Stake Land 2011

As a mysterious pandemic of vampirism sweeps across the nation, humanity finds itself in a desperate fight for survival, fleeing from the vicious hordes that were once their friends and family. The thriving cities, full of life, have transformed into graveyards of silence, leaving those who remain sought refuge in remote areas, hoping for the dawn to drive away the darkness. In the midst of this devastation, young Martin is left shattered after witnessing the brutal murder of his family, only to be rescued by Mister, a tough vampire hunter on a relentless mission for revenge.

With unwavering determination, Mister sets off on a treacherous journey through towns that are now sealed off from the rest of the world, motivated by tales of a safe haven known as ‘New Eden’ lying far to the north. As they navigate this perilous territory, they unite with an unexpected trio: Sister, a steadfast nun; Willie, a battle-hardened Marine who has witnessed humanity’s fall; and Belle, a pregnant woman yearning for a safe place to give birth.

Their adventure leads them through a dystopian landscape of America, where extremist zealots like Jebedia Loven distort the narrative of the plague as punishment from a higher power. Captured by a militant group known as The Brotherhood, they face dire consequences as Mister confronts his captors, while Sister becomes a hostage and Martin grapples with the encroaching darkness of their new reality.

As their eclectic group of survivors embarks on this harrowing trek toward the fabled ‘New Eden’, they hope to evade the horrors that have engulfed their world. Along the way, they encounter various desperate souls, each with their own tale of endurance and sacrifice. Stumbling into a makeshift survivor settlement briefly offers them hope, only for it to be shattered when The Brotherhood launches a lethal assault, unleashing hordes of vampires upon the terrified inhabitants. In the aftermath, they make the resolute choice to continue their journey north, undeterred by their fears.

Their path is fraught with challenges, including being stranded when their vehicle breaks down. They find temporary shelter in an abandoned auto junkyard, where they unwittingly become prey to ancient and ruthless vampires known as ‘berserkers’. In a moment of bravery, Sister selflessly diverts the attackers, allowing her companions to escape.

Days of grueling travel unfold, bringing heart-wrenching moments of loss. When Willie goes missing, he is later found brutally murdered, heightening the group’s anxiety as they realize they are not merely facing mindless monsters; they are up against intelligent predators. As fear takes hold, Belle’s tragic fate unfolds during a grim night, leading her friends to find her lifeless body ensnared by barbed wire.

In a climactic moment, Martin faces the remnant of Jebedia Loven, now one of the very vampires he despises. A fierce confrontation ensues, resulting in both Jebedia’s and Belle’s tragic deaths, forcing Martin to reckon with the grim truth that not all lives can be saved.

Bearing the weight of their collective losses, Martin and Mister forge ahead, eventually finding a pickup truck that drives them forward. Here, they encounter Peggy, a solitary survivor honing her skills with a crossbow, who adds complexity to Martin’s journey. As their bond deepens, Martin feels torn between his role as Mister’s apprentice and his desire to belong among the living.

The duo’s adventure reaches its apex when Mister mysteriously disappears, leaving only his skull pendant as a lingering reminder of their connection. With Peggy at his side, Martin finally arrives at the long-awaited sanctuary of New Eden in Canada, where they hold onto the hope of finding peace and recovering from the horrors that have plagued their existence.