“Blood” Turns a DIY Slasher Into a Psychological Breakdown

Francesco Monti is stepping back into dark territory with “Blood,” and this time the horror is not just on screen. After “Project Paranoia,” Monti returns with a psychological horror film that digs into fractured friendships, creative obsession, and how making a horror movie can become the horror itself.

At its core, “Blood” follows two close friends trying to make a low budget slasher film together. What starts as a passion project slowly rots from the inside. As production drags on, tensions rise, egos clash, and the line between staged violence and real emotional damage begins to blur. The collaboration that once felt fun spirals into paranoia, madness, and ultimately murder.

This is horror about the process. Anyone who has heard stories about cursed productions or sets that went too far will recognize the DNA here. “Blood” leans into that discomfort without turning it into a joke. Rather than parodying the idea of a horror movie about making a horror movie, the film aims for psychological tension and emotional collapse. Think less self-aware comedy and more slow, creeping breakdown.

Monti directs, writes, produces, and executive produces the film, with “Blood” being developed through Gore Culture, a production company known for its gritty approach to indie horror. The project also brings in Director and Writer Spyder Dobrofsky as an Executive Producer. Dobrofsky is known for “Teardrop,” “Down Below,” and “The Weeping,” and his involvement lines up with the film’s focus on atmosphere and psychological strain. Additional executive producers include Jason Renaldy and Torin Penwell.

The cast reflects a strong indie horror lineup, including Van McInish (“Avengers: Infinity War”), Marty Glynn (“Shelby Oaks”), Chris Driver (“Airplane Mode”), Molly Dakota (“Survival of the Apocalypse”), Holly Dominique (“Mirage”), Stephanie Knirk (“Sanctus House”), Nicolas Teixeira (“The Wedding Game,” “For My Man”), Kevin Hagler, Jason Barnes, and David K. Moore.

While public details are still limited, the focus appears intentionally tight. A small core cast, an intimate setting, and pressure cooker dynamics feel like a smart move for a story centered on friendship turning toxic. Horror fans have seen versions of this idea before, from films about obsession to stories where art consumes the artist, but “Blood” looks poised to play it straight and uncomfortable.

The film is currently in development, with trailers, release updates, and behind-the-scenes material expected as production moves forward. If you are into psychological horror that hits close to home, especially the kind rooted in creative ambition and emotional fracture, “Blood” is one to keep an eye on.