Reviews: Blood Machines (2019) Movie Review
Genres: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Music
Subgenres:
Horror fans will enjoy our review of Blood Machines (2019), where we cover its story, scares, and how it ranks among modern horror classics.
Blood Machines is a surreal, visually explosive sci-fi horror film that doubles as a spiritual sequel to the music video for Carpenter Brut’s “Turbo Killer.” Directed by Seth Ickerman, this retro-futuristic short feature runs at just over 50 minutes but manages to pack in cosmic horror, synthwave style, and philosophical commentary on technology, control, and the soul.
Blood Machines (2019) – A Trippy, Synth-Powered Sci-Fi Horror Experience
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The plot follows two space hunters, Vascan and Lago, as they attempt to capture a rogue AI escaping from a crashed ship. Things spiral quickly when a mysterious female entity emerges from the wreckage, initiating a violent and psychedelic confrontation between man, machine, and something far beyond.
While the story itself is light on character development, it leans heavily into symbolism and visual metaphors. The themes touch on the liberation of the feminine, the transcendence of consciousness, and the dangers of technological dominance. However, these ideas are often presented abstractly, prioritizing imagery over dialogue or narrative depth.
Acting and Cinematography
Performance-wise, the acting ranges from serviceable to stiff, but the minimal dialogue and deliberately stylized delivery seem intentional. Dialogue isn’t the focus here—it’s the atmosphere and aesthetic. The actors are more visual elements within the larger audiovisual tapestry than fully fleshed-out characters.
What truly defines Blood Machines is its striking cinematography and production design. The film looks like a cross between Blade Runner, Heavy Metal, and an ‘80s album cover come to life. Bold neon colors, slow-motion sequences, otherworldly backdrops, and mesmerizing CGI create an experience that feels like watching a dream unfold in space.
The synth-heavy score by Carpenter Brut drives the visual narrative with pounding retro-futuristic energy, syncing perfectly with each moment and elevating the tone to hypnotic heights.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Seth Ickerman (a pseudonym for French duo Raphaël Hernandez and Savitri Joly-Gonfard) brings an auteur’s eye to this unique visual feast. Their direction is bold, experimental, and unapologetically stylized. The film’s reliance on visual storytelling may alienate those seeking clear structure, but it delivers pure genre style and aesthetic ambition.
However, the film’s strengths are also its weaknesses. The emphasis on form over function results in a thin plot and shallow character arcs. Despite the compelling concept, the movie struggles to make its thematic ideas land in a satisfying way. Viewers not already enamored with the synthwave or cosmic horror genres may find themselves confused or detached.
Strengths:
Visually stunning sci-fi aesthetic full of vibrant neon and surreal imagery
Powerful synthwave score by Carpenter Brut enhances the hypnotic atmosphere
Bold, experimental direction that defies traditional genre structure
Unique cosmic horror tone that blends science fiction with metaphysical themes
Weaknesses:
Minimal character development and emotionally distant performances
Narrative takes a backseat to visuals, making the plot feel abstract or confusing
Short runtime leaves little room for thematic expansion or payoff
Style over substance may not appeal to all horror or sci-fi fans
Final Verdict & Score: 6/10
Blood Machines is a visually arresting sci-fi horror short that thrives on mood, aesthetic, and sound. While it lacks depth in its characters and narrative, it succeeds as a stylistic showcase and a love letter to retrofuturism and synthwave culture. Best suited for genre aficionados and fans of visual experimentation.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Blood Machines Rating Scores
- Our Score: 6/10
- Overall Score: 7.24/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 7.9/10
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