In Our Blood (2025)

-Written by Kristin Ciliberto.

Directed by Pedro Kos, the found-footage film In Our Blood is a gripping tale of addiction and generational trauma. Set in Las Cruces, New Mexico, filmmaker Emily Wyland (Brittany O’Grady) looks to rebuild a fractured relationship with her estranged mother Sam (Alanna Ubach) after being apart for over a decade, and makes it personal by deciding to document their time together. Things take a sharp and dark turn when her mother goes missing. Joined by her cinematographer, Danny Martinez (E.J. Bonilla), she investigates the disappearance tied to a troubled past. In Our Blood also stars Krisha Fairchild, Steven Klein, Bianca Comparato, and Leo Marks.

In Our Blood premiered back at the 2024 Fantasia International Film Festival. I’ve never seen any of Kos’ documentaries. Kos incorporates his background as a documentarian into the story, exploring the ethics of filmmaking. After watching this chilling project, I now understand that it was a nice touch to make the main character a documentarian, as it included realistic interviews that feel authentic. The film incorporates interviews with unhoused people from Camp Hope, helping explore homelessness. It was incredibly enticing to see the film shift into a thriller with some mystery, with documentary-style storytelling that makes the film feel immersive. The film’s screenplay by Mallory Westfall showcases layered characters and grounded performances, especially from O’Grady, who delivers a strong lead performance that adds emotional depth.

With most found-footage films, we often see shaky cam, but luckily In Our Blood avoids it. When Danny films, he locks in on shots and nicely frames them when it comes time. It looks through the eyes of the cinematographer who cares about getting the shot and keeps it all looking natural. The film also captures the New Mexico desert landscape, which contributes to the haunting atmosphere.

The build-up is satisfying, and, with the story not relying on traditional scares, it’s filled with tension, keeping audiences intrigued as it takes unexpected twists and turns. The film leaves the door open for a follow-up, but it was perfectly fine as a standalone. However, the film does stand out as one of the strongest found-footage films of the last few years, and it is sure to find the right audience, many of whom will find it an engaging thriller.

Directed by Pedro Kos. 

Written by Steven Klein, Aaron Kogan, Clay Tweel, & Mallory Westfall.

Starring Brittany O’Grady, Alanna Ubach, E.J. Bonilla, Krisha Fairchild, Steven Klein, etc. 

8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING