There's No Such Thing as Vampires

There's No Such Thing as Vampires is a chilling thriller that brilliantly straddles the line between the supernatural and the human, interspersed with moments of stark dread. This movie, released in 2020, features notable performances from Emma Holzer, Josh Plasse, and Aric Cushing.

The film is directed by the creative duo Logan Thomas and Christian Davis. They accreditably navigate the murky waters of cinematography, alternating between tightly wound suspense and thrilling action. The narrative is paced perfectly, slowly peeling away the layers of plot and character development through a breadcrumb trail of hints and red herrings until the payoff moments that'll leave one gasping in surprise.

The movie begins with eerie darkness sweeping across the endless desert road, as we find our protagonist in the middle of a journey. Emma Holzer plays Ariel, a young woman carrying the weight of a troubled past, weary from high-octane chase sequences and sleep deprivation. Her character matures through the narrative, transitioning from a terrified fugitive to a determined survivor fighting unseen enemies in a world unraveling around her.

Josh Plasse, playing the character of Josh, is an enigmatic hitchhiker Ariel stumbles upon. His charisma is overlaid with an air of mystery. The chemistry between Ariel and Josh is palpable, developing further as their paths intertwine in their collective struggle for survival. They quickly form a bond, dealing with imminent danger, characterized by hope and survival, two themes deep-rooted within the movie.

The biting brilliance of Aric Cushing's performance as the eerie stranger, Chace Donahue, has to be mentioned. His character trails Ariel and Josh like a haunting specter, his chilling demeanor whispering tales of horror, and his presence signals impending doom. He consistently guides the tone of the film towards the supernatural, teasing the audience with every appearance, manipulating the narrative with his cryptic speeches.

Directorial magic is evident in the film’s ability to stretch the tangible realities, blending it into the dark realms of the supernatural. One moment we're grounded to reality, and in the next, we are lost in a labyrinth of nightmares. The cinematography is transformative- beautiful landscape shots transition into suffocating close-ups, panic-fueled car chase sequences are juxtaposed with serene moments of respite amidst chaos.

The script is introspective at times, giving you an intimate understanding of Ariel's fear and reluctance, Josh's brimming curiosity and resolve, and Chace's cryptic demeanor. Their compelling performances work in tandem with the intricacies of the plot. The story is expertly woven, keeping the audience at the edge of their seats, helplessly trying to anticipate the next turn of events. The suspense thrums under every scene, building up to unexpected climaxes that often shatter preconceived notions of where the story is headed.

The persistent use of darkness in the frames is paralleled with thought-provoking dialogues about fear and the unknown. The much-used trope of the nightfall being synonymous with danger is harnessed effectively, becoming a catalyst for pivotal plot developments.

There's No Such Thing as Vampires is a deeper exploration of not just paranormal phenomena but also the human demeanor when pitted against inexplicable circumstances. Much of the movie is the protagonists’ attempt to wrestle with their beliefs and perceptions, guided by a sinister man whose tales of horror challenges their definition of reality.

The movie soundtrack worth noting enhances the atmosphere significantly. From slow, eerie tracks to heart-thumpingly high tempo chase themes, music plays a massive role in immersing the viewer fully in the world being portrayed.

Handling horror, suspense, and thriller genres all in one, There's No Such Thing as Vampires manages to navigate these waters successfully. The film endorses defiance despite fear, determination despite uncertainty, and explores the power structures within the horror genre itself—how fear, misinformation, and the unknown can control one's reality. It is an introspective look at the human psyche amidst terrifying situations, designing a panoramic view of chilling situations.

Overall, There's No Such Thing as Vampires thrills with expertly delivered suspense, exceptional performances, and a narrative that captivates from start to finish. It blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural, pushing the boundaries of the traditional horror film. Its crossover into the drama territory gives it a fresh spin, which is made even more gripping with strong performances from the cast and a fantastical storyline that's thrilling till the very end.