Well. Here's a film guaranteed to infuriate those who don't like open-ended stories, because this provides no real answers, even at the end. Beware the following spoilers, which really will soften the impact of 'Blood River…' Happy newlyweds Clark (Ian Duncan) and Summer (Tess Panzer) are stranded in the middle of the Nevada desert after their car suffers a blow-out. Looking in the boot/trunk, Clark is dumbfounded to find the spare tyre is no longer there. Some swirling camera work really does convey how desolate the location is, and how far away from civilisation the two characters are.They make their weary way back to a cluster of abandoned buildings, where a drifter cowboy, Joseph (Andrew Howard) arrives and immediately impresses Summer, who is pregnant, with his forceful personality. Although Clark is angered and intimidated by this, the two of them agree to traipse back to the car to 'siphon off the gas', leaving Summer to discover a room full of photographs, where the various subjects have their eyes blanked out. Among their number is a picture of Summer, Clark and Benny (Summer's elder child). Startlingly, she turns to see Joseph standing behind her, where he explains he is a kind of angel of retribution, and that her unborn child is his now. Only minutes earlier, Joseph was with Clark at the car, some five miles away … and in the boot/trunk was the body of Benny.Initially, Joseph's proclamations of angelic status seem as ridiculous as his accusations of Clark's alleged 'sin' – the ravings of an outcast – but slowly, it seems likely that he may be telling the truth. Quite what sin Clark is guilty of we're not sure. The body of the child in the car was not there earlier, and is likely a metaphor for Clark's benefit. Summer's crime, the reason for her punishment, is the sin of apathy – she knew what was going on and did nothing about it.Child abuse, or child-murder, seems likely, although never remotely specified – such things are left to the viewer. Murder is improbable, as Benny's photograph is unblemished when Joseph hands it back to Summer. The wounds inflicted on Joseph by an enraged Clark also disappear, including the re-growing of three removed fingers, indicating that everything Joseph has said is true.With such a lot of questions unanswered, Joseph is next seen disappearing into the distance having been given a lift by what is presumably the next 'sinner'. As he says in a voice-over epilogue, 'when you meet up with me, it is already too late.' This is a fascinating, harrowing and intimate portrayal of disintegrating trust and the horror of realisation, beautifully shot and intensely acted. Far from being benign, Joseph's retribution is merciless – an early scene with a flirtatious Inn Keeper seems to paint him as just another lunatic slasher, although the woman (Sarah Essex) seems accepting of her punishment. This, in retrospect, is a clue. Close attention is required - but don't expect any clear answers.Andrew Howard in particular is extremely powerful as Joseph. If there are any prosthetics on display, they are very subtle. And yet as his enigmatic persona becomes more convincing, he appears not quite/more than human in certain scenes. The glistening eyes and lack of eyebrows add a certain inhuman menace to his fury.

When I see a low budget production(that shows) with clever directing and writing, excellent acting and a touch of "new", I feel like sharing my opinion, because certainly it was a nice surprise. I picked it up at local video rental thinking it to be a stinker, or an exploitation film of some kind. What a surprise. A supernatural thriller, and one that, budget considered, delivers.It works as a religious version of The Hitcher - actually, it seems like it was written by 80s icon Eric Red.Acting by the not so large cast is way above average, my compliments to all of them. The actor who played Joseph was quite effective, he surely deserves more chances in the big screen. The girl was beautiful, and could act as well. The guy who played the husband also delivers effectivelly.In a way, the direction has got a touch of Katryn Bigalow in After Dark - the film is pure 80s and I will probably look for more films of this group.Alternative cinema is not totally lost. It seems to have found its way, when we see films like those. Guys, you did a good job.

I am speechless. At last a movie that takes the whole idea and shows you exactly what it is all about. Strong, brutal, emotional, in your face and truthful from start to end. A really but really impressive effort, with a great script, that does not try to be anymore than it should, superb acting (Geez... Andrew is amazing!) and slick direction and camera work.I am really but really very impressed, and look forward to see more from this team. True story telling in every possible way. Adam : if you read this: THANK YOU!!! Andrew: honestly WOW!

WOW!!!!!!! Blood River is amazing, It freaks you out, opens your mind, makes you think and really sticks to you. It's a truly unforgettable classic film. The cast was small but the acting was brilliant, intense, captivating and believable. The writers did a magnificent job of developing the characters, scene and entire storyline. I would love to see how each of them actors/ writers/ producers, follow this up. This is how films should be made. I'm going to tell everyone I know that they have to see it.........I will definitely see it again many times. I'm glad I went to the Newport Beach Film Festival. To all involved..........GREAT JOB!!!!!!