‘Daybreakers’ is a Solid Genre Enthusiast
-----Adding yet another film to the list of vampire flicks coming out, ‘Daybreakers’ skews the traditional vampire action-slasher with a unique twist. Rather than humans being hunted by a few vampires here and there, the majority of people on earth are vampires. Faced with a global blood shortage despite human-harvesting farms that keep their victims alive mass productivity, the vampires must find a way to make a blood substitute. But for one Edward Dalton, the cure may not be creating artificial blood, but becoming human again.
-----Consistent actor Ethan Hawke plays lead Edward Dalton, a conflicted but determined vampire who meets a band of humans led by Lionel ‘Elvis’ McCormac, played by acting vet Willem Dafoe. Hawke is strong playing a character similar to his in the quality sci-fi flick ‘Gattaca,’ trading in a genetically deficient protagonist for a reluctantly vampire one. Hawke is good in the role, but the film’s true hero is Dafoe as a wild slam-bang old-school action archetype, and perhaps the last hope for the human race. While he is but a supporting character, he delivers his lines with a superb self-awareness and enthusiasm, both funny and awesome. Claudia Karvan and Sam Neill also provide ample supporting performances as a noble human and evil vampire respectively.
-----The film also plays home to a fitting, if familiar musical score courtesy composer Christopher Gordon, and some superb visuals form cinematographer Ben Nott. The brilliance of the visual flair is a nice blend of gritty slow-motion sequences and fun fast-paced winks at the audience. It’s also refreshing to see a vampire movie not shot completely in the dark, with ample lighting and even a few scenes outdoors in the sunlight. The technical package as a whole is a nice look at an altered 2019 with a clever art direction and smooth execution.
-----‘Daybreakers’ stumbles on a somewhat convoluted, but nevertheless reasonable third act; and it doesn’t help that its genre is abused so frequently that there are inevitably some generic elements. Willem Dafoe could very well make this one worth a second viewing, but one screening should satisfy most audiences as there’s not much to be discovered in a repeat viewing outside of entertainment, with very little left to subtlety. Those with high expectations are probably too hopeful, but genre fans shouldn’t hesitate to see this one in theaters and follow it up with a purchase. As for general audiences, namely action fans, I recommend a viewing for those sold on the trailer or the acting talent involved. And for those even vaguely intrigued, you should have no reservations about renting ‘Daybreakers.’ It’s a good movie with a few great scenes, some nice jump-out scares, and high-caliber performances from its leads. ‘Daybreakers’ likely won’t blow you away or earn a special place in your movie-going heart, but there’s no denying the steady direction and consistent entertainment in this hidden gem of B-List goodness.
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