All Souls Night (film)
All Souls Night is a 2006 independent horror film directed by [[Robert J. Rodriguez]]. The film, also known as ''All Souls' Night'' in some releases, is notable for its inclusion within the larger ''Grindhouse'' double-feature project alongside Quentin Tarantino's ''Death Proof''. It is presented as a faux-exploitation film, mimicking the style and aesthetic of low-budget horror films from the 1970s.
While not a direct sequel to Rodriguez's earlier work, ''All Souls Night'' shares continuity with the ''Planet Terror'' segment of ''Grindhouse''. Specifically, it features the return of the character of Wray “Wraith” Nelson (Rosario Dawson) fighting against the same mutated, flesh-eating zombie-like creatures featured in the other film. However, ''All Souls Night'' can be viewed independently and does not require prior knowledge of ''Planet Terror'' for comprehension.
The film’s plot centers on Wraith's continued struggle against the outbreak, showcasing her resourceful combat skills and determination in a series of increasingly violent and gory encounters. The film explores themes of survival, resilience and the horrors of unchecked biological warfare, in line with the overall themes of the ''Grindhouse'' project. While sharing the faux-exploitation aesthetic of its counterpart, ''All Souls Night'' maintains a self-aware tone, further emphasizing its status as a tribute to the genre. The film's runtime is significantly shorter than a typical feature-length film, reflective of its presentation as a segment within a larger project.
The film received mixed reviews, with some praising its homage to classic exploitation cinema and others criticizing its brevity and somewhat simplistic plot. Despite this, ''All Souls Night'' remains a notable addition to Rodriguez’s filmography and the ''Grindhouse'' project, appreciated by many genre fans for its stylish violence and nostalgic appeal.