Was really interested in the concept, which was a great and remarkably original one and that it was better received than a lot of films with similar budgets and from the same genre. Will admit that there was some apprehension, having seen a lot of wastes of good ideas. Either by really interesting ones executed amateurishly, or close to it, or original ones executed too ordinarily with predictability and blandness.
'Aaron's Blood' thankfully was not executed amateurishly. Nor was the originality on the most part. 'Aaron's Blood' could have been better, it is a patchy affair, but to me it was definitely watchable and had a good deal to like. There is definitely flesh here and 'Aaron's Blood' is certainly not bloodless, meaning that it didn't feel bland and there was a degree of substance. Would have liked more of both though, which would have happened if the execution was more consistent.
Beginning with the merits, 'Aaron's Blood' is a competent looking film. There is style and atmosphere in how it's shot and lit, without trying to do more than needed, the scenery is also atmospheric and it doesn't look sloppy or slipshod. The music fits well, is haunting and doesn't intrude or make things too obvious.
There is tension, suspense, creepiness and emotion in 'Aaron's Blood', with the relationships far from un-investable or dull. There is a real effort to approach any familiarity from a different angle and trying not to fall too much into predictable genre tropes, that was appreciated having seen so many films recently that failed badly at that. 'Aaron's Blood' starts off very well, the first half was engaging and maintained intrigue. The characters didn't bore or annoy me and the acting on the most part is quite reasonable.
David Castellvi though does have some pretty terrible moments, especially early on. The dialogue does have a tendency to be ropy and in desperate need of more flow. The nightmares initially were eerie and suspenseful but later came over as repetitive and not always necessary padding.
Although 'Aaron's Blood' started off very well and engaged for the first half, some of the second wasn't as tight in pace and as clear or focused in storytelling. The big reveal not only too abruptly introduced but is revealed too early, and on the whole anything to do with it does feel underdeveloped and jumpy and clarity becomes a bit muddled. One of the biggest faults is the ending, which came over as a rushed anti-climax.
In conclusion, watchable though could have been more. 5/10 Bethany Cox
