Review of Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) by Kate J — 19 Aug 2014

A strange and sort of depressing love story that's not so much a vampire tale but a meditation on the progression of time. Director Jim Jarmusch stays exclusively within the confines of their world, mainly a dark and desolate Detroit.

Using music as the primary cultural buoy, Jarmusch's vampires struggle to relate to modern society. Adam (Tom Hiddleston) is so disgusted that he is contemplating ending it all by way of a wooden bullet, which is a nice touch.

Anton Yelchin is great as a spacey music industry gofer who acquires rarities for the reclusive musician. There are no blood orgies, beheadings, or coffins here. Hiddleston and Swinton are fantastic, I would liked to have spent more time with these characters despite their morbid disposition.

Only Lovers Left Alive is subtle, funny, and sad, and a fine addition to recent vampire cannon.