A highly satisfying low-budget horror-thriller from helmer/co-writer Jim Mickle.
80
Village Voice
Village Voice
It's thick with a distinct mood-the sadness and exhilaration of having nothing left to lose-and the characters, in their desperation and drive, feel real.
This unusually taut sophomore feature from Jim Mickle is more abnormal than most in that its creatures are capable not only of evolving but also of embracing religious fanaticism.
80
SalonAndrew O'Hehir
SalonAndrew O'Hehir
Horror fans will celebrate Stake Land, and future horror-film directors should go to school on it. The flame is still burning -- and it keeps the undead away, at least for a while.
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Director Jim Mickle, who co-wrote the film with his star Nick Damici, has crafted a good-looking, well-played and atmospheric apocalyptic vision.
Though it has plenty of shocks, the film creates a wasteland that would be compellingly deranged even without vampires pressing insistently at every border. Horror is just the half of it.
63
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
It is a film of many ploooooches, meaning: stake in the chest? Ploooooch goes the sound effect. Yank it out again: ploooooch. Wipe. Rinse. Repeat.