Bloodsucker's Handbook is a unique and captivating independent film that follows the story of a duo of self-proclaimed vampire hunters who set out to rid the world of the undead. The film is a blend of comedy, horror, and drama that explores the complexities of human relationships while also offering a fresh spin on the classic vampire genre.
The movie opens with a prologue that introduces the audience to the character of Caleb (Jeremy Herrera), a loner who has lived a life haunted by the memory of his mother's suicide. Caleb fancies himself a vampire hunter, but instead of seeking out actual vampires, he spends his days working as a barista at a coffee shop and documenting his thoughts and experiences in a notebook. It is through the pages of this notebook that the audience is taken on a journey into Caleb's world.
After the prologue, the film jumps forward in time to when Caleb is joined by his new roommate, Mae (Emma Thatcher). Mae is an upbeat and enthusiastic young woman who quickly latches onto Caleb's vampire hunting fantasies. The two of them embark on a mission to rid their city of any vampires that may be lurking around.
As Caleb and Mae venture deeper into their vampire hunting escapades, they discover that their targets are not quite what they expected. The vampires that they come across don't conform to the traditional vampire stereotypes, but rather, they are portrayed as misunderstood and complex characters with their own set of motivations and challenges.
One of the interesting things about Bloodsucker's Handbook is the way it explores the human relationships between the characters. Caleb and Mae become close friends and even begin to develop a romantic connection. However, they also have their own individual struggles and insecurities that they must deal with separately.
Additionally, the film delves into the relationship between the vampires and humans, portraying them as two sides of the same coin. The vampires are not simply evil creatures to be eliminated, but rather they are shown to have their own unique perspectives and experiences. This adds a real depth to the film that sets it apart from other vampire movies that simply portray vampires as nothing more than monsters.
Another strong point of the film is the way it is shot. Bloodsucker's Handbook has a great visual style that incorporates a lot of creative camera angles and lighting tricks. The film is shot largely in black and white, which is a very interesting choice that adds to the overall aesthetic of the film. The use of color in certain scenes is also very effective and adds a lot of visual interest.
Furthermore, the performances by the two leads, Jeremy Herrera and Emma Thatcher, are excellent. They both bring a lot of depth and emotion to their characters, making them feel fully realized and sympathetic. The supporting cast is also strong, with several memorable performances from the various vampires that Caleb and Mae encounter.
Overall, Bloodsucker's Handbook is a must-see film for fans of the vampire genre or anyone looking for a unique and captivating indie film. The blend of comedy, horror, and drama works incredibly well, and the human relationships explored in the film make it stand out from other vampire movies. The visuals are also fantastic, and the performances by the cast are top-notch.
Bloodsucker's Handbook is a 2017 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes.
