Tyler Turner’s Down for the Count drops us into a dark, dystopian world controlled by a ruthless vampire mafia. Mac (Jataun Gilbert) is a war-hardened veteran whose return is met with the disappearance of his young cousin and his girl, Shanna (Anngel Joy), turning him into a vampire on the orders of the Count.
Mac is now part of the Blood Mob under the control of The Count (Scott Williams) and his soldier, Sarge (Robert Deon). Mac roams the streets each night, selling blood vials to the other vampires living on the street. When Mac has his cash or blood money stolen, Sarge cuts his supply of blood off, forcing Mac to kill someone to get back into the good graces of the Count.
Looking for a way to escape indentured servitude to the Count and to reverse the effects of his vampirism, Mac is taken in by a homeless shaman. He knows precisely what Mac is going through and tells him that, within people like him, there is a little-known sensory organ called the “Heart of the Soul” located near the heart that, when tapped into, brings a heightened level of enlightenment. But it can also be corrupted, as in the case of the Count, who feeds the Heart with blood, becoming in tune with the devil.
Wanting to be closer to God and set things right, Mac is determined to defeat the Count and his newly formed army of mutant vampires, to rescue his cousin and his girl and become a more enlightened hero.
“…determined to defeat the Count and his newly formed army of mutant vampires.”
Down for the Count is a nostalgic throwback to the low-budget indie horror/thrillers of the 90s, and filmmaker Tyler Turner captures it beautifully. Considering we won’t get a new Blade movie for a very long time, Down for the Count is the easy alternative. Look, Disney ruined Marvel; indie alternates are the way to get these stories told. Turner absolutely nails the dark, dangerous tone of a dangerous urban landscape, perfect for the infestations of vampires. The film’s gritty soundtrack is just icing on the cake.
I have to give props to Turner for creating lore in his world-building. The explanation of the Heart of the Soul is a bit clunky, but the rules are set regarding how one becomes a vampire, its ramifications, and those in power determined to run the town as its Godfather. Now add a sinister plot of world domination, and you have a franchise.
Jataun Gilbert is about as perfect as you get for a hero. I’m not going to say he’s got Wesley Snipes vibes, yet if Down for the Count becomes a series of films, Gilbert has a lot of room to grow and evolve his character.
Down for the Count is a fresh, gritty addition to the vampire genre, layering urban horror with a pulpy storyline that could be the start a new indie franchise. With Jataun Gilbert as a standout lead, we may see Mac’s journey continue.
For screening information, visit the official website of Down for the Count.
"…A fresh, gritty addition to the vampire genre..."
