This review may contain spoilers.

An apocalyptic world overrun by the dead is often the foundation of any epic zombie tale. However, in Dark Sky Films' "Stake Land," vampires are on the prowl, not the shambling corpses of the walking dead.

America is a ruined wasteland, dominated by pockets of militias, religious groups and people desperately attempting to reclaim some sense of normality. This adds up to one dangerous predicament for survivors. Vampires are undoubtedly a terrifying reality in "Stake Land," but the humans they prey on -- deprived of the rules and comforts of society -- are often a far greater threat.

Connor Paolo ("Mystic River," "Gossip Girl") stars as Martin, a teenager saved by a mysterious stranger only known as Mister (Nick Damici, "World Trade Center," "In The Cut"), who exhibits a impressive knack for slaying vampires. Together they set off for New Eden, a far off sanctuary rumored to be one of the last safe places to live.

The resulting journey exposes a world spiraling into chaos. Martin faces one daunting choice after another, especially after he and Mister pick up several survivors, including a young pregnant woman (Danielle Harris, "Halloween") and a traumatized nun (Kelly McGillis, "Top Gun").

Points Of Interest

1. The formation of radical religious groups and towns forming miniature nations is a believable and interesting element of this film. These organized groups of survivors often provide the film as much tension as the vampires that hunt them.

2. The film's conclusion has the feel of a television pilot. I liked it. But too bad this film can't play out as a weekly cable series, where the tale could breathe and expand. There is a lot of potential here.

3. "Stake Land" won the Midnight Madness Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, edging out a number of high-profile contenders that included "Super" and Insidious."

What Worked

Directed by Jim Mickle ("Mulberry Street") and produced by Larry Fessenden ("The Last Winter," "Wendigo"), "Stake Land" paints a captivating look at a decaying America plagued at night by swarms of feral vampires. These creatures are far from the glittery "Twilight" vamps; they are more in line with the vicious blood suckers in David Slade's "30 Days of Night."

Although this is a low-budget production, this is a great looking film, which manages to muster a respectably epic vibe. Several points in the film effectively convey the depressing state of the country using forlorn landscapes dotted with rotting houses and discarded vehicles.

Performances by the main cast are strong and are backed by a simple yet efficient script penned by Mickle and Damici.

What Didn't Work

The abrupt meeting of Martin and Mister was a bit jarring. I would have liked to seen why Mister was in the area. Perhaps he was hunting the vampires who attacked Martin's family? There was a continuity error involving rain in this scene too.

And what was up with Mister's convertible? There were points in this film where the car's flimsy roof presented a serious liability. For example, when Martin was desperate to get into the locked car during one vampire attack scene, he could have probably dived straight through the roof, just like any creature who was determined to get inside would have done. A hard top is a necessity in this world!

Finally, it would have been nice to hear a bit more about the significance to New Eden. One town the characters visited seemed like a relatively nice and safe place to stay, yet they choose to risk all by striking out for New Eden. I hope that this fabled place is worth it.

These are minor quibbles, however. "Stake Land" is worth a look and is a great example of atmospheric filmmaking on a tight budget.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Stake Land" stars Connor Paolo, Nick Damici, Kelly McGillis and Danielle Harris. It was directed by Jim Mickle based on a script he co-wrote with Damici.

The film arrives on DVD (single and two-disc) and Blu-Ray on Aug. 2.

Two-disc DVD And Blu-Ray Special Features

--Two feature length cast and crew commentaries
--"Going For The Throat: The Making of Stake Land"
--Character prequels: seven short films
--Video diaries, including pre-production, storyboards, visual FX and post-production.
--Toronto International Film Festival premiere and Q&A
--Trailer

Single-Disc DVD Special Features

--Two feature length cast and crew commentaries
--Trailer