By Bridget March
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny Huston, Ben Foster
Directed by: David Slade
(15), 113 mins, 2007, United States
What's the story?
Every winter the isolated town of Barrow in Alaska is plunged into darkness for an entire month. While most residents flee to warmer climates during the month of darkness, those that stay have to brave the bitter conditions. In this horror based on the graphic novel by Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith, a group of bloodthirsty vampires discover the promise of 30 days uninterrupted blood sucking without a dawn. They invade the town forcing an ever-shrinking group to do everything they can to survive until daylight.
Who's in it?
The aesthetically-pleasing but notoriously wooden Josh Hartnett plays Barrow's Sheriff, Eben, who leads the group of survivors but never amounts to the hero you'd hope he'd be. Melissa George plays Eben's estranged wife Stella, participating in the romantic subplot, with a predictable will they/won't they theme.
Liking?
Although possibly at the expense of other aspects of the film, the imagery is impressive, from the slick high-end effects to the simple contrast of the white snow constantly absorbing rich red blood. The visually powerful vampires are no civilised neck nibblers with Buffy-esque sex appeal. The eerie screeches they let out when they sense prey cut right through you and their subtitled, de-humanised language is effective.
Not liking?
There's not much to the plot beyond its basic premise (which is, however, a good one) and there are lots of missed opportunities. It could have been deliciously dark and chillingly supernatural but it borders on blandness, while the splattering of rekindled romance between the main characters smells a bit cheesy. They should have done more with the strongest theme - the month-long survival game. If it wasn't for Hartnett's sprouting beard, you'd be forgiven for thinking all the action happens in one night.
Who should I take?
Someone who gets into the spirit of Halloween - the squeamish should definitely be left at home. Don't invite someone who's after a though-provoking or meaningful evening either.
Rating
2.5
