The 'Subspecies' franchise started way back in 1991 with the release of the low-budget B-movie 'Subspecies'. This was followed by 'Bloodstone: Subspecies 2' in 1993, 'Bloodlust: Subspecies 3' in 1994, and concluded (or so we thought) with 'Subspecies 4: Bloodstorm' in 1998. Now, 25 years later, the saga continues with 'Subspecies 5: Bloodrise'. All films were written and directed by Ted Nicolaou, and Anders Hove stars in all of them. Denice Duff stars in 'Subspecies 2-5'.

When Radu was born, Crusaders took him away, and he was raised by the Church. When he stumbles upon his Father's castle one day, he finds Helena (Denice Duff) and her son, Stefan. Believing to be victims of his Father, he pities them. Even when discovering Helena has been bitten, he still cares for them, but his compassion soon seals his fate.

I'm a bit confused by the storyline. In this film, Radu (Anders Hove) is turned into a vampire by Helena, when he is an elderly man. In the first film, Radu was born a vampire, and his brother was Stefan. I'm therefore not sure whether this is intended to be a reboot of the series, and not an actual continuation. This film revolves mainly around Radu's fledgelings, Ash and Ariel.

With budgetary constraints evident, the film is no masterpiece, but it certainly is far better than Subspecies 3 and 4, both of which were more comical. 'Subspecies 5' (thankfully) contains no comedic elements. It is more disturbing in its story and imagery than its predecessors, and a full-on horror. It shows no mercy whatsoever. Thing is, this might just be my favourite in the series thus far (Subspecies 2 was also very good). Oh, and do I smell sequel...?

I had no idea that another Subspecies movie was in the works. I was looking through Tubi's list of vampire movies and found this. I will admit that it is a fitting prequel in some aspects, it wasn't what it could have been. I noticed a lot of inconsistencies - like with his father, who looked human in the first film and bat-like in this one. Before I get reprimanded for this, yes I do know that vampires can shapeshift but still it doesn't mean like this. The first film never said his mother was a demon like it did in this one. I wish they had made Anders Hove dye his hair to make him younger-looking for this I am glad to get to see how Ash was brought across, and in all honesty would love to see a movie dedicated to just him. I just expected more. But it was really good for what it was.

I didn't know that there was a part five of the "Subspecies" movies even being made. And thus, imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this movie from Full Moon Features by random chance here in 2023. I enjoyed the first three movies in the franchise, though I never had the chance to watch the fourth movie. But still, I opted to sit down and watch this fifth movie regardless of not having seen part four.

The storyline in "Subspecies V: Blood Rise" was adequate enough, though personally I don't understand why they opted for an origin story. But it made for adequate enough entertainment, nonetheless.

It sort of is a bit strange that they opted to do an origin story 32 years after the original first "Subspecies" movie was released. But still, it was nice to see Anders Hove return to the role of Radu Vladislas, nonetheless.

The acting performances in "Subspecies V: Blood Rise" were fair. It was mostly an all unfamiliar cast ensemble, aside from Anders Hove and Kevin Spirtas. However, it should be noted that the actors and actresses did put on generally good performances throughout the course of the movie.

Visually then "Subspecies V: Blood Rise" was okay. Though, you're not in for a grand spectacle of special effects or anything. But the special effects were suitable enough, given the premise of the movie. It was, however, a pleasure thing to watch Radu's gradual decay and change from human to the monstrous vampire creature he came to be.

Was the 2023 movie "Subspecies V: Blood Rise" from writer and director Ted Nicolaou, whom has served as a director throughout the entire franchise, a necessary movie to add to the "Subspecies" franchise? In my honest opinion, hardly so. But it was watchable for what it turned out to be. I doubt, however, that I will ever return to watch it a second time.

It should be noted that there certainly was something nostalgic about hearing the theme of the "Subspecies" movies again in a new interpretation in the movie. It was somewhat hauntingly beautiful.

My rating of "Subspecies V: Blood Rise" lands on a five out of ten stars.