Movie Review: Pet Sematary: Bloodlines (2023)

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is a prequel to the 2019 adaptation of Stephen King’s Pet Sematary and an origin story of the eerie and malevolent cemetery that plays a central role in the King universe. Directed by Lindsey Anderson Beer, this installment offers a chilling dive into the dark secrets of the town of Ludlow, Maine, providing backstory on the origins of the cursed cemetery, as well as the tragic events that led to the creation of the supernatural forces at work in the original Pet Sematary.

Plot and Storyline: Set in 1969, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines centers on a young man named Jud Crandall (Jackson White), who is forced to confront the terrifying truths of his family’s past when a supernatural evil resurfaces in Ludlow. The film opens with a traumatic childhood experience for Jud and his friends, who discover the malevolent forces surrounding the “Pet Sematary” — a burial ground where anything buried seems to come back to life, but often with a twisted, violent nature.

Jud, along with his childhood friends, uncover a dark family secret tied to the land and the cemetery itself. As they investigate the origins of the cursed burial ground, they learn that it is not only the cemetery that is haunted but also the town of Ludlow, where the sins of the past cannot be buried or forgotten. The narrative weaves together a story of loss, grief, and the supernatural, as Jud and his friends try to break the curse and prevent further tragedy.

Character Performances: Jackson White plays the role of Jud Crandall, the young man whose personal journey and moral dilemmas lie at the heart of the film. White brings a sense of vulnerability and determination to the character, capturing the essence of Jud’s inner conflict as he grapples with the horrors around him. His performance is strong, grounding the supernatural elements in human emotion and making his character’s decisions feel deeply personal.

Supporting performances are provided by Natalie Alyn Lind as Jud’s love interest, and Jack Mulhern and Owen Teague as two of his childhood friends. While the characters are often sidelined by the film’s darker, more atmospheric elements, they offer support in developing Jud’s backstory and the emotional weight of the narrative.

The standout role, however, belongs to the antagonist, a malevolent force that embodies the corruptive power of the cemetery. The film builds tension around this force, creating a palpable sense of dread that keeps the audience on edge. While the film’s focus is primarily on the curse and the tragic events that unfold, it’s the ominous presence of this dark entity that makes the film unsettling and atmospheric.

Setting and Cinematic Style: The small town of Ludlow in the late 1960s is depicted with a haunting, nostalgic quality. The filmmakers capture the tension between the idyllic New England town and the dark, malevolent forces lurking beneath the surface. Cinematographer Brendan Uegama uses dark lighting, foggy landscapes, and ominous shots of the cemetery to create an eerie atmosphere. The lush woods and desolate graves, juxtaposed against the bright, colorful visuals of the town, reflect the creeping dread that underpins the narrative.

The pacing of the film is deliberate, allowing for the slow-building suspense typical of a horror prequel. While there are moments of gore and violence, the film is more focused on psychological horror and the sinister nature of the cemetery’s curse. The horror elements are deeply atmospheric, with the camera lingering on unsettling images and playing with the fear of the unknown, as well as the dread that builds up as the town’s secrets are uncovered.

Themes and Exploration: At its core, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines explores themes of death, grief, and the dangerous temptation to defy the natural order. The cemetery itself symbolizes humanity’s struggle to come to terms with loss, as characters try to bring back those they love, only to discover that the cost of doing so is far greater than they ever imagined. The film also touches on the darker side of human nature, as past sins and secrets return to haunt the present, showcasing the destructive consequences of trying to outrun or ignore one’s past.

The idea of family legacy is another key theme, as Jud and his friends must confront the wrongs of their ancestors and decide whether to repeat those mistakes or break free from the curse. The film poses the question of whether some things — particularly grief and loss — are better left alone, instead of being tampered with in a desperate attempt to undo the past

Conclusion: Pet Sematary: Bloodlines offers an intriguing, though not perfect, addition to the Pet Sematary franchise. It expands the mythology of the cursed burial ground while offering fresh insight into the origins of the supernatural force that haunts Ludlow. While the film does not entirely capture the chilling dread of the original Pet Sematary, it still succeeds in creating a dark, atmospheric story with strong performances, especially from Jackson White as Jud.

The film’s slow-burn horror, eerie visuals, and exploration of grief and loss make it a worthy prequel for fans of the Pet Sematary universe, though it may not appeal as strongly to those unfamiliar with the source material. For those who enjoy supernatural horror with psychological depth and a focus on atmospheric dread, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines delivers a haunting tale that will leave viewers contemplating the costs of tampering with death long after the credits roll.