Don’t Say Its Name – Blood in the Snow 2021

Don't Say Its Name

The Review Was Originally Published as Part of My Coverage of Fantasia 2021

An indigenous community is tormented by a vengeful spirit in Don’t Say Its Name. Peace officer Stonechild () is called in after local activist Kharis Redwater () is killed in a hit and run, which absolutely devastates her mother Mary Lynn (). Shortly afterwards, a number of people begin turning up dead in gruesome ways and Mary deputizes park ranger Stacey Cole (), who has the expertise and firepower to track such a threat. It is soon discovered that the perpetrator is the vengeful spirit of Kharis, who is targeting anyone related or sympathetic to the mining company WEC, which just acquired a drilling agreement in the area.

Don’t Say Its Name is a supernatural horror film from director and co-writer Rueben Martell, which is set in a snowbound Indigenous community, which is threatened by an incoming strip mine, which is coming in without proper approval from the community. After a number of individuals involved with the mining company WEC die brutal deaths, officer Mary Stonechild enlists the help of military veteran Stacey Cole (Sera-Lys McArthur), who along with local elder Carson (Julian Black Antelope), tracks the killer and discovers it to be the vengeful spirit of the recent murder Kharis Redwater. Trying to keep the supernatural element of this case a secret of white police office (), Beth and Stacey try to find a way to stop the spirit, especially after it sets its eyes on Beth’s nephew ().

Despite some low-quality special effects that leave a lot to be desired, Don’t Say Its Name places Rueben Martell alongside Jeff Barnaby when it comes to developing horror films told from an Indigenous perspective. With the films’ white characters depicted as either victims, villains, or just plain naive, the spiritual nature of Don’t Say Its Name is never questioned by its protagonists, providing the film with a very unique perspective.

Affiliate Ad

Don’t Say Its Name is airing on Super Channel Fuse October 29, 2021, at 9:00 PM as part of the 2021 Blood in the Snow Film Festival


Trailer for Don’t Say Its Name – Blood in the Snow 2021

61d8717dbd737f197e83017f9202a5ce?s=96&r=pg

Sean Patrick Kelly

Sean Patrick Kelly is a Toronto-based freelance film critic and blogger with a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Media Studies from York University. Since founding his site in 2004, Sean has shared his passion for cinema through insightful reviews and commentary. His work has also been featured in prominent outlets, including Toronto Film Scene, HuffPost Canada, Screen Anarchy, ScreenRant, and Rue Morgue Magazine.

Affiliate Ad
Super Channel

Prime Video Channels is the Prime benefit that lets you add channels you love with no long-term commitments. Only members can subscribe to Super Channel on Prime Video. Cancel anytime.