Stake Land II: The Stakelander – Trailer

The Stakelander (2016), directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, is the sequel to the 2010 film Stake Land, a post-apocalyptic horror drama set in a world overrun by vampires. While Stake Land introduced audiences to the bleak, monster-infested future of America, The Stakelander takes the story further into the aftermath of this apocalyptic world, focusing on survival, loss, and the fight to maintain humanity in a world that has lost it.

Plot Summary

Set several years after the events of Stake Land, The Stakelander follows Martin (Nick Damici), the young protagonist from the original film, now grown up and hardened by the harsh, vampire-ravaged world. After the death of his mentor, Mister (played by Nick Damici, reprising his role), Martin is on his own in the desolate landscape. He is accompanied by a new group of survivors, including a tough woman named Sister (played by Laura Abramsen), as they navigate the dangers of the infected world, which is still plagued by vampire-like creatures and violent human marauders.

The film’s plot centers on Martin’s attempt to survive and protect a new generation in a world that has become increasingly hostile. When Martin hears rumors of a sanctuary known as New Eden, a place that promises safety from the infected creatures and humanity’s darker nature, he embarks on a perilous journey to find it. Along the way, he encounters several groups of survivors, some of whom are friendly, while others are just as dangerous as the monsters lurking in the shadows.

As Martin searches for this supposed sanctuary, he faces intense threats not only from vampires but also from other human survivors who have resorted to ruthless measures in their bid for survival. The film explores themes of community, morality, and the meaning of hope in a world that seems devoid of it. The intense action, claustrophobic atmosphere, and emotional depth of the characters make The Stakelander a compelling and haunting follow-up to its predecessor.

Themes

Survival and Hope: At the heart of The Stakelander is the theme of survival in a world that has lost its sense of normalcy and safety. Martin, much like Mister before him, represents the last vestiges of hope for humanity. His journey is not only about survival against the vampire menace but also about holding on to the belief that something better exists beyond the daily grind of fighting and fleeing from danger. The concept of New Eden symbolizes the last hope for a restored world, a place where people can live free from the constant fear of monsters and other humans.

The Loss of Humanity: The film delves into the philosophical question of what it means to remain human in the face of total collapse. With so much of the world decimated by vampires and lawlessness, the survivors must constantly ask themselves if their actions are still morally justified. The decision to kill, steal, or betray is a delicate balance between survival and maintaining a shred of humanity. The infected, the vampires, are the literal manifestation of the loss of humanity, but the film suggests that humans are capable of becoming just as monstrous through their actions.