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Of late, has there been a more over exposed type of film than the Vampire film? Wouldn’t it be great if someone tried something different? If the answer was yes, then Xan Cassavetes’ (Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession) Kiss Of The Damned might be for you. Kiss Of The Damned is a very slow burning romance/thriller that has the hallmarks of a Hammer Horror film mixed with an Arthouse type feel and some wonderful visuals. Cassavetes has created a languid, sensual and downright sexy film which helps it stand out from a majority of the recent vampire films (or TV) which however will probably polarize the audiences, depending on what they expect from a usual bloodsuckers flick.

The plot is your usual romance/thriller but this time it involves vampires – The vampire Djuna (Joséphine de La Baume) meets Paolo (Milo Ventimiglia) a human and they are both instantly attracted to each other, however due to Djuna’s penchant for drinking blood, she resists the advances of Paolo, but soon gives in to their passion. When her trouble-making, sex loving and cruel as hell sister Mimi (Roxane Mesquida) unexpectedly comes to visit, Djuna’s love and life is threatened, and the whole vampire community becomes endangered.

At its core, the story is about new, all-encompassing love and the battle between siblings, which, even if you’re a vampire, is a real thing. As I mentioned before the plot is fairly standard, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t a few issues with the plotting. Paolo seems more than comfortable with becoming a fanged, bloodsucking creature. There was no ifs or buts, he just wanted it. Maybe that emphasises the romance and love but I found it to be a little bit of plot convenience that anything else.

Joséphine de La Baume, Milo Ventimiglia and Roxane Mesquida all give measured performances, but it is Mesquida’s Mimi that gets to really sink her teeth into her character (sorry for the pun). Turning things upside down with the glee of a kid eating an ice cream, yet with the underlying current of pure, unadulterated evil, as calculating as she is cruel. That’s not saying that De La Baume or Ventimiglia were upstaged because that isn’t the case. They both convey that wonderful feeling you get when you find someone who for some reason you just cannot be around enough. They encompass the lust, the love and the pure need for each other which helps carry the story through and really does bring the audience into the film.kotd2

Xan Cassavetes directs this film with seemingly more finesse than someone just starting out in feature films. It is littered with nods to all her influences which enhance the film whilst steering clear of being a straight out copy of the directors favourite scenes from various films. The movements of her camera reminded me of the Giallo films and the way she framed the still shots was fantastic. The small amount of effects used in the film kept it based in a certain reality (as much as a Vampire film can be) with one of the scenes of being one of the best vampire destructions I have seen in some time – gruesome yet understated.

Whilst there is plenty to like about Kiss Of The Damned, I don’t think it will find a wide audience. This is not a fault of the film itself but rather the way the story is told, it will alienate some of the audience, whilst others – especially those with a love of older horror films – will find it an enjoyable experience. I really hope Cassavetes makes more films because she certainly has the talent and I’ll be keen to see what she comes up with next.

 

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