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Julian Sands, Suzanna Hamilton, Kenneth Cranham, Marion Diamond, Catherine Blake ... see more see more... , Helena Grant , Dave King

Set in South London, this surreal and atmospheric low-budget film takes an interesting approach to the vampire genre by focusing almost exclusively on the emotions of its tormented central character: ... read more read more...reclusive, intellectual vampire Alex (Julian Sands). Alex chooses to prey only on criminals and street derelicts, devoting more of his time to pursue a greater hunger for books on the occult, a passion surpassed only by his tragic love for a beautiful woman whom he lost to his ancient rival, the vampire-hunting Edgar (Kenneth Cranham). Alex's past returns to haunt him in more ways than one: as he enters a tenuous relationship with a quiet, morose librarian (Suzanna Hamilton) whose sad-eyed beauty reminds him of his lost love, the still-vindictive Edgar -- now a vampire himself -- returns to settle the score by abducting her. Though leisurely paced, this seldom-seen sleeper is driven by excellent performances, gorgeous photography, and a simple but compelling script that artfully combines subtle chills with bittersweet romance (including fitting excerpts from Edgar Allan Poe's "Annabel Lee"), all draped in a fog-bound Gothic ambience of dripping candles, billowing curtains, and crumbling stone pillars. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

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56% liked it

1,853 ratings

R, 1 hr. 33 min.

Directed by: Chris Wright, Shimako Sato

Release Date: July 1, 1992

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DVD Release Date: September 14, 1994

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Stats: 85 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (85)


  • May 15, 2010
    15/05/2010 (DVD)

    This isn't the typical "Vampire" or "Dracula" film most of us are use to, but if given the chance, its quite enjoyable if you can endure the slowness of the flow.

    I like the dark story and I'm into that, but the film does feel very TV like and that's why it los... read moret 2 and a 1/2 stars for me.

    I would say that this is more like a Tale of "Rome & Juliet" rather than a "Tale of a Vampire" or "Dracula".
  • March 22, 2010
    It was really difficult to get in to. It was just okay.
  • October 29, 2011
    This was better than I thought it would be. Definitely not the typical vampire movie. It is a bit slow, and there is a tragic element to its love story. I did not rate it higher mostly for the slow pace, and I did wish the ending had been different. An additional appeal to me, as... read more a librarian, were the scenes in the library. I would not mind working in a place like that.
  • December 18, 2008
    Can you talk about good movie? OMG I loved this movie. It was a bit hard to follow at first but omg talk about awesome movie plus Julian Sands was in it which was good enought for me
  • February 6, 2008
    If you're looking for a typical blood and gore vampire movie then you better look elsewhere. This movie is moody and at times a bit slow but for the most part intriguing. Julian Sands does a wonderful job of portraying the lonely vampire. This movie is dark and atmospheric and... read more quite enjoyable if you give it a chance. I give the warning once again that if you're looking for an action vampire movie then stay away from this little gem because it's more of a character study than anything else.
  • July 25, 2007
    A strange and erotic vampire tale. Julian Sands as the sexy vampire. With tragedy mixed in when the vampire's love died. It's been so long since I saw this, it's also out of print. Been searching for a copy of this, so my memory of this movie may be a bit messed up or incorrect.

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  • This 1992 British film, starring Julian Sands is loosely based on 'Annabel Lee' by Edgar Allan Poe?   Answer »

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