Blood Widow was a riveting movie that kept me on edge waiting for more. I can honestly say without a doubt that it was masterfully pieced together and well thought out. The best part about its creation is that it was never intended to be brought to screen; its conception came from sketches that director Jeremiah Buckhalt drew. The entire cast poured their feelings and emotions into this picture, and you can see where it pays off in spades. This independent film is gathering attention from Horror movie lovers across the country, after watching it I could see why.

What I expected from the film was a tale within the realm of a young bride being forced to murder her husband due to an unfortunate circumstance. And it most certainly delivered the full value. But the deep undertones that we received along with this value were superb. The movie left much to the imagination of the viewer, and through my background, a lot of plausible scenarios that I developed by staying engaged throughout the film. We can see from the boarding house what kind of life the Blood Widow had to live. Strict, very structured, and lonely. She didn’t have any creative outlets, or peers she could confide in.

The massacre that occurred at the boarding house was the product of a little girl finally succumbing to her animal instincts, and lashing out to stop the teasing and chattering about her relationship with the headmaster. We could tell she hated the headmaster, as he caused her innocence to be stripped from her body, with no remorse or just cause. As if peeling an Onion, he removed layer, upon layer of her humanity; until all that was left was her raw naked soul. Growing up too fast can shatter the human psyche, especially when it hasn’t been groomed to enter adulthood in such an abrupt state. If you pair that with the strict religious beliefs that the school instilled into her, it creates a ticking time bomb that has a very short fuse.

What I appreciated the most about the movie was, not only the shoot list that the director drafted, but the symbolism of the berries against the drab house; let us know that even when things are at their darkest there is always life after death. I felt that this was an unbelievable nod that director needed us to see, since no one is lost to the darkness forever, you’ll always find the light if you keep hope.

The Blood Widow could see the light in Laurie, it shined as bright as the life in her eyes. This is why she was initially spared, against all odds. She was selected to carry on without the sins of her friends, who decided to indulge in them. Wrath, Greed, Sloth, Pride, Lust, Envy, and Gluttony. Yes, at its core the movie touches upon religion more than once if you will notice. Remember the crosses, and the Catholic uniform? It’s from this revelation, that I understood why the Blood Widow wears her mask, and enacts her deeds.

The connection between the Catholic religion and the movie is so identical; one could compare it to a mirror. We see the mask and wonder why she donned it to begin with. At first I assumed it was due to her hating her self-image in the mirror, but there is a more conclusive reason to its adornment. With Mardi-Gras being a Catholic tradition and the ideals of “Fat Tuesday,” coming into fruition, the mask became an integral part of the festivities.

The mask can represent many things including: Concealed Debauchery, Mocking Authority, and Self Discovery. We all wear masks in life, no matter what we do. Humans in society wear a mask to socialize, live, and die. The mask that Blood Widow wore could not be metaphorical; instead it had to be literal. She had to see the reason she carried out her justice towards sinners each time she looked into a mirror.

She was still that innocent little girl, covered by a woman who never knew love, or compassion. To atone for her sins she had to uphold justice, in her own manner. The Cat O’ Nine Tails showed us the other side of the justice she needed to deliver. She whipped Laurie’s legs and did so in a consistent and even manner. It kept the markings shallow and small so that as she kneeled down, she could feel the worst of the pain, especially during her escape with the raw flesh.

The practice of Flagellation dates back to as early as the 13^th century. It puts the practitioner, or the dispatcher through the process of experiencing what Jesus went through during his trial with the crucifixion. This is where I’m going to stop, as I don’t want to get into a religious debate. But you can see the similarities. I’m very happy I got the chance to experience this film, as it showed me that there is a difference when you give the message in a cryptic fashion, instead of giving plot points and making a slasher film. To the Director, Jeremiah Buckhalt, and his team of Writers Ian H. Davis, and Chad Coup. I just wanted to say congratulations, you broke the mold and kept things very enticing throughout the story I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Blood Widow is coming to Blu-ray and DVD June 3^rd. Let us know what you think in the comments.