Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)


REVIEWER RATING: 
7/10


Only Lovers Left Alive isn't your standard vampire film, which makes sense since Jim Jarmusch isn't your standard director. Luckily I'm familiar with the man's work, so I knew exactly what to expect going into the pic, which is essentially just a moody character study on a couple old vampire lovers with seemingly completely different views on life.

Detroit is home to the centuries old solitary vampire rocker Adam (Tom Hiddleston), whom spends most of his time making music and creating little useful gadgets while never leaving the confines of his dilapidated residence. With a dark and dreary outlook on people and life in general, Adam's only friend and connection to the outside is the sociable Ian (Anton Yelchin) -- a reliable long-haired music enthusiast that has enough connections to get Adam anything he needs (with the exception of blood). For blood Adam must visit a local hospital, where he pays a resident blood doctor to donate the latest O negative.

Meanwhile, in the foreign country of Morocco is a little place called Tangier -- the home of Adam's Eve (Tilda Swinton), his much older (though she doesn't look it) vampire lover. Having a more positive outlook on existence, Eve spends much of her time jus admiring the sights and sounds around her, while occasionally meeting up with her friend and elder vampire Marlowe (John Hurt) whom also supplies her with the freshest "good stuff". After several years of being apart Eve decides to visit the clearly depressed Adam in hopes of cheering him up. To make matters worse, the sudden appearance of Eve's adventurous younger sister begins to threaten their simple existence.

As if you couldn't already gather from the outline of the story, this is far from the typical genre effort and will likely to turn a lot of people off, especially since there's very little (if at all) vampire action. As the story implies, it's just about how these two very old lovers survive in the aged and progressing world that's around them. Along the way we get bits and pieces of information on the lead characters, forcing us to continue learning about them to the very end.

I like the film's simplicity and unique sense of style, along with the varied dreamlike sequences that are spread throughout. I think had there been more added on the struggles as a vampire in this modern society it might've been a slightly improved and engaging watch, but as it stands it's definitely a good and interesting take on the romance and horror genres.

Only Lovers Left Alive is essentially just an interesting look at the lives of a couple very old vampire lovers and not much more than that, so those expecting a lot of action and bloodsucking will be sorely disappointed. If you're open to a unique character study that blends the romance and horror genres together then give this a check. Otherwise look elsewhere.
OVERALL: 
Only Lovers Left Alive is essentially just an interesting look at the lives of a couple very old vampire lovers and not much more than that, so those expecting a lot of action and bloodsucking will be sorely disappointed. If you're open to a unique character study that blends the romance and horror genres together then give this a check. Otherwise look elsewhere.


UHM is an independently owned site that relies solely on ad revenue, so we ask that if you like this site and what we do to help support by temporarily disabling ad block (if you're using one). If you'd rather help in other ways you can also send a tip by clicking here (or the button below). Any amount helps and will go towards the costs to maintain the site. Anyone who donates will also be listed in our thanks page.