Sink Your Fangs into the Ultimate 80s Cult Horror Movie for Diehard Vampire Enthusiasts!
A haunting tale of vampire lore, Near Dark captivates with its dark and gritty atmosphere This cult horror gem from the 80s is a must-see for any vampire enthusiast, defying expectations and leaving an indelible mark on the genre
Trends on the big screen have lost their former potency. The superhero frenzy in the late 2000s and early 2010s overpowered all other fads. However, elevated horror films have gained popularity, the John Wick imitations have remained noteworthy, and brand biopics like AIr and Blackberry are currently in the spotlight. This shift can partly be attributed to the decline of mid-budget movies. Near Dark, on the other hand, hails from a time when all a director needed to do to get their film greenlit was to include vampires.
Kathryn Bigelow is predominantly recognized today for her war thrillers. Her most acclaimed work, The Hurt Locker, is a remarkable exploration of the Iraq War and its impact on soldiers and professionals overseas. Following this success, she directed Zero Dark Thirty, an intense portrayal of the hunt for Osama bin Laden. In 2017, she collaborated once again with Mark Boal, the writer of The Hurt Locker, on the film Detroit. Fans of her recent projects would be surprised to know that this was not her first solo debut.
What is Near Dark about?
Near Dark tells the story of Caleb Colton, a young man from a small town who encounters an alluring drifter named Mae. After spending the evening together, Mae bites Caleb's neck just before sunrise and disappears. The scorching sun burns his skin as Mae returns with an RV filled with vampires, inviting Caleb to join their group. Among Mae's companions are Severen, a deranged killer, and Jessie Hooker, the charismatic leader. Together, they roam the country as nomadic hunters, feeding on humans and evading the authorities by constantly moving. While Severen poses a threat to Caleb's life, Jessie offers him a chance to prove himself. If Caleb can learn to hunt and bond with the group within a week, he will be allowed to stay. Otherwise, he will be left on his own.
In order to gain their acceptance, Caleb puts himself in danger to earn the favor of the vampires. When Jessie and the others murder the patrons of a local bar, Caleb refuses to take a life and allows a survivor to escape, attracting the attention of the police who raid their hotel room. To make amends for his mistake, Caleb risks his life during daylight hours to distract the police, enabling the vampires to escape. As a result, Jessie and Severen begin to warm up to Caleb, engaging in conversations about their extensive lives and forming a bond. However, trouble arises when Caleb's family unknowingly finds themselves in the presence of the vampires. Amid the chaos, Caleb's sister Sarah becomes endangered, leading his father to burst in with a gun. Now, Caleb is faced with the difficult decision of choosing between the bloodsuckers who have accepted him and the family who raised him. Marked by its atmospheric exploration of societal outcasts set within a Western-like backdrop, Near Dark concludes with a riveting and intense climax.
What is Near Dark's Rotten Tomatoes score?
How does Near Dark end?
Near Dark earned an impressive 83% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While critics praised the film upon its release, it did not resonate as strongly with audiences. However, over time, Near Dark has gained a dedicated following and is now regarded as a cult classic. The film faced challenges in finding financial backing, as its unique blend of neo-Western themes and vampires was a tough sell to producers. Eventually, the struggling De Laurentiis Entertainment Group (DEG) took a chance on the project, amidst their string of unsuccessful films. Despite the film's eventual success, DEG was unable to overcome their financial troubles and went out of business just two years after Near Dark hit theaters. Although it is unfortunate to see an innovative production company meet its end, DEG has left behind a lasting legacy with numerous underrated gems in their repertoire, including classics like The Transformers: The Movie and Manhunter.
Caleb flees with his family, seeking refuge from the vampires. He undergoes a transformative blood transfusion, reclaiming his humanity. The bloodsuckers relentlessly pursue him, driven by their desire to turn his sister, Sarah. In a calculated move, Mae distracts Caleb while the others abduct Sarah. Uncovering their malicious plot, Caleb mounts a determined pursuit on horseback. In a fierce encounter, Caleb commandeers a semi-truck, using it to crush Severen, one of the vampires. Though wounded, Severen retaliates, clawing at Caleb through the shattered windshield. As the truck careens out of control and explodes, Caleb manages to escape, leaving Severen to perish. Fueled by vengeance, Jessie and his girlfriend retaliate, only to be thwarted by the punishing rays of the sun. Taking advantage of the chaos, Mae cunningly reclaims Sarah from Jessie, thus exposing him to the deadly sunlight. In a desperate attempt to eliminate Caleb, Jessie races towards him, intending to incinerate him in his burning vehicle. However, his plan backfires spectacularly, as he loses control and his car bursts into flames. Caleb rescues Mae from the lethal sunlight and grants her a life-saving transfusion, restoring her humanity. As they embrace, the film draws to a poignant conclusion.
Near Dark, while not flawless, falls short in seamlessly blending its various genres and occasionally showcasing a somber tone. However, the film shines with outstanding performances from the entire cast, particularly Lance Henriksen in the role of Jessie. Near Dark is a treasured gem for vampire enthusiasts, although it may never reach the iconic status achieved by The Lost Boys. This long-overlooked masterpiece, Near Dark, has languished in obscurity for far too many years.
