Blood Guardian (2009) Reviews

• Compelling murder mystery thriller

  Woodyanders2012-11-28

  Jason Hart (a fine and likable performance by Matt Robinson) witnesses the murder of his father at the hands of his drug addict mother (a memorably histrionic portrayal by Daryl Chryst) at the age of twelve. Jake grows up to be a troubled man who has had several run-ins with the law. Jake struggles to keep his lawn mowing business going while also attempting to surmount his personal demons. Meanwhile, someone starts killing people who are connected to Jake in one way or another. Director/co-writer Charles Peterson relates the absorbing story at a steady pace, grounds the premise in a totally plausible everyday working class reality, delivers a handy helping of graphic gore, and adds a strong element of poignant tragedy to give the plot extra depth and resonance. The solid acting by the competent cast holds the picture together, with especially commendable work from Lanny Rethaber as supportive and sympathetic parole officer Thomas Elway, Sallie Glaner as the no-nonsense Detective Leslie Newman, Melissa Cox as Jason's sweet girlfriend Regan, Jake Strapko as pathetic strung-out junkie Travis Lake, and Kevin Ratay as brazen drug dealer Dusty. The surprisingly downbeat ending packs a potent punch. Both Austin Nordell's sharp cinematography and Igor Dymkov's moody score are up to speed. A real on the money indie sleeper.