Manhattan Undying

Manhattan Undying is a thrilling paranormal romance film that combines romance, art, and the supernatural in startling ways. Released in 2016, it's directed by Iranian filmmaker Babak Payami, known for his skill in constructing complex narratives. The movie features a talented cast, including Luke Grimes of "Fifty Shades of Grey" fame, Sarah Roemer from "Disturbia", and Christopher Jacot known for "Going the Distance".

The film's narrative revolves around an intriguingly deviant romance, with an association more mysterious than conventional couples. Luke Grimes plays Max, an emotionally tormented and struggling artist battling addiction and an artistic block that severely damages his productivity. Max is on the precipice of fading into the shadows of his own life when he encounters Vivian, portrayed by Sarah Roemer. Vivian, an unearthly beautiful and enigmatic woman who has a sinister secret – she's a vampire.

As their relationship deepens, the unique bond between Max and Vivian opens up a doorway to refreshing inspiration for Max's work. Vivian, in return, finds solace in Max and shares her secret with him: she has never seen her own reflection. As a vampire, she has lived an eternity without ever seeing herself – an absence that not only defines her existence but which also conceals a more profound yearning.

In an audacious proposal, she commissions Max to paint her portrait so that she can attain an eternal semblance of her own physical existence. As Max is drawn further into Vivian's supernatural world, he's presented with a distinctive opportunity to reignite his creative spark, meanwhile, he also confronts the ethereal reality of Vivian.

Christopher Jacot depicts a supporting character, enriching the story with his performance, contributing to the movie's overarching narrative complexities. The film delves into the themes of eternal existence, the sense of self, the need for connection, and the exhausting burden of immortality.

Manhattan Undying deftly balances elements of modern storytelling and classic vampire legend. Iconic scenes of New York’s cityscape serve as stirring backdrops to this unconventional romance and add to the extraordinary subtext of contemporary isolation amid bustling urban life. Despite the city's millions, Vivian and Max provide stark portrayals of loneliness and the human compulsion toward connection.

Under the skilful direction of Babak Payami, the growth of the relationship between Max and Vivian is slow-burning yet absorbing, managing subtly to infuse a peculiar sense of melancholic beauty in conjunction with the overall paranormal environment. Further, Payami's expertise is evident in the way he exploits the urban framework setting to mirror the characters' desperation and silence.

Luke Grimes embodies the emotionally scarred and creatively stifled Max with authenticity, effectively portraying his journey from darkness into a bizarre enlightenment. On the other hand, Sarah Roemer effortlessly slips into the character of Vivian, the eternal vampire. She manifests the eerie grandeur and timelessness of a centuries-old creature along with a relatable vulnerability. Their performances deliver nuances that color the film with shades of dark fantasy.

Manhattan Undying isn’t your typical vampire lore. Instead of dwelling on the stereotypical aspects of horror and fear, it takes the vampire genre and uses it to explore existential questions, loneliness, artistry, and love. The film affords viewers a unique perspective into the psychological struggles of immortality and the mortal yearning for legacy and perpetuation of self.

Although the film dives into genre territory often associated with dark fantasy, Payami infuses the storyline with a sense of practical realism and powerful visual language, making it seem more like performative art. The director’s subtle references to Persian storytelling techniques imbue the film with an uncanny combination of western modernity and eastern folklore. His vision encourages viewers to re-evaluate their perceptions of life, death, and everything in-between.

Overall, Manhattan Undying is a haunting, atmospheric, and philosophical film that transgresses the boundaries of traditional vampire narratives. It poses provocative existential questions while navigating love, art, and immortality. It may not be the usual popcorn flick, but it's a visual and narrative treat for viewers who enjoy cinema with depth and an unusual perspective.