Horror Movie Review: Subspecies V: Blood Rise (2023)

Can you bloody believe it? 25-plus years after he was finally put out to pasture, Radu is back in the fifth instalment of the Subspecies franchise (sixth if we’re counting Vampire Journals, and we should). So, how the hell is Radu back now?

Well, he’s not actually. Written and directed by Ted Nicolaou, as always, Subspecies V: Blood Rise is a prequel. One that focuses on our beloved vampire master (Anders Hove reprising his role) and how he became the monster he was.

Let’s go back to the time of the Crusades, where Radu is a god-fearing Templar trained and ordered to destroy any and all enemies of the Church. Which, naturally, includes vampires and one such vampire that he is out to destroy is Vladislas, who holds the Bloodstone.

The Church wants it, and Radu obeys orders, that is until he can’t bring himself to kill a young woman named Helena, who has been bit, and her young son, Stefan. This is Denise Duff, returning to the franchise in a different role, but one that looks to explain Radu’s obsession with Michelle in the other films. They are destined to be together, and inevitably, he gives into temptation.

Left to fend for himself, distraught with having failed the Church, desperate to find Helena, and discovering that his past is linked to Vladislas in ways he could never have expected, Radu slowly becomes the vampire we know and love. A journey that will involve him renouncing all that was good in him before, gaining his first fledglings, Ash (Marko Filipovic) and Ariel (Stasa Nikolic), and reuniting with Helena.

A story that you may think isn’t going to be that compelling, but you’d be wrong as this focus on Radu and his tragic backstory is gripping stuff. The idea that he once fought for God and looked to destroy evil, only to become evil incarnate, is great, and once again, Anders Hove plays the role with power, poise, and purpose. He’s a lot older here, but he commands the screen and has incredible chemistry with Denise Duff, even in these different roles.

I always said that the pair were the reason to watch Subspecies, and that’s no different here, which does mean the middle portion that focuses on Radu’s fledglings, Ash and Ariel, does slow the film down. They’re just not interesting characters, given very little to do, even if the acting is competent enough. It’s not a big enough deal to ruin the film, but the drop in pace is notable.

Happily, everything else about Subspecies V: Blood Rise is thoroughly enjoyable. It looks great, it sounds great, there are some really good gore effects (some dodgy CGI though), and the stars absolutely shine. It’s not a film anyone expected, or even wanted to some degree, but it’s not an unwelcome addition to the franchise.

Raise a toast to the series and all involved in it. This is very likely to be it (Anders Hove is 68 now), and it has been such a fun ride. Drink deep, and fear not pretty one, soon your mortal feelings will cease to cause you pain.