"The Stakelander" (2016): A Gritty, Post-Apocalyptic Vampire Sequel
The Stakelander (2016), also known as Stake Land II, is a post-apocalyptic horror film that continues the grim and blood-soaked journey begun in the cult hit Stake Land (2010). Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, the film reunites audiences with Mister (Nick Damici), the stoic vampire hunter, and Martin (Connor Paolo), his young protégé. Set in a ravaged America overrun by bloodthirsty vampires and even more dangerous human factions, the film builds upon the brutal survivalist themes of its predecessor, while exploring loss, revenge, and resilience in a world gone mad.
The story picks up several years after the events of the first film. Martin has settled in New Eden with his wife and child, attempting to build a semblance of peace. However, that fragile dream is shattered when a powerful vampire cult, led by the mysterious and terrifying female vampire known as Mother (Kristina Hughes), attacks the settlement. Martin is left as the sole survivor and sets out across the desolate wastelands to find Mister—the only man capable of helping him fight back.
The Stakelander shifts away from the coming-of-age elements of the first film and leans more heavily into revenge and the cost of survival. Martin, once a hopeful and somewhat innocent youth, is now hardened by tragedy. His search for Mister takes him through a scorched America, where the undead rule the night and fanatical human groups have become just as dangerous. Among them is a cult that worships the vampire plague as divine punishment, adding a disturbing layer of religious extremism to the film's already bleak setting.
Nick Damici, who also co-wrote the screenplay, returns as Mister with the same gruff charisma and lethal efficiency that made the character iconic in the first film. His chemistry with Connor Paolo continues to anchor the story, portraying a mentor-student relationship evolved by shared trauma and mutual respect. Their reunion offers brief emotional respite in a film otherwise filled with brutal action and despair.
Stylistically, The Stakelander retains the gritty, low-budget aesthetic of its predecessor, with practical effects, muted color palettes, and atmospheric locations that emphasize the loneliness and brutality of the world. The action sequences are intense and well-choreographed, showcasing Mister’s legendary vampire-slaying skills. While the film lacks the narrative freshness of the original, it compensates with a relentless pace and a darker, more apocalyptic tone.
Critics were divided on the sequel. While some praised its continuation of the bleak, vampire-infested world and strong performances, others felt it lacked the emotional nuance and world-building of the first film. Nonetheless, The Stakelander succeeds in providing fans with a grimmer, more mature continuation of the story, expanding the mythos while staying true to the series’ grim tone.
In conclusion, The Stakelander is a worthy follow-up for those drawn to the harsh, survivalist tone of the original. It delves deeper into the emotional scars left by a collapsing world, anchored by gritty performances and unflinching action. While it may not surpass Stake Land, it solidifies the franchise’s place as a standout in the vampire-horror genre.
