BOGIEVILLE (2025)

Plot Summary

The film follows Ham and Jody, a down-on-their-luck couple who lose their jobs and hit the road in desperation. After they accidentally run over a stranger on a desolate highway, they stumble upon Bogieville—a rundown trailer park managed by a mysterious caretaker named Crawford. What initially seems like a strange but harmless place quickly spirals into horror when the couple discovers the park is inhabited by a bloodthirsty vampire coven led by the cold and commanding Madison.

As they’re slowly groomed to replace the park’s retiring gatekeeper, a small-town sheriff and a local doctor begin to uncover the terrible truth about the place. What follows is a grim fight for survival as secrets unravel and blood is spilled.

Cast & Characters

• Arifin Putra as Ham

• Eloise Lovell Anderson as Jody

• Sean Cronin as Madison

• Jonathan Hansler as Crawford

• Daniel P. Lewis as Sheriff Jim Barry

• Poppie Jae Hughes as Lily, a feral and unforgettable child vampire

Visuals & Atmosphere

Despite its limited resources, Bogieville successfully captures a grimy, Southern gothic mood. The vampire designs are particularly striking—complete with glowing eyes, prosthetic fangs, and pale, inhuman features that evoke the terror of classic creature horror. While the practical effects work well in many scenes, some of the CGI elements fall short and may feel outdated to more seasoned viewers.

Critical Reception

Critics have had mixed reactions. Some praised the film’s atmosphere, creepy makeup, and the standout performance of young actress Poppie Jae Hughes. Her portrayal of Lily brings a feral, chaotic energy to the screen that many agree is the film’s high point.

However, others criticized the uneven pacing, forced exposition, and the awkward Southern American accents attempted by British actors. The direction, while ambitious, struggles at times with tonal consistency and story clarity.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Creative vampire designs and solid practical effects

• A chilling performance by the young vampire character Lily

• A fresh take on the "vampire lair" concept, set in a rural American trailer park

Weaknesses

• Unconvincing accents and inconsistent performances

• Slow pacing with excessive dialogue in key scenes

• Underwhelming visual effects in moments of high tension

Verdict

Bogieville is a scrappy, indie horror film that tries to do a lot with a little. While not without its flaws, it offers enough atmosphere, blood, and eccentric performances to entertain fans of underground horror. If you're looking for polished scares, this might not be for you. But if you enjoy B-movie charm with a bite, Bogieville might just find a spot on your cult horror watchlist.