REVIEW — “Only Lovers Left Alive”

I didn’t know what to expect going into this as I had heard it was a mix of “Rock Star” and “An Interview with a Vampire,” but I sure was pleased. The acting, story, music, and direction all really work well to bring us a fresh take on the vampire genre, but some issues with writing keep it from being the best vampire flick of its kind. With some of the coolest characters you’ve seen on screen in a while this is certainly one NOT to be missed. 

There is an incredible cast in this, but I wish the supporting players had been given more to do. Tom Hiddleston (“The Avengers”) and Tilda Swinton (“Constantine”) lead as the vampires Adam and Eve, and they really tear up their roles. John Hurt (“Doctor Who”) plays their sage mentor Marlowe, Jeffrey Wright plays a blood supplier Dr. Watson, Anton Yelchin (“Fright Night”) plays Adam’s friend Ian, and Mia Wasikowska (“Lawless”) plays Eve’s sister Ava. Unfortunately, with exception of Ava, all the supporting players really need more to do to help invest interest in their characters. The fate of one character is overshadowed by the fact that we really never grew to care about them in the first place. Mia was, however, a breath of fresh air as she comes into the story like a hurricane, and leaves just the same. She provides much needed excitement to this dreary (in a good way) love story. 

The writing is top notch. Despite the fact that it takes an awful long time to get things going, and make things interesting, the story is truly intriguing. We get to learn so much about these two vampires just by what they say to one another, and we are given hints on how just a handful of vampires have changed the World. From subtle hints that they were responsible for great pieces of art, music, and literature to outright saying they created William Shakespeare, there is plenty here for art aficionados to enjoy. We also get taken on this journey into the life of an immortal who has lost the will to live, and it’s so interesting to hear his take on the world. 

“Only Lovers Left Alive” is a blend of cool characters, deep dark music, and an interesting story that really helps set it apart from similar genre fare. THIS is how you make a vampire love story. Even though it has its slow moments, and it misuses some of its cast, it is still a cool, dark, dreary and chill film that doesn’t use gore and violence to entertain people. Fans of vampires, romances, and dramas can all find something to enjoy with this one. 4/5