Review of Near Dark (1987) by Spencer S — 06 May 2014
This is a film that borders between the world of supernatural vampire films of today, and the grittiness of an eighties action film. Taking a lot of the supporting cast of James Cameron's "Aliens" and thrusting them into the world of vampire outlaws isn't all that unnerving.
What makes the film pop has nothing to do with the close knit clan of vampires. These characters are all based on their appearances: Jesse (Henricksen) is a cryptic, ancient warrior who is animalistic in his actions, Mae (Wright) is sweet and innocent, and Severen (Paxton) is a crazed, bloodlust loving killer.
Their appearances, the action that shapes the film and makes it step into action movie territory, but then the scenes where they hunt are obviously more based in horror. Bill Paxton is electric in his role, looking fanged and always hungry.
The scene where they stop in a bar and feed, would have scared me every night before bed for weeks afterward when I was younger. It's chilling even now, watching his cockeyed stare surveying a man as he tries to protect himself, with blood dripping down his face as easily as sweat.
Highly recommend watching this, one of Kathryn Bigelow's earliest films that has some seriously creepy performances.
This review of Near Dark (1987) was written by Spencer S on 06 May 2014.
Near Dark has generally received positive reviews.
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