Starring - James Bell, Amanda Bell (Harm, Guardia de Male), and Nathan Rumler (Chubbies, Time to Kill)
Release Date - 2019
Genre - Horror
Format - DVD (Personal Collection)
Rating (out of 5):
Indie director James Bell is no stranger to my reviews. I've covered his films for several years now and I always look forward to what he will bring to the table with his next film. His films are more experimental and extreme than I am accustomed to but I would be lying if I said I don't have fun with them. Sometime back Bell announced another film was in the works, The Bleak, and it would be available at Cinema Wasteland. Sadly, I was unable to attend and with the first one of this year being cancelled I had to order my copy from them. When I got it in I patiently waited until I was able to toss it in. 
The film flows more like an anthology than an actual film. The first story follows a pussy faced man as he brutally mutilates anyone he comes across. The second story follows a serial killer that abducts beautiful women, has his way with them, and then brutally murders them in torture porn fashion. The third and final story follows a man who is watching the previous murder on tape while trying to fuck his wife. When she refuses he snaps and goes on a killing spree.
Bell has a unique style that is almost impossible to explain. We get gore, masked maniacs, more gore, nudity, and gore mixed with an score that is unforgettable. I'm not a fan of extreme horror and I'm the first to admit it but Bell's unique and strange style really pulls me in. The Bleak is another continuation of the sick world Bell has crafted over the years and delivers, once again, on the depravity that makes this filmmaker so much fun. The acting in this one is solid and works for the film. The characters lack personalities but they more than make up for it with the screaming and emotion range. Some of the cast is expected to deliver more and they do for the most part. Bell takes on multiple roles and does a fantastic job along with his gorgeous wife Mae (credited as Amanda Bell). Both are great and so is the supporting cast. The story for this one is short, simple, but somewhat repetitive. We get stories that we have seen before in horror, especially extreme horror, but Bells' synth soundtrack mixed with his practical effects really pulls you in with the atmosphere. The movie clocks in just a little over 40 minutes so the film doesn't over do it for the viewer. The pacing is smooth and we get plenty of action but once you finish the first story you find yourself in very familiar territory. Finally, it wouldn't be a Very Fine Crap Video's release if it wasn't full of great practical effects and gore. Bell is one of the most talented special effects artists in the indie community and his films, The Bleak included, showcases some seriously entertaining gore. You have to watch it to truly appreciate it. Overall, The Bleak is another gore soaked flick from a truly unusual filmmaker. It doesn't bring anything new to the table but it is truly fun as hell to watch. Check it out now on DVD from Very Fine Crap Videos. 
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