Blood Quantum (2019)

In the chilling feature "Blood Quantum," Jeff Barnaby presents a provocative exploration of the colonial blood measurement system, a contentious tool used to determine Indigenous identity, often criticized for its role in the control and eradication of Indigenous cultures. The story unfolds within an isolated Mi'gmaq community, who find themselves uniquely resistant to a sweeping zombie plague. As the surrounding cities collapse under the undead onslaught, desperate survivors flock to the Mi'gmaq reserve, forcing the community into a gut-wrenching decision: risk their extinction and that of humanity by opening their gates, or let the world fall to the living dead. Barnaby masterfully intertwines the grim realism of post-colonial Indigenous life he previously portrayed in "Rhymes for Young Ghouls" with the macabre visuals and intense violence of the zombie genre. The undead are dispatched in a gruesome spectacle of samurai swords, chainsaws, shotguns, and makeshift axes, while the living, led by Michael Greyeyes, grapple with the paranoia and pressure instigated by their near-extinct circumstance. The film, however, transcends the typical zombie narrative, using the genre as a canvas to delve into themes of racism, colonialism, and the haunting specter of extinction that has loomed over Indigenous communities for centuries. The narrative is punctuated by striking animated chapter breaks, imbuing the film with a gritty comic-book aesthetic that heightens its horrifying ambiance. "Blood Quantum" stands as a powerful addition to zombie cinema, echoing the poignant conclusion of George Romero's 1968 classic "Night of the Living Dead." It serves as a compelling demonstration of how marginalized voices can breathe fresh, fiery life into a seemingly exhausted genre.

Blood Quantum is a horror movie featuring Michael Greyeyes and directed by Jeff Barnaby.

Blood Quantum is currently streaming on AMC Plus Apple TV Channel , AMC+, AMC+ Amazon Channel, DIRECTV, Shudder and Shudder Amazon Channel.

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