October Horror Challenge - The Ruins (2008)

For day 3's "Mother Nature Strikes Back" I decided to revisit The Ruins. Also while it wasn't for part of the challenge, I watched 2013's Evil Dead so I'm counting it with total movies watched.

Plot

While vacationing in Mexico two couples travel to a Mayan ruin with their new German friend. Unfortunately after arriving they found themselves trapped on the pyramid, surrounded by hostile locals.

Review

This flick has some beautiful set pieces. The cast is made up of likable flawed characters, played by folks like Jenna Malone and Shawn Ashmore. There is some nasty gore, but that's not all the horror. There are some really tense moments. There are some interesting twists. The are no slashers or ancient spirits. The monster of this are carnivorous vines with interesting abilities

If you haven't checked this one out, give it a go. You can also read the story, as the story is based on a novel of the same name written by Scott Smith. 

In Your Game 

Blood Vines

These insidious tropical vines can be identified by their red flowers. Creatures that come without 5 feet of them or start their turn within 5 feet of the vines must succeed a DC 14 Constitution saving throw. This saving throw is mailed with Disadvantage if the individual has open wounds.  A failed saving throw results causes one level of exhaustion as the vines take root. At the end of each long rest the host gains another level of exhaustion as the vines work towards the brain. Anti-plant and necrotic magic can kill the infestation. It is also possible to remove the infestation with a Medicine skill check. (DC 14, increased by 2 for each level of exhaustion). This check is made with Advantage if the individual making it has proficiency in Medicine. The procedure causes 1d4 points of piercing damage per level of exhaustion. Moving through blood vines is considered difficult terrain. The safest way to clear the vines is by burning them. 

If a creature dies while infested with blood vines and the corpse isn't burned it will sprout new blood vines.

Movies Watched: 4

New to Me: 2