This lurid vampire saga from Xan Cassavetes (daughter of indie auteur John Cassavetes) recalls the stylistic excesses of Italian horror masters such as Dario Argento and Mario Bava while also ridiculing the swooning supernatural romanticism of films like the Twilight series. Beautiful bloodsucker Djuna (Joséphine de La Baume) lives in a remote mansion owned by Xenia (Anna Mouglalis), a well-heeled actress who is assisting her fellow vampires in their efforts to wean themselves off human blood (and be content with animals). But when Djuna meets Paolo (Milo Ventimiglia), the sparks fly, leading not only to a smoldering affair but also to his decision to be initiated into the undead in order to continue their passion indefinitely. The pair's sultry, strenuous nights together are interrupted, however, by the arrival of Djuna's sister, Mimi (Roxane Mesquida), a temptress who feigns an interest in Xenia's rehabilitation scheme but is ready to indulge in hunts for sustenance in bars and nightclubs rather than forests and blood-banks, exhibiting a lack of inhibition that threatens the entire community. In terms of vampire lore, the mythology here is standard (even the modern twists all have precedent in the works of Anne Rice and her many successors). But what distinguishes Kiss of the Damned is Cassavetes' splashy style, marked by feverish camerawork, copious blood, and plenty of steamy sex. Likely to appeal to fans of HBO's True Blood, this is a strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Xan Cassavetes, an interview with costars Joséphine de la Baume (10 min.), and Roxane Mesquida (7 min.), ASX TV interviews with Mesquida (7 min.) and costar Ventimiglia (5 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a halfway-decent horror flick.] (F. Swietek)
Kiss of the Damned
Magnolia, 96 min., R, DVD: $26.98, Blu-ray: $29.98, July 23 Volume 28, Issue 5
Kiss of the Damned
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