Watch Blood Beat

Blood Beat is a supernatural horror movie from the year 1983 that follows the story of a modern-day family in rural Wisconsin who suddenly finds themselves haunted by strange visions and supernatural activities. Director Fabrice A. Zaphiratos combines traditional elements of horror with Japanese mythology to create a film that is both familiar and unique.

The story begins with a family gathering at a remote cabin in the woods of rural Wisconsin for Christmas. Ted (Terry Brown) brings his girlfriend Sarah (Dana Day) to meet his family, including his overbearing mother Cathy (Helen Benton) and his younger sister Dolly (Liz Adams). The family has a tense and awkward relationship, especially between Cathy and Ted's father, who seems perpetually angry and violent.

As the family starts to settle in, strange things begin to happen, and the atmosphere becomes increasingly eerie. Sarah starts having strange visions of a samurai warrior, and Dolly starts exhibiting unusual behavior. Eventually, it becomes clear that there is a malevolent presence in the house, and it is only a matter of time before things escalate.

The film is shot in a moody, atmospheric style that evokes the chill of winter and the isolation of the rural setting. The pacing is slow and deliberate, allowing the tension to build gradually as the supernatural occurrences increase in frequency and intensity. The use of sound is particularly effective, with eerie melodies and discordant sounds adding to the sense of unease.

One of the most interesting aspects of Blood Beat is its use of Japanese mythology as a source of horror. The samurai warrior that Sarah sees in her visions is eventually revealed to be the spirit of a Japanese warrior who was killed on the land years ago. This element adds a unique twist to the usual haunted house story, and the film is strongest when it leans into this supernatural angle.

The performances are generally strong, with Helen Benton standing out as the domineering mother who seems to hold a dark secret. Terry Brown is also effective as the tortured son who is struggling to break free from his family's toxic dynamics. The weakness in the performances comes from the younger actors, particularly Liz Adams as Dolly, who never quite convinces as the troubled and possessed younger sister.

Blood Beat is not a movie for everyone - its slow pacing and moody atmosphere will likely alienate some viewers, and its reliance on Japanese mythology may feel exploitative to others. However, for fans of horror who enjoy a slow burn and don't mind a little experimentation, it is a unique and intriguing film that offers a fresh take on the haunted house genre. Despite its flaws, it is a memorable and unsettling movie that deserves more attention than it has received.

Blood Beat is a 1982 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.7.