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Driected by Written by Based on the graphic novel by Steve Niles Starring Rated R Presented by 113 Minutes |
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30
DAYS OF NIGHT Review
People know by now that I have a thing for vampires, which is why I am kicking myself for not seeing this film in theaters. Based on the groundbreaking graphic novel, a horde of vampires wreck havoc on a town that is entering nightfall for 30 days, and a small group of survivors try to get through the month. Produced by Sam Raimi under his Ghost House Pictures banner, it is easily the best film the company has released and brings a new look at vampires that provides more than a few scares. The town of Barrow, Alaska is the northern most town in the United States, and due to its geographical location the town encounters the sun and night every 30 days. Some of the residents go to Anchorage to avoid the nightfall while a portion remains during the 30 days where night reigns supreme. On the last day of sun, as the residents prepare for night, mysterious events happen; all of the town’s sled dogs have been slain and all outside communication has been cut. A stranger (Ben Foster) arrives to complicate things, and the group left behind, led by Sheriff Eben Oleson (Josh Hartnett) start to realize the startling truth, that they are the slaughter for a group of vampires (led by a horrifying Danny Huston) to kill the town over the course of the 30 days. With his estranged wife Stella (Melissa George) and just a few townspeople, he searches for a way of survival once the next sunrise hits. This film definitely earned its R rating, with gore galore, and some of the most frightening vampires seen on screen in some time. There’s nothing romantic about them, they are there to feed and that’s it. There’s no silver lining here. The vampires are also very smart, cutting off the power and even finding a way to hide their existence as they feast upon the townsfolk. Their look alone is scary, with every tooth sharp as a razor and when they feast on flesh, it is quite gruesome. The setting is what makes the film work, even though there are some parallels to two John Carpenter classics: THE THING (in its wintry setting and bleak chance of survival) and ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 (in which a small group takes shelter while they are attacked from every angle). I admit I haven’t read the graphic novel but after seeing this film I want to. I can’t judge this review in comparing it to the novel but on its own, I think it succeeds. The film has a strong lead performance from Josh Hartnett, who makes a welcome return to the genre with one of his best roles as Eben. Melissa George is also fine as Stella as the relationship between the two is an interesting subplot that doesn’t go overboard. Mark Boone Junior is another standout amongst the townsfolk as the outsider Beau, whose brawn provides some good muscle for the survivors and provides a good fight. Ben Foster gives a bit of an annoying performance as “The Stranger,” whose arrival begins the assault on the town. On the vampire side, Danny Huston is astounding as Marlow, the head vampire whose attire sense centuries of existence, and his simple turn of the head and lifting of the finger send shivers. He is a memorable monster on screen. The direction by David Slade, who impressed with his debut film HARD CANDY, shows that he is a good auteur for the horror genre, as there are moments in 30 DAYS OF NIGHT that really make you jump. As stated above, the vampires look very scary and when they feast, it brings the biggest chills of the film. One of the best scenes is an overhead shot where the vampires lay their initial attack on the first night, and just when you think it is about to cut away, it doesn’t, showing simultaneously how desolate hope is for the town and how in control the vampires will be. The best survival films show the most impossible odds and this film definitely gives the humans very little chance to survive. The film does suffer in the film’s final act, with a resolution that although provides on the gore and thrills, falls a little short in its execution. It is surprising, that is for sure, but it’s not ultimately satisfying in which Eben finds a way to combat the vampires. It almost felt a little like a cop out and kept it from becoming a classic film. In all, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT is a solid horror film that is a perfect example of the evolution of horror films this decade. It’s sharply written, well acted, and slickly produced. Most important, it treats its source material with the utmost respect and makes the horror genre proud. 30 DAYS OF NIGHT: 8 Out Of 10 Maggots
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