Subspecies V: Blood Rise

The "Rise" portion of the title let's you know what you're in for here. This film serves as the origin story for the primary character of the franchise, Radu Vladislas - once again brilliantly portrayed by franchise regular Anders Hove. Here, the film largely succeeds in humanizing the franchise's monstrous and iconic villain.

I was fortunate enough to catch this on its one day only theatrical release at my local Alamo Drafthouse and enjoyed the post feature making of and interviews with the cast and crew held by Charles Band. In addition to successfully humanizing Radu as a character, I have to also praise the technical aspects of the film as it looks and sounds great- easily sporting the most polished cinematography of the series. I found myself hoping they expound on a couple of the plot points and make a Subspecies VI. Hopefully if another entry is made it doesn't take another 20 years.

I didn't even know they were goin to make another subspecies until I came across it on Tubi and so glad I did. I actually never watched any of the full moon movies when I was younger I remember seeing a few of them on the blockbusters shelves as a kid tryin to convince dad to rent them but that never happened. But in the past few years I watched quite a few here and there and have found they're definitely hit and miss but the subspecies films are the gems of the collection in my opinion. Radu is what a vampire is supposed to look like and has been played excellently over the years by Anders hove. His transformation from man to monster is amazing in this one. It took awhile to realize where it was goin but once it all came together this ended up being one of the best in the series I hope to see more from them, I actually think it would make a good mini series.

The 'Subspecies' franchise started way back in 1991 with the release of the low-budget B-movie 'Subspecies'. This was followed by 'Bloodstone: Subspecies 2' in 1993, 'Bloodlust: Subspecies 3' in 1994, and concluded (or so we thought) with 'Subspecies 4: Bloodstorm' in 1998. Now, 25 years later, the saga continues with 'Subspecies 5: Bloodrise'. All films were written and directed by Ted Nicolaou, and Anders Hove stars in all of them. Denice Duff stars in 'Subspecies 2-5'.

When Radu was born, Crusaders took him away, and he was raised by the Church. When he stumbles upon his Father's castle one day, he finds Helena (Denice Duff) and her son, Stefan. Believing to be victims of his Father, he pities them. Even when discovering Helena has been bitten, he still cares for them, but his compassion soon seals his fate.

I'm a bit confused by the storyline. In this film, Radu (Anders Hove) is turned into a vampire by Helena, when he is an elderly man. In the first film, Radu was born a vampire, and his brother was Stefan. I'm therefore not sure whether this is intended to be a reboot of the series, and not an actual continuation. This film revolves mainly around Radu's fledgelings, Ash and Ariel.

With budgetary constraints evident, the film is no masterpiece, but it certainly is far better than Subspecies 3 and 4, both of which were more comical. 'Subspecies 5' (thankfully) contains no comedic elements. It is more disturbing in its story and imagery than its predecessors, and a full-on horror. It shows no mercy whatsoever. Thing is, this might just be my favourite in the series thus far (Subspecies 2 was also very good). Oh, and do I smell sequel...?

Ted Nicolau is one of the most underrated B-filmmakers out there.

And- aside from TerrorVision- the Subspecies series is his crowning achievement.

Now in it's fifth installation, Blood Rise harkens back to a time since past, to give us the backstory of Radu.

Showing us what he was like before he was a vampire.

A Templar knight- and man of compassion- sworn to protect the Bloodstone.

Up until the moment he gave in to temptation, and was turned into a vampire.

Making this film a prequel to the rest of the series.

Because it was only after he was turned, that he was initiated with the occult knowledge of the dark arts.

And it was only with these powers, that he was able to become the villain we've come to know so well.

He takes on two fledglings of his own.

A couple troubadours, whose music he is allured by.

Only to trade them off for access to the Bloodstone.

As the blood it provides make vampires trip balls.

That's why it's all about the Bloodstone, baby.

The creature effects in this are quite well done.

With Radu taking on a particularly Nosferatu look.

The plot, however, could use a bit of nuance to it, though.

As it's construction is a bit too simplistic.

But it's entertaining enough.

And not a disappointing addition to the series.

As long as you don't expect it to be more than another gothic episode in the dark soap opera that is Subspecies.

5.5 out of 10.

Totally unnecessary prequel. The first half is filled with voice over exposition. So, the main narrative doesn't feel like it starts until 40 minutes in.... to an 80 minute film.

Radu is still a great character, but I can't say the same for anyone else here. Some of the acting here is bad even by Fullmoon standards. I was also disappointed by the "action" and the special effects. By action of course I mean watching old men tap swords together as if they are fighting. The special effects are a far cry from those of previous installments. There are no little demons.

At the end of the day, this one should have stayed dead.