of the best horror movies of 2017 that were released and here it is a mockumentary. But is there more to it? There are some amazing statistics about violence in films and it’s all wrapped up in this movie from the same Rob Grant that also brought you Harpoon and Mon Ami. Rob Grant and Mike Kovac talk about how much they love their audience. Has one of these writer-directors gone too far this time? Starring as themselves things go from bad to worse as they look into the onus on filmmakers for violence in movies. What if, in the process, real life and violence find them first?
Fake Blood, the Documentary, or Mocumentary?
I found a lot of common elements in Fake Blood movie with a found-footage film Capture Kill Release 2017. Mostly in the use of power tools being used as murder weapons and both films capture a POV-like quality.
You don’t have to see Mon Ami (2012) appreciate this as I understood it fine. I’d still like to get my hands on it though because of the strong performances from everyone involved here. Mike Kovak stars in both films and I found his presence very likable.
There is always chatter about what sort of damage violence in movies can cause or incite. I enjoyed the relevance to the modern-day as the two begin to pile on a list of interesting facts and figures. You might not believe film violence has any effect on those who commit the stabby types of slasher I often see in movies. You might think it has a little of a trickle-down effect or you might believe it has none and that individuals are always responsible for their own minds. In any case, this film will force you to view it differently.
Movie Quality Fake Blood
The first half of the Fake Blood movie is easygoing. It’s during interviews with people they dig up and talk with while trying to convey their point that you remember that you aren’t watching a real documentary. But it very well could be. The construction of the narrative and details are great. If I were to compare a real documentary to this fake one, there isn’t a big difference. Investigative journalism is a minefield and efforts to research the ins and outs must have been made to some extent. One thing noticeably missing from the closing credits is the disclaimer;
“All persons are fictitious”
Quote from Rob Grant, writer-director of Fake Blood
Are the Events Depicted in this Mocumentary REAL?
The flaws in Fake Blood are minor and for me, have to do with the use of voice distortion. A crucial part in cementing the mystique of the premise and essential to the feel of the movie is realistic became a bit annoying after a while. John Doe (played by Len Harvey) has quite a large speaking part.
I do enjoy a mockumentary horror film, especially the horror persuasion. This is up there with the best of them and I have more for you to try in a list after the review. A compelling journey into something that pops up in the press from time to time. I mean take a look at the whole mess with Slenderman and many other examples like it. A very tidy and well-crafted film, it will sit with you for a while as you ponder just how many psychopaths might be watching the same horror films you are.
Fake Blood is rated
3.75 movie quality fake blood, or is it? out of 5
Documentary Horror Thriller Fake Blood
- Director-editor: Rob Grant.
- Rob Grant edited and Micheal Peterson wrote the screenplay for Knuckleball, a review I did for that stunning thriller and it can be found here: (Knuckleball 2018.)
- Screenwriters: Rob Grant, Mike Kovac, and Michael Peterson
- Starring: Chelsey Reist, Mike Kovac, Camden Filtness, Rob Grant, Len Harvey, and Jez Bonham.
- Released: First screened at Grimmfest in October 2017.
- The movie is not available in Australia to stream however you can buy the DVD.
