Reviewed by Robert Thompson
MoreHorror.com
Three Tears on Bloodstained Flesh
Director: Jakob Bilinski
Writer: Jakob Bilinski
Stars: Bill Gobin, Jim Dougherty, Kayla Crance
Creativity makes up for a lot. Particularly, within filmmaking, creativity makes up for a lack of money. My favorite independent, low budget/no budget films, are ones that use creativity to the best of their ability. When cast, and crew take every chance they’re given to make the most out of the little they have to work with. This is where “Three Tears” shines the strongest.
Three Tears on Bloodstained Flesh tells the story of Dominic Merrick, who comes back to his hometown, with his troubled daughter, after his niece is murdered. There is clearly foul play afoot, but the locals act as if nothing is wrong. Now Dominic must work to uncover the truth that plagues this quaint town, and it’s inhabitants. The only real question, by the end of it, though is – how many faces can evil actually wear?
You can tell that Bilinski is a fan of horror. “Three Tears” proves to be an exceptional love letter to the Giallo/Hitchcock films many horror buffs adore. His work as writer, director, and editor here, all serve one another to create a film that harkens back to a bygone era of horror. The movie is the one he wanted to make, and you have to respect that. It was clear from the opening scene that there wasn’t enough money here to go around. This isn’t exactly problematic, but it is something many low budget films have to overcome.
There are a number of ways that “Three Tears” achieves this. Great cinematography, and directing. There are plenty of creative shot choices made here that keep you interested, visually. And there are plenty of sequences that are flat out beautiful. The editing also helps. The script is strong, with all the twists you’d expect from said Hitchcock fan. But the strongest aspect I found, overall, were from the actors.
The core cast all delivered. I loved Bill Gobin’s work as Dominic. He was a complex character that you could simultaneously detest, yet ultimately feel empathy and appreciation for. Building on this was his relationship with his daugther Kendall (played by Kayla Crance). An addict with a bad attitude, and major daddy issues. Kayla plays this layered character perfectly, and I’ve had the pleasure to watch her evolve over multiple projects into an incredibly talented young actress. Jim Daugherty was the most enjoyable bad cop I can recall, since Ermey’s turn in Texas Chainsaw Massacre. And Angela Steele gives deep-rooted, soulful performance. This core cast all played very well off one another, and took the movie to another level.
Supporting cast includes Rosalind Rubin, Scott Ganyo, Rusty James, and Kevin Roach, among others. All of whom did an exceptional job at raising the bar, as well. Bilinski does a great job of making use of Midwestern talent, and they give the film an authenticity and make it real.
If you’re a fan of Giallo/Hitchock style films, or quality low budget fare, giving “Three Tears” a shot. It’s by no means perfect, but my issues with it are miniscule, at best. It’s a low budget film. This comes with certain allowances. That said, it’s still a quality film, with far more redeeming qualities, than issues. Give it a chance. I recommend it.
SOURCE: More Horror – Read entire story here.