What if vampires were not only real, but were also the predominant species on planet Earth? This is the central idea behind Daybreakers, the new film from The Spierig Brothers (Undead). I was pretty much hooked at that premise right there. But could they deliver on the promise of a great idea? My vote is that they deliver above and beyond expectation.
The ideas are great. And they are propelled forward in a horror/action plot which is executed by excellent actors. What more could you really ask for?
About ten years have passed since the outbreak of vampirism and the world has quickly adapted. The entire culture of the vampire way of life is put on display in clever ways throughout this film. (Alarms to signal the coming of dawn, a subwalk, cars equipped with day driving modes, and coffee served with 5% blood!) The only problem is that the vampires have succeeded so completely that they are running out of humans to farm for blood. Starving vampires mutate into creatures known as Subsiders, and the only salvation seems to be in finding a blood substitute. Enter hematologist Edward Dalton (Ethan Hawke). Edward doesn’t drink human blood, and hates that he works for the same corporation that is farming humans. But as he searches for a blood substitute while the world is coming unhinged, he stumbles upon some humans who may have something even better…a cure.
Daybreakers deals with a number of fantastic themes. Should a society dig deep and really cure its ailments, or should we merely continue to put bandages on our wounds? Should we continue using up resources that are limited in supply? Do we even really want to be healed of our problems and sins?
Amazingly, this horror/action hybrid does an effective job of wrestling with these deep questions through a fascinating vampire world. Daybreakers goes for a hard “R” with LOTS of blood and gore, but along with these flourishes of fun you’ll find a film that will keep you thinking while it entertains.
The Package
This was an excellent Bluray experience and it is obvious that the movie and the home version were crafted with love. The image quality on the disc is excellent, which is important in a film with such an intentional color palette. And the full length “making of” documentary is top notch. I highly recommend this set!
