When it comes to vampire movies, it’s easy to feel like you’ve seen it all. But leave it to the Irish countryside—and a scrappy indie film—to inject some fresh blood into the genre. Boys from County Hell doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it delivers a solid, gory romp that balances humor, heart, and horror in equal measure. It’s like Shaun of the Dead met Bram Stoker in a pub, and they decided to write a vampire story after a few too many pints.
“Some legends are better left buried.” – The Premise
Set in a small Irish town that proudly claims to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the film follows Eugene and his friends as they accidentally unleash an ancient vampire while working on a construction project. This isn’t your suave, cape-wearing Dracula, though. The vampire of this tale is Abhartach—a bloodthirsty monster straight out of Irish folklore, and it’s far more terrifying than any sparkling vampire nonsense.
What makes Boys from County Hell stand out is its grounded, working-class charm. These aren’t glamorous vampire hunters—they’re everyday people dealing with supernatural chaos while also grappling with grief, family tensions, and the slow erosion of small-town life. It’s relatable, even if most of us haven’t accidentally dug up an ancient evil.
“Even vampires can’t survive Irish humor.” – The Execution
The cast is stellar across the board, with Jack Rowan delivering a likable, everyman performance as Eugene. Nigel O’Neill shines as his gruff yet endearing father, Francie, and Louisa Harland adds a touch of levity and heart as Eugene’s best friend, Claire. The characters feel real—flawed, funny, and easy to root for, even as they make some boneheaded decisions.
Director Chris Baugh does a fantastic job of balancing the film’s tone. The humor is sharp but never undermines the horror, which is appropriately gruesome. The practical effects shine, especially when the blood starts flowing (and boy, does it flow). The film’s rural setting is also a character in itself, with its bleak beauty adding an extra layer of atmosphere.
“The dead don’t stay buried.” – The Horror Elements
Abhartach is a terrifying creation—less a vampire and more a force of nature, with a unique mythology that makes it stand out from its cinematic counterparts. The film’s scares come from its unpredictability and its willingness to lean into the grotesque. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it delivers a satisfying mix of tension, gore, and dark comedy.
What really elevates Boys from County Hell, though, is its emotional core. The film isn’t just about surviving a vampire attack; it’s about coping with loss, the bonds of friendship, and the complicated relationships we have with our hometowns. That emotional depth gives the horror more weight and makes the film linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
“Home is where the horror is.” – Final Thoughts
Is Boys from County Hell perfect? No. Its pacing stumbles in places, and some of the humor doesn’t quite land. But it’s a charming, bloody good time that brings something fresh to the vampire genre.
If you’re a fan of horror comedies with heart, this one’s worth sinking your teeth into. Just don’t expect a polished blockbuster—it’s a scrappy little film with a lot of bite.
Strengths
- Fresh take on vampire mythology, rooted in Irish folklore
- Strong performances and relatable characters
- A perfect blend of humor, horror, and heartfelt moments
Weaknesses
- Some pacing issues in the middle act
- Not all the jokes land
Score: A bloody satisfying 7.0.
Happy Goat Horror 
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