Shudder’s latest exclusive, Bloody Axe Wound, comes swinging with a promising concept—mixing slasher horror with media satire—but ultimately stumbles in execution. Set in the quiet yet bloodstained town of Clover Falls, the film follows Abbie Bladecut (Sari Arambulo), a teenager struggling with the weight of her family’s gruesome legacy. Her father, Roger Bladecut (Billy Burke), has turned murder into a business, capturing real-life killings and distributing them to eager viewers. But as Abbie begins questioning the family trade, she’s forced to decide whether to embrace the cycle of carnage or carve out her own path.

At its best, Bloody Axe Wound delivers a wickedly fun premise, bolstered by strong performances. Arambulo shines as Abbie, balancing vulnerability and determination, while Molly Brown (Dexter: Original Sin) brings a sharp edge as her friend Sam Crane. Billy Burke’s Roger exudes a sleazy charisma, making his character’s justifications for his twisted business both unsettling and eerily believable. There’s also a noteworthy cameo from Jeffrey Dean Morgan, whose presence adds some weight to the film, even if his role is fleeting.

However, despite its engaging setup, the film begins to veer off course as it struggles to sustain its own momentum. The biggest issue lies in its execution of the central premise—who exactly is filming these supposed “real” murder videos? The film flirts with the idea of voyeuristic horror and true crime obsession but never fully commits to exploring the logistics of its own mythology. Instead, it throws in a few late-game twists that feel more like distractions than revelations.

Director Matthew John Lawrence (Uncle Peckerhead) crafts some effectively gory set pieces, but the film’s tone wavers between biting satire and straight-up slasher mayhem, never fully committing to either. 

The Prognosis:

When it works, Bloody Axe Wound is an enjoyably grim ride with moments of inspired horror. When it falters, it leaves you questioning the gaps in its own logic. Still, there’s enough blood-soaked fun to make it worth a watch—just don’t expect it to leave a lasting mark.

• Saul Muerte