Warning: Minor SPOILERS for Blood Red Sky.
Netflix’s supernatural thriller Blood Red Sky has become a surprise hit among critics, receiving an array of positive reviews for its unique elements and skilled execution. The German-language film was directed by Peter Thorwarth and stars Peri Baumeister and Carl Anton Koch. Released on Netflix on July 23, 2021, Blood Red Sky is packed with plot twists, action, and gore.
Blood Red Sky takes place on a Transatlantic flight that is hijacked by criminals who plan to stage a 9/11 style attack on London. The film follows a young single mother named Nadja (Baumeister), who is afflicted by a mysterious illness, as well as her precocious son Elias (Koch) and a Muslim scientist named Farid (Kais Setti), who befriends the pair. In a staggering twist, Nadja is forced to reveal that she is a vampire, using her supernatural powers to protect her son and attempt to stop the hijackers from crashing the plane. As the villains are reluctant to give up control of the aircraft, a bloody battle ensues on board.
The response to Blood Red Sky has been mostly positive. The film currently has an 84% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, although it has been polarizing among other viewers, with an audience rating of only 58%. This discrepancy might be explained by personal preferences among broader audience members, as critics tend to be more objective when reviewing films. Here is a sampling of the critical praise for Blood Red Sky.
Director/co-writer Peter Thorwarth splatters the screen with gore while tossing in surprises, delirious preposterousness and even a few touching moments. It's grand fun.
With nail-biting tension and plenty of bloodthirst, it practically writes itself. There's a good mix of genre favorites like 30 Days of Night (the look) and Train to Busan (the heart).
IGN:
The film never forgets the mother/son bond that fuels the drama, allowing all of the action and bloodshed to be informed by a maternal drive to protect and shield.
As irresistible high concepts go, this one’s right up there with – possibly even higher than – the unforgettable Snakes on a Plane. Running for about two hours, Blood Red Sky is slightly too long for its own good but this German production (with a smattering of English-speaking cast and sequences) is a rollickingly good no-holds-barred film that artfully marries together action movie and horror movie tropes and does exactly what you want – nothing less and nothing more – from a film about terrorists hi-jacking a plane with a vampire on board.
The surprises have a grim delight about them, the violence a righteous, maternal fury.
Why Blood Red Sky Will Be A Major Sleeper Hit
Blood Red Sky has been hailed by critics for its fun, suspense, surprise twists, and enduring emotional depth. The talented cast of actors elevates the film, and most critics agree that it provides an intriguing spin on vampire mythology and effectively blends the action and supernatural horror genres. Because it was released on Netflix, buzz about Blood Red Sky has been minimal, and it is likely to be discovered more slowly than major theatrical releases. The film will probably gain popularity with age, as critical reviews assert its prowess within the genres of action and horror. Blood Red Sky has also been compared to horror staples like the Korean zombie film Train to Busan, which is extremely popular with fans of the genre.
Although Blood Red Sky reviews have been generally positive, there are some negative opinions to be considered. Some have found fault with the film’s messy plot and clichéd premise, while others argue that it falls prey to the conventions of both its genres. Regardless of these perceived flaws, it's the general consensus among critics that Blood Red Sky is exactly what it promises to be: a bloody, airborne supernatural thriller. Thus, as the film is increasingly exposed to viewers who anticipate its premise, it will surely satisfy. It may take some time, but Blood Red Sky is bound to become a major hit within its market.