Director: Jim Jarmusch
Writer: Jim Jarmusch (Screenplay) Marion Bessay (Novel)
Starring: Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Anton Yelchin, Mia Wasikowska, Jeffrey Wright, Slimane Dazi, John Hurt
Plot: A depressed musician reunites with his lover, though their romance – which has already endured several centuries – is disrupted by the arrival of her uncontrollable younger sister.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Slow
Story: Only Lovers Left Alive starts as we meet the reclusive musician Adam (Hiddleston) whose one connection to the outside world seems to be Ian (Yelchin) who supplies him musical and other needs. We also meet Eve (Swinton) who has been searching for her latest fix from Christopher Marlowe (Hurt).
We learn that Adam, Eve and Christopher are all in fact vampires whose live have crossed paths over the centuries they have all lived through. Adam tired of his life and how he sees the humans wants to reconnect with Eve to help him through his problems and help is acceptance of the human race.
As the two rekindle their love their lives are thrown into danger when Ava (Wasikowska) turns up searching for the both of them. Ava puts a test between Eve and Adam’s relationship with her still reckless ways which would put the vampire existence at risk.
Only Lovers Left Alive give us a look at the relationship between two ancient vampires who have seen the worlds ups and downs through the centuries they have been living. This is very slow moving and I feel never reaches the levels of similar styled film Interview with the Vampire. We get to see the frustration Adam feels towards humans but in the end it just feels like a catch up moment in their lives.
Actor Review
Tilda Swinton: Eve is one of the ancient vampires and lover of Adam over the centuries they have been alive. She comes to Adam when he finds himself suffering with his existence and the two look back on their relationship through the years. Tilda is always one person you can turn to for good performances and she doesn’t let us down here.
Tom Hiddleston: Adam has been playing music for his vampire life keeping up with the trends while making himself a true recluse from the world. He is tired of the humans which he refers to as zombies but reconnecting with Eve could help him find his way again. Tom is good in this role showing how he can jump between blockbusters and smaller projects and show off his skills.
Anton Yelchin: Ian is Adam’s connection to the outside world where he locates all the rarest musical items to help Adam build his collection. Anton does well in this supporting role without being overly involved in the story.
Mia Wasikowska: Ava is the sister of Eve’s but not by blood, she is also a vampire and comes off as the irresponsible youngest member of the vampire world who has always caused trouble for Adam and Eve. Mia is good in what is only a small supporting role but completely against her sweet typecast.
Support Cast: Only Lovers Left Alive has a small supporting cast that does include heavyweights Jeffrey Wright and John Hurt who do well with what they do but the film does focus more on Adam and Eve.
Director Review: Jim Jarmusch – Jim give us a look at everlasting love between vampires but also does end up having slow moving story.
Horror: Only Lovers Left Alive doesn’t really create any horror involved with a vampire story.
Romance: Only Lovers Left Alive does show us the everlasting love between the century old vampires even if they spend years apart.
Settings: Only Lovers Left Alive keeps our settings dark and out of the everyday world because that is where you would expect to see vampires hide out.
Special Effects: Only Lovers Left Alive only has the special effects when needed but never goes over with the few needed.
Suggestion: Only Lovers Left Alive is one to try and it is very slow moving for a vampire movie. (Try It)
Best Part: Music.
Worst Part: Very slow moving.
Believability: No
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Budget: $7 Million
Runtime: 2 Hour 3 Minutes
Overall: Slow moving vampire love story.
Rating
