Blood Relations (film)
Blood Relations is a 1988 Canadian horror film directed by Graeme Campbell and starring Jan Rubeš, Kevin Hicks, and Lydie Denier.[2] Its plot follows the members of a dysfunctional family who congregate at an isolated mansion, where they expose each other's darkest secrets with lethal results.
| Blood Relations | |
|---|---|
 Video release poster | |
| Directed by | Graeme Campbell |
| Written by | Steven Saylor |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Rhett Morita |
| Edited by | Michael McMahon |
| Music by | Mychael Danna |
Production company | SC Entertainment |
| Distributed by | Creswin Distribution |
Release date |
|
Running time | 90 minutes[1] |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
Cast
- Jan Rubeš as Andreas / Thomas' father
- Kevin Hicks as Thomas / Son
- Lydie Denier as Marie / Thomas' fiancee
- Lynne Adams as Sharon / Jack's girlfriend
- Steven Saylor as Jack / played
- Sam Malkin as Yuri
- Carrie Leigh as Thomas' Girlfriend
- Ray Walston as Charles / Thomas' grandfather
Production
Jan Rubeš was cast in the role of Andreas, the mad surgeon patriarch of the family, based on his performance in 1987's Dead of Winter. [3] Robert Stack had also been considered for the role of Andreas.[3] Filming took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada[4] over a 30-day period in the winter of 1988.[5]
Release
The film screened twice at the 1989 Montreal World Film Festival.[3] It subsequently opened theatrically in Canada on December 9, 1988.[5]
Critical response
TV Guide awarded the film two out of five stars, noting: "A baroque exercise in Grand Guignol horror, Blood Relations dresses up its thin, predictable plot with layers of menacing atmosphere."[6]
References
- Young 2000, p. 63.
- "Blood Relations". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on January 19, 2020.
- Schabas 2007, p. 228.
- "The Movie Chart". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. February 14, 1988. p. 31 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Blood Relations a film with brains". The Gazette. Montreal, Quebec. December 9, 1988. p. 33 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Blood Relations". TV Guide. Archived from the original on April 1, 2020.
Sources
- Schabas, Ezra (2007). Jan Rubes: A Man of Many Talents. Toronto, Ontario: Dundurn Press. ISBN 978-1-459-71482-3.
- Young, R. G. (2000). The Encyclopedia of Fantastic Film: Ali Baba to Zombies. New York: Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN 1-55783-269-2.