Scampering along the moonlit digital road bursting at the seams with humongous black blooms of spine-tingling cinematic matte an unsuspecting victim tumbles headlong into the Halloween season. Admittedly, there are countless supernatural tales with vampires that have clawed their way to the surface… but few contain a unique plot twist. Then you have a uniqueness in this blood-sweet confectionery film called The Vampire and the Vigilante.
The latest film from Rene Perez (Playing with Dolls: Havoc, 2018, Legend of Hawes, 2022), and set for release digitally on October 22, 2024 through Gravitas Ventures, the title itself is compelling and the thought meanders in the brain as to how these two disparate beings engage in this chronicle. Curiosity wins out as The Vampire and the Vigilante hurls visual imagery and a narrative that will cause your eyes to reposition in a double take. What? A siren who lures bloodmeals to a Master Vampire? Hmmmm. Then the question arises, “How does this particular symbiosis work?” and hangs in the air as dripping crimson gothic letters.
The story froths and foams between two plots that ultimately crisscross. The visual contrast between the seclusion of the Gothic castle and the hustle of everyday life in the suburbs was both stark and impactful on the psyche. Here is this idyllic castle, with a monstrous secret in its walls, juxtaposed with the harsh reality of everyday life with danger lurking in unsuspecting places. Adding to it all, the dark lighting in the scenes emphasized the sinister events that took place sending spontaneous chills up and down spines.
Gabriel is the vigilante portrayed by Michael Paré (Eddie and the Cruisers 1983, Streets of Fire 1984) in a fantastic way that conveys the character’s unwavering resolve to rid the world of incorrigible criminals who slide through the cracks of the justice system. As if that was not demanding enough, he gradually becomes enamored with Natalie (Emily Whitcomb: Righteous Blood 2021, Serious Profession 2023) who is in the throes of a massive life-altering transformation. Also doing a nice job, Whitcomb infuses her troubled character with a palette of subtle emotions that reflects a chameleon’s swiftness to camouflage – words and gestures that convey turmoil as she takes a course of action against her better judgment. Natalie has a steep learning curve as she navigates her spiritual and physical transformation from a human into a supernatural being.
Although the Master Vampire (Tony Jackson: The Insurrection 2020, Cabal 2020), is not a supernatural heartthrob like the Vampire Lestat, he is undoubtedly a demonic force to be reckoned with. For good measure, sprinkled throughout are also random bits of humor in his character.
Overall, The Vampire and the Vigilante is an entertaining movie all the way through. The story spins a web of special circumstances that inevitably lead to choices and actions that are opposite the norm. Relatable, it powerfully enthralls you with the takeaway to be careful what bargain is struck… because the price of your soul may be regrettably too high. This is why Cryptic Rock The Vampire and the Vigilante 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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