Kiss of the Damned

A cool and contemporary take on the vampire myth, steeped in atmosphere and brooding contemplation.

Two estranged vampire sisters, one good and one bad, are unexpectedly reunited at a remote summer estate in Connecticut. The virtuous Djuna is determined to follow an honourable path, refusing to feed off the blood of innocent human prey. When a new love arrives, insisting he join Djuna for eternity as one of the undead, a happy future appears to lie ahead. However, Mimi, a rebellious succubus with a bad attitude, has other plans, and attempts to bring chaos and destruction to her sister’s quiet life.

Like Claire Denis’ Trouble Every Day, Xan Cassavetes’ cool and contemporary take on the vampire myth presents a distinctly existential vision of the afterlife, steeped in atmosphere and brooding contemplation. Often solemn in approach, there is also much fun to be had here, particularly in the playful eroticism that brings to mind the work of cult favourite Jean Rollin or the saucy output of 1970s Hammer.