Blood stars Michelle Monaghan as a recently divorced woman hoping to retain custody of her children. When her younger child comes down with a sickness, she discovers he’s only cured through blood. She has to make some tough calls that risks both her custody of her children, her own safety, and the lives of others.

I liked these characters and I liked the movie’s whole moribund, dreary, somber mood. Every shot looks grayer and sadder than the last and the whole movie crawls under your skin. The final act is brutal in creepy and sad ways. I really enjoyed most of this film.

Unfortunately, the second act goes a little long and asks us to understand Monaghan’s character too much. I get that we’re not supposed to think she’s doing the right thing, but I also think we’re meant to empathize with her anyway. I couldn’t… I thought the smartest, most productive thing would be to give the kid over to the hospital and let them figure it out (if nothing else: easier supply of blood and fewer small animals to drain).

Just as the movie was settling down an uncomfortable and slightly antsy three stars though, the final act hits and it hits hard. What I was considering a suspense thriller turned full horror and it was great. It does everything it needs to do without resorting to unconvincing creature or effects or excess gore. And it that sounds too PG-13, trust me, it’s not.

So I’m charitably giving the film four stars even if I think the mid portion was more of a three. I think the first and third acts are strong enough to overwhelm its saggy middle. I really enjoyed this one for being able to get under my skin and creep me out. It might be a little slow paced at times, but I think the end result is worth it.

Score: 86