Not only is it the best vampire film of the 80’s, it’s one of the best vampire films period. A fun and original entry in the subgenre, this film is required viewing for any horror fan.
Caleb (Adrian Pasadar), a young farmer is entranced and intrigued by a beautiful young woman in town, Mae (Jenny Wright). After spending a night together, he’s turned into a vampire and reluctantly joins the nomadic gang of vampires she’s a part of.
What’s great is that this film is an original and unique approach to the vampire subgenre thanks to a well written script by Eric Red and Kathryn Bigelow. The word “vampire” isn’t spoken once, something that’s uncommon for a film in the subgenre. It also has a western and contemporary setting, which isn’t the kind of setting one first thinks of when it comes to a vampire film. The focus on Caleb’s struggle with his transformation is really tragic and you sympathize with him. He’s scared and vulnerable, allowing his relationship with Mae to feel genuine. The nomadic vampire gang aspect really works too and helps give the film that western feel because they’re basically like a group of outlaws you’d see in an older western film. Bill Paxton is great as Severen, the arrogant and obnoxious one of the bunch. Lance Henriksen and Jennette Goldstein are great as Jesse and Dimaondback respectively. Jesse makes a wise & charismatic leader and Diamondback is his dangerous and seductive lover. Joshua John Miller does a fine job too as Homer, who’s forever a young boy due to his transformation, no doubt a harsh reality he has endure. The bar scene where they attempt to initiate Caleb into their gang is so well shot and tense, it’s one of the many reasons why the film’s phenomenal.
Despite the differences, the film also contains familiar elements so you know you’re still watching a vampire film, and that’s the genius of it. While Kathryn Bigelow is better remembered for her recent war thrillers such as The Hurt Locker (2009), and Zero Dark Thirty (2012), I personally think Near Dark remains her best film.
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