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Blood

Blood

You can't bury the truth.

201292 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 38th percentile of all films
Director
Nick Murphy
Starring
Paul Bettany, Stephen Graham, Mark Strong, Ben Crompton

When police discover a young girl brutally murdered, brothers Joe Fairburns and Chrissie Fairburns join their supervisor Robert to investigate main suspect Jason Buliegh, a local sex offender and social outcast. Forced to release Jason from police custody, the Fairburns take matters into their own hands in an attempt to coerce a confession.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Blood?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Blood streaming on Acorn TV via The Roku Channel and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Blood?

Blood earns 4 badges, led by Standout acting and Guilty pleasure.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Blood worth watching?

Blood's Midcredits score is the 38th percentile of all films, from 6.8K ratings across 6 sources. 39% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

38th percentile

Better received than 38% of films

38th percentile among Crime38th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)40th
Approval (how many liked it)36th

59 /100

40th percentile of all films

40th percentile among Crime41st percentile among 2010s

Critics 44 · Audience 60

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.1 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

39% liked it

36th percentile of all films

36th percentile among Crime36th percentile among 2010s
39% rated it 7–1061% rated it 1–6

Critics 52% · Audience 33%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Reach

How many have seen it

73rd percentile

6.7K ratings across platforms

68th percentile among Crime76th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 2% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A dark, grim British crime drama carried by its talented cast but limited by a familiar, compressed story.

Fans praised

  • first-rate performances from an excellent cast
  • tense, suspenseful atmosphere with mounting claustrophobia
  • strong character development and family dynamics

Detractors panned

  • predictable, cliché-ridden plot with no surprises
  • rushed, overstuffed narrative that needed more room to breathe
  • perfunctory direction and bland, small-scale production values

What stands out

Acting78

consistently praised performances from Bettany, Graham, Cox, Strong

AtmosphereDivisive65

consistently grim, claustrophobic, and dark

CharactersDivisive58

believable motivations for fans; underdeveloped and unlikable for detractors

TensionDivisive58

mounting dread for fans; dull and uninvolving for detractors

PacingDivisive55

fast but cramped; feels rushed and overstuffed

Emotional impactDivisive52

poignant for some; depressing and cold for others

Plot and storyDivisive40

familiar police-procedural structure with predictable turns

Originality25

derivative of countless British crime dramas

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Blood like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention and room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsBrooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
TonePlays its grim material straight, with no ironic distance, delivering a relentlessly bleak and brooding atmosphere.
The rideThe synopsis and reviews point to a tense, gloomy atmosphere that builds pressure and likely culminates in a heavy final stretch.
StructureConventional beginning-middle-end structure, driven by the brothers' escalating cover-up and deteriorating psychological state.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's nihilistic climax and moral ruin linger uneasily, leaving a cold, grim aftertaste.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% (this title) · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Corruption arc: Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).

9% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe story follows two police brothers who, under pressure, kill a suspect and then investigate their own crime, tracing a step-by-step moral collapse into guilt and paranoia.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfGuiltMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% (this title) · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% (this title) · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Guilt · 3% of filmsFamily bondsCorruption · 3% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the crushing weight of guilt as two brothers must hide a crime they committed, while family bonds and the shadow of their father drive the story.
StanceThe film mourns the moral collapse of a family and the weight of guilt, focusing on the two brothers and their internal decay.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Daniel Pemberton
Settinga police family's home and the gritty criminal underworld they police
MusicDaniel Pemberton's score likely underscores the tense and brooding atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Blood okay for kids?

Not Rated

Blood is not rated. As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (100/100), sexual content at mild (25/100), language at severe (83/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at severe (100/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 5 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany16
  • Brazil14
  • Hungary16
Overall
Severe · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Severe
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Profanity
Severe
too few votes to rank (2 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
Severe
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (9 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Blood have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Blood?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Paul Bettany
as Joe Fairburn
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Stephen Graham
as Chrissie Fairburn
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Mark Strong
as Robert Seymour
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ben Crompton
as Jason Buliegh
Brian Cox
as Lenny Fairburn
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Zoë Tapper
as Jemma Venn
Natasha Little
as Lily Fairburn
Adrian Edmondson
as Tom Tiernan
Patrick Hurd-Wood
as Dominic
Stuart McQuarrie
as David Saddler

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Blood?

Movies like Blood include The Ardennes (2015), The Awakening (2011) and Beast (2017). Of the 12 closest matches, most are corruption arc stories, and most are films about guilt.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its feel: bleak. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Blood?

774 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: police officer. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.