Watch Autumn Blood

Autumn Blood is a dramatic thriller directed by Markus Blunder and released in 2013. The film is set in a remote Austrian village during the autumn season, and tells the story of a young girl, her little brother, and the violent events they must endure after their parents die. The film stars Sophie Lowe as the protagonist, Maya, and features Maximilian Harnisch and Peter Stormare in supporting roles.

The movie opens with Maya (Sophie Lowe) and her younger brother, Abel (Maximilian Harnisch), mourning the death of their parents. Their mother and father were killed in a car accident, leaving the siblings alone in their isolated home in the mountains. Maya assumes the role of caretaker and protector, doing her best to keep Abel safe and provide for them both.

As autumn falls on the stunning Austrian countryside, the siblings find themselves under threat from the adults in the village. The local sheriff (Peter Stormare) is a menacing presence who seems to harbor feelings for Maya that are entirely inappropriate. In addition, a group of hunters, led by the charismatic Markus (Samuel Vauramo), begin to take a dangerous interest in Maya, making her increasingly uneasy and afraid for Abel's safety.

The tension in the film steadily builds as the hunters' intentions become more sinister and the sheriff's advances become more aggressive. Maya must rely on her wits and survival instincts to protect herself and her brother, and must also come to terms with her own traumatic past.

One of the strengths of Autumn Blood is the gorgeous cinematography. The film takes full advantage of its stunning Austrian setting, showcasing sweeping vistas of soaring mountain peaks, peaceful meadows, and autumn leaves that glow in the golden light. The film's aesthetic is melancholy and ethereal, and the breathtaking visuals serve as a powerful backdrop to the harsh realities of the story.

Another strength of the film is the performances. Sophie Lowe gives a compelling and nuanced portrayal of Maya, who is both strong and vulnerable in equal measure. As she navigates the threats around her, Lowe imbues Maya with a fierce resilience that is truly inspiring. Maximilian Harnisch also delivers an affecting performance as Abel, the innocent younger brother who is caught up in a dangerous situation he can barely understand.

Peter Stormare is appropriately menacing as the sheriff, oozing a kind of quiet menace that is all the more unsettling for its understatedness. Samuel Vauramo also delivers a strong performance as Markus, the charismatic leader of the hunters who is both magnetic and terrifying.

The film's pacing is deliberate, and the tension simmers slowly rather than boiling over in sudden bursts. This pacing might frustrate some viewers who are seeking more immediate thrills, but for those who appreciate a more measured approach, the film's tension is all the more effective for being grounded in realism.

Overall, Autumn Blood is a haunting and moving film that explores themes of loss, trauma, and survival. The film's gorgeous cinematography and strong performances make it a memorable and affecting viewing experience. The film is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are willing to immerse themselves in its atmospheric and chilling world, it is well worth the journey.

Autumn Blood is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3 and a MetaScore of 41.