Blood Quantum Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A zombie outbreak occurs, but it turns out the Indigenous people are immune, so they become the new landowners, and everyone else becomes zombie chowder or refugees. Also, chainsaws.

🍿 Blood Quantum: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Outbreak Begins

In 1981, on the Mi’gmaq reserve of Red Crow, unusual events signal an impending disaster. Dead fish reanimate, and a family dog returns from the grave, displaying violent tendencies. These incidents foreshadow a full-blown zombie outbreak, setting the stage for the community’s struggle for survival.

Immunity and Division

The Indigenous inhabitants of Red Crow discover they are immune to the zombie plague, a stark contrast to the surrounding non-Indigenous population. This immunity creates a complex dynamic, forcing the community to grapple with questions of responsibility and the moral implications of sheltering outsiders.

Six Months Later: A New World

The film jumps forward six months, depicting a fortified Red Crow reserve transformed into a refuge. Tensions rise between the immune Indigenous population and the non-immune survivors seeking shelter. Internal conflicts and external threats challenge the community’s ability to maintain order and protect its own.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Traylor (Michael Greyeyes): The Mi’kmaq sheriff, grappling with a broken family and a zombie outbreak, must protect his community while confronting his past mistakes.
• Joss (Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers): Traylor’s ex-wife and a pragmatic nurse, she faces difficult decisions as she strives to maintain order and protect her loved ones during the apocalypse.
• Joseph (Forrest Goodluck): Traylor and Joss’s son, he struggles with identity and responsibility as he navigates the challenges of the zombie apocalypse.
• Lysol (Kiowa Gordon): Traylor’s estranged son, burdened by resentment and anger, makes questionable choices that threaten the safety of the community.
• Gisigu (Stonehorse Lone Goeman): Traylor’s wise and traditional father, represents a connection to Mi’kmaq heritage and offers guidance amidst the chaos.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lysol: “I’m not an asshole to impress you, Joseph. I’m just an asshole.” – Lysol’s blunt and unfiltered personality is on display as he expresses his lack of concern for Joseph’s opinion.
• Gisigu: “Just like the fish, just like the dog.” – Said when Gisigu realizes the dead are coming back to life as both animals show signs of reanimation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: CA$5,500,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $30,132

💥 Blood Quantum Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed the unique premise of ‘Blood Quantum.’ Seeing the story told through the lens of an Indigenous community made it stand out from other zombie movies. I felt that the director really conveyed the emotions of the characters, and I was invested in their struggles. The opening scene with the fish was so cool and disturbing. I recommend checking it out if you’re looking for something different in the horror genre.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of zombie horror movies”
  • “Viewers interested in Indigenous stories and perspectives”
  • “Those who enjoy films with social commentary”
  • “Horror fans seeking unique themes within the zombie genre”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Zombie attacks”
  • “Disturbing images”
  • “Mature themes including colonialism and cultural trauma”

Professional Reviews

• The Wrap: “Danielle Deadwyler and Michael Greyeyes make a post-apocalyptic power couple. They bring depth to a zombie flick that uses gore and horror to explore themes of survival, racism, and cultural identity. The film blends sharp social commentary with thrilling zombie action.
• N/A: “Seen at TIFF. An exciting mix of horror and modern Native American life. Blood Quantum delivers an important message amidst all the blood and gore. The performances are very good, and the gore effects are awesome, making for a fun and entertaining film.
• N/A: “A socially aware zombie film that owes a great deal to George Romero’s legacy. Though it could use some fine-tuning, Blood Quantum offers a timely commentary on survival and the decisions that come back to haunt us.

Audience Reactions

The Indigenous perspective on a zombie apocalypse was refreshing and thought-provoking.: Viewers appreciated the unique cultural perspective and the blend of horror with social commentary.

The movie has some impressive gore and kills.: Fans enjoyed the practical effects and the inventive ways the zombies were dispatched.

Overall Consensus: Blood Quantum is a unique zombie film that blends horror with social commentary, offering a fresh perspective through its Indigenous narrative.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot in Listuguj, Quebec, Canada, the same Mi’gmaq reserve where writer/director Jeff Barnaby grew up.”
• “Blood Quantum utilizes animated chapter breaks, giving it a comic-book aesthetic, a stylistic choice to further emphasize the genre elements.”
• “The film directly confronts the concept of “blood quantum,” a controversial measurement used to define Indigenous status, adding a layer of social commentary to the zombie genre.”

🖥️ How to Watch Blood Quantum?

Blood Quantum is available for streaming on Shudder. It’s also available for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable and satellite providers. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can be found at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Blood Quantum, you might like these similar films:

• Night of the Living Dead (1968): A foundational zombie film that redefined the genre and provides social commentary, similar to Blood Quantum’s approach.
• Rhymes for Young Ghouls (2013): Also directed by Jeff Barnaby, this film explores post-colonial Indigenous life and culture, offering a deeper understanding of the director’s thematic concerns.
• The Dead Don’t Die (2019): A more comedic take on the zombie genre with social commentary, offering a modern alternative to traditional zombie narratives.

🛒 Blood Quantum Related Products

• Blood Quantum [Blu-ray]: Own the collector’s edition Blu-ray of Blood Quantum with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. A must-have for horror fans and film enthusiasts.
• Blood Quantum Movie Poster: Decorate your space with the official Blood Quantum movie poster! Perfect for adding a touch of horror and Indigenous art to any room.
• Zombie Makeup Kit: Transform yourself into a zombie inspired by Blood Quantum with this professional-grade makeup kit. Includes everything you need for realistic zombie effects.
• Indigenous Horror Film Collection [Digital]: Explore a collection of Indigenous-led horror films and documentaries, including Blood Quantum. Discover new voices and perspectives in the genre.

🎧 Soundtrack

Blood Quantum features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Mummy’s Little Guy” – performed by Fawn Wood

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Blood Quantum (2019) Carnage Count

Ever wondered *exactly* how many people meet their end in Blood Quantum? This video meticulously counts every single death! It’s a surprisingly interesting way to revisit some of the movie’s most intense moments.

✨ Rate