Blood Thief
Feature, Western
Logline: After her Indian half-brother is kidnapped by renegade Apaches, a young woman undertakes a bloody odyssey through the American West to rescue him. If she is to succeed, she will have to face the monsters of her homeland—and become one herself.
Reached 2% on Coverfly; Featured on Coverfly’s Red List in TOP 10 Westerns; Nicholl Fellowship top 15%
Black List feedback
Strengths:
The gritty texture and immersive atmosphere of television shows like DEADWOOD are coupled, in this script, with the unflinching realism and unparalleled visual imagery of films like THE REVENANT, carving out a harrowing journey that is as gripping and shocking as it is compelling. Through the eyes of young Sam, the script illuminates a world that is equaled in its savagery only by the poetic way in which it is presented. Indelible visual imagery springs off every page. From young boy Miguel, crouching to feed a buzzard with a gobbet of raw meat after an initial shocking slaughter; to a ravaged caravan train Sam and guide/companion Priest stumble upon; to the shocking use of bashed-out teeth as firearm ammunition, this script delivers a gut punch at every turn. Yet, amid the startling violence and haunting details are moments of genuinely poignant emotionality and depth. From brother Gwyn's wisdom, pointing to his tower of rocks is proof that “even something imperfect can fit into another imperfect thing,” or the Priest's insight that “All war is but a bloody act of grief,” there is an overarching thread of artistry and nuance that proves genuinely impressive. In Sam's tenacious, grueling trek, the script plays out a journey that is as vivid as it is memorable, building toward an explosive climax that leaps off the page.
Prospects:
The imagery, detail, and character work in this script set it apart, delivering a cinematic tour de force that is impossible to forget. In Sam, this script offers the opportunity for a powerhouse performance, while the Priest more than holds his own as a secondary role alongside her. The vivid visual imagery speaks to a specificity of vision that sets this film apart, conjuring up a rich cinematic experience not quite like any other. In its unflinching violence, the script could prove challenging for some audiences, but as an independent crossover, it feels as though this project has the opportunity to go big in the prestige/awards arena.