Set in 2019, an unexplained vampire epidemic has taken over the planet, turning a large percentage of the human race into vampires. Vampires have now also made humans endangered species because of their ceaseless bloodlust and due to their gluttony, the world’s blood supply has been rapidly depleting and the malnourished vamps have been turning into large bat monsters simply called “subsiders.”

The pressure of saving the vampire race is on Edward Dalton, (Hawke) a conflicted vampire hematologist who only feeds on animal blood, to create a blood substitute that will keep vampires alive while the humans repopulate. (Where’s “Tru Blood” when you need it?)  When Edward meets Audrey, (Karvan) a human who leads him to discover a unexpected medical discovery that can reverse the vampire disease, Edward must team up with a group of humans to make a cure reality before the vampires get to them first. Explosive bloodletting, heart-pounding jumper scares and Willem Dafoe-induced cheers ensue.

From a low-budget zombie indie with no-name actors, to a vampire studio film with an A-list cast, The Spierig Brothers have taken a quantum leap with their exceptionally visceral follow-up effort to Undead. From the second an adolescent vampire girl meets an agonizing death by sunlight in the film’s opening prologue, it is clear this film is made for hard-core fans of the vampire sub-genre that appreciated cult films like Fright Night, Near Dark and The Lost Boys instead of the tween generation that would have expected to see the girl burst in sparkles instead of flames.

The brothers effectively showcase their gifted skills behind the camera through impressive and well conceived action and horror sequences which include a galvanizing car chase, a surprisingly beautiful sequence of cannibalism shot in slow motion, and one of the scariest vampire attacks ever to be shown on the big screen.  It is fair to assume the duo has followed a meticulous storyboard and the hard work shows and pays off.

The stellar cast of actors also made this film an enjoyable watch. From Hawke’s seemingly effortless ability of playing a troubled protagonist to Sam Neill’s amusing take as a corrupt president of a human blood farming Corporation, the actors all did impressive jobs.  Although none were as impressive as Willem Dafoe’s performance as the bad ass vamp-fighting machine named Elvis. A cross between Whistler from the Blade films and any old school John Carpenter inspired role, Dafoe slays audiences with his cool demeanor and cheesy one-liners.

However, by the time the inferior third act comes on, it becomes clear that Daybreakers seemed to rely on its sleek aesthetics to disguise some of its flaws.  Despite its sheen set and costume designs, intricate action sequences and clever analogies, it wasn’t able to hide its lack of characterization and undeveloped story lines. If more time were spent on the story rather than the ultimate “look” of the movie, it would have been a far better film.

In spite of the film’s noticeable blemishes, Daybreakers is still a film one should sink their teeth into. It is a sleek, blood-soaked and action-packed thriller that fans of the vampire sub-genre will appreciate.

Rating:

Tags: blade, Daybreakers, Ethan Hawke, Midnight Madness, Sam Neill, THE SPIERIG BROTHERS, Willem DaFoe