As a 50-year-old woman who's seen her fair share of horror flicks over the years, I have to say, this film didn't quite hit the mark for me. I was intrigued by the premise, hoping for a refreshing take on the well-trodden path of vampire lore. However, while the film did attempt to bring some new ideas to the table, it ended up feeling a bit too familiar, almost as if it was trying too hard to be different without fully committing to its unique elements.
The setting in the desolate desert had potential to add an eerie atmosphere to the story, but it often felt underutilised, serving more as a backdrop than an integral part of the narrative. The leads, Joshua and Ariel, had some moments of genuine connection, but their characters weren't developed enough for me to truly care about their fate. It felt like the film was on the cusp of delving deeper into their backgrounds and motivations but ultimately skimmed the surface.
The pacing was another issue for me. At times, the movie seemed to drag, making it hard to stay fully engaged. Then, when the action did pick up, it felt rushed and lacked the buildup necessary to make those moments impactful. I appreciated the effort to keep audiences on their toes with twists and turns, but many of these came off as predictable rather than surprising.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all bad. There were a few suspenseful scenes that managed to capture my attention, and the cinematography had its moments of brilliance, capturing the stark beauty of the desert landscape. And, of course, the idea that vampires could be lurking in such a setting was an interesting concept. However, the execution just didn't live up to the promise of its premise.
In the end, I'm giving three stars. It's not that it's a bad film; it's just that it doesn't quite stand out. It might be worth a watch if you're a die-hard fan of vampire movies looking for something to pass the time, but don't go in expecting a groundbreaking addition to the genre.
