Written and directed by Roman S. Koenig, a school board president has little tolerance for immigrants, students of colour, and others. Until the tables turn on her when she learns that her son is a member of the kinds of groups that she and her husband target. Starring: Denice Riddle, Laura Bohlin, Sean Dillingham, Cayden Dillingham, Michael Li, Kevin Quezada, Brea Mascorro, Wilson Adam Schooley and Mark Allyn.
The role and responsibility of parents has always been a part of the conversation when it comes to violence and prejudice in teens but whereas it used to be more about blaming and shaming, it seems to have finally made it to the point where it’s about behaviour and example. Especially with the Crumbley school shooting case in the U.S. which really accented that need for responsibility, forethought and awareness. There are many different forms of hatred and parents can have a huge influence on either their incitement or prevention. Which leads nicely to exactly the point that Red Blooded seeks to make.
Roman S. Koenig kicks things off with that very familiar tone of aggression and the way that it initially moves almost wanders into documentary territory. Mixing that prejudice with an edge of reflection as it progresses was an interesting choice to balance the tone. Although it is a double-edged sword as the film can feel too even toned, especially without faster pacing or a bigger swing of energy. The transitions also tend to slow things down slightly, it’s got a good pensive note but lacking bigger accents to its scenes to elevate the impact. The score can also lean a bit too heavily on scenes, needing a lighter touch.
Although undoubtedly, the story itself is extremely relevant and has an admirable message about the possibility of change and empathy. The ensemble does their best to bring that to life and the performances are solid but don’t quite reach a strong emotional level. However, Denice Riddle and Laura Bohlin definitely get the closest to the intensity Koenig is going for and they give Red Blooded a relatable foundation. Riddle brings a force to be reckoned with but also discovers further layers while Bohlin captures the typical disillusionment, exhaustion and frustration of dealing with encroaching prejudice. They make a captivating pair to watch the evolution of their connection.
Red Blooded takes a walk down a very relevant road to have a conversation about a vital issue in America today, and across many parts of the world. The direction is good work, the visual has a nicely clean aesthetic, there’s some good movement but things progress quite slowly. There’s an even toned nature to the way that it flows and it’s missing out on bigger highs and lows to really drive home its message. It feels as if it’s playing things slightly too safe, while it has the best of intentions and a committed team.
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