Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Horror film

Blood Quantum (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Blood Quantum (2020) movie poster

Blood Quantum is a 2020 horror film directed by Jeff Barnaby, starring Stonehorse Lone Goeman as Gisigu, Michael Greyeyes and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes and earned $30,132 worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including People's Choice Award: Midnight Madness, Second Runner Up at the TIFF 2019. Critics gave it 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
90%
worldwide gross
$30.1K
award nomination
1
Echo Score
70
Loading streaming availability…
Blood Quantum (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Director
Jeff Barnaby
Genre
Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Blood Quantum About?

The premise of Blood Quantum without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In a post-apocalyptic world overrun by a zombie virus, the Mi'qmaq community of Red Crow finds itself isolated and humanity’s last hope. As the undead threaten to overwhelm their reservation, a young man grapples with his heritage and must protect his family and community from the encroaching horror. Facing unimaginable loss and danger, they fight to preserve their traditions and survive against all odds.

Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Blood Quantum Cast & Characters

Stonehorse Lone Goeman leads the cast as Gisigu, with Michael Greyeyes as Traylor and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers as Joss. Directed by Jeff Barnaby; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Blood Quantum

· 6 more
From the director

More from Jeff Barnaby

More films directed by Jeff Barnaby: Blood Quantum, Rhymes for Young Ghouls, File Under Miscellaneous and The Colony.

Full filmography
Ratings

Blood Quantum Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Blood Quantum 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).

70 /100

Blood Quantum Echo Score Breakdown

The film’s strengths in visual style and thematic originality are somewhat tempered by uneven execution and pacing. Critics have highlighted its unapologetic Indigenous perspective and distinctive approach to gore, praising its bold political commentary and striking splatter sequences. However, the narrative’s flabby midsection and sporadic dialogue undermine its momentum, while performances vary in depth. Ultimately, Blood Quantum delivers an engaging concept that often struggles to maintain consistent execution.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art & craft, Blood Quantum presents a striking visual identity alongside uneven technical execution. Critics praise Barnaby’s meticulous framing and impactful production design, noting thoughtful compositions and strong practical effects. User feedback highlights both impressive photography and occasional editing lapses that disrupt flow. Despite these inconsistencies, the film maintains compelling visuals that reinforce its thematic focus.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    In terms of character & emotion, the performances and depth are uneven. Several observers acknowledge well-drawn roles and moments of genuine emotional resonance rooted in the film’s Indigenous perspective. However, criticism of stilted dialogue and variable acting quality recurs, with some exchanges feeling underdeveloped. As a result, the emotional engagement fluctuates, offering compelling highlights amid inconsistent character work.

  • Story & Flow 65

    In terms of story & flow, the film offers an original thematic foundation but struggles with pacing and cohesion. Reviewers commend its bold political commentary and inventive premise, yet many note a sluggish middle act that undermines narrative momentum. Some sequences excel in building tension, while others lapse into formulaic gore without advancing the plot. Overall, the storytelling feels distinctive but uneven.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    In terms of sensory experience, the film delivers consistently immersive horror through robust practical effects and a cohesive visual style. Critics highlight the visceral makeup work, meticulous sound design, and atmospheric score that amplify tension and close attention to environmental details. The striking combination of gore choreography and a haunting finale further reinforces the film’s capacity to engage viewers’ senses effectively.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    In terms of rewatch factor, Blood Quantum presents a moderate appeal that may vary among viewers. Its thematic resonance and unconventional perspective invite further reflection, yet uneven pacing and inconsistent performances can hinder repeated enjoyment. While the film’s visual flair and social commentary retain interest, the narrative and emotional fluctuations limit its lasting appeal. Overall, the rewatch value remains modest.

Plot

Blood Quantum Plot Summary

What happens in Blood Quantum from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the oppressive heat of summer 1981 on the Red Crow Indian Reservation in Quebec, Canada, Gisigu makes a startling discovery during his daily fishing routine: the gutted salmon refuse to stop twitching. Meanwhile, Sheriff Traylor is called to address a troubling situation involving a dying dog, owned by his estranged wife, Nurse Joss. With a heavy heart, Traylor is forced to administer a mercy shot to the suffering creature. His visit to Joss unveils a grim reality— their son, Joseph, has been arrested for vandalism in Hollarbaster and is locked up with his half-brother, Lysol. Upon returning to his home, Traylor is greeted by the ominous sight of the still-writhing fish.

Full summary

The whole story of Blood Quantum, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Blood Quantum Box Office

Blood Quantum grossed $30,132 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$30.1K

International
$30.1K
Awards

Blood Quantum Awards & Nominations

Blood Quantum earned 1 award nomination, including People's Choice Award: Midnight Madness, Second Runner Up at the TIFF 2019.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Blood Quantum Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 clip.

Official Teaser Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
  • Clip 'The Bridge' Clip
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Blood Quantum?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In what year does Blood Quantum take place?

Cars

Cars in Blood Quantum

13 cars on screen, including the 1981 Plymouth Gran Fury and the 1969 Chevrolet C-10.

All 13 cars
  • 1981 Plymouth Gran Fury in Blood Quantum 1981 Plymouth Gran Fury Important role
  • 1969 Chevrolet C-10 in Blood Quantum 1969 Chevrolet C-10 Minor role
  • 1974 Dodge Kary Van in Blood Quantum 1974 Dodge Kary Van Minor role
  • 1987 Ford F-150 in Blood Quantum 1987 Ford F-150 Minor role
Details

Blood Quantum Also Known As

10 alternative titles, including “Kwantum krwi” and “Rouge Quantum”.

Also known as
  • Kwantum krwi
  • Rouge Quantum
  • 블러드 퀀텀
  • Племенска крв
  • 血量子
  • Чистота крови
  • Quantum de sangre
  • 血疫
  • Кръвен квант
  • Horror Sangrento

Seen Blood Quantum?

FAQ

Blood Quantum FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Blood Quantum, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Blood Quantum?

Blood Quantum runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

When was Blood Quantum released?

Blood Quantum was released on April 28, 2020.

Who directed Blood Quantum?

Blood Quantum was directed by Jeff Barnaby.

More films by Jeff Barnaby

Who is in the cast of Blood Quantum?

Blood Quantum stars Stonehorse Lone Goeman as Gisigu, Michael Greyeyes as Traylor and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers as Joss, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Blood Quantum make at the box office?

Blood Quantum grossed $30,132 worldwide.

How is Blood Quantum rated?

Blood Quantum has 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 63 on Metacritic, 58% on TMDB and 3.0/5 on Letterboxd.

Was Blood Quantum nominated for any awards?

Blood Quantum received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Blood Quantum have a post-credit scene?

No. Blood Quantum has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app