Byzantium (2013) Review

Hello Readers,

Vampires have long prowled cinema, from the elegant Gothic shadows of Interview with the Vampire to the teen-centric frenzy of Twilight. In 2013, at the tail end of the early 2010s vampire boom, director Neil Jordan returned to the genre with Byzantium, a film that reclaims the dark, melancholic beauty of vampire storytelling. I will just clarify this is a rewatch.
 
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the poster image featured in this post. It is used under Fair Use for the purposes of review and recommendation, in line with Sections 29 and 30 of the Copyright Act.
 
 
While the early 2010s saw vampire blockbusters like Dark Shadows and Underworld: Awakening, Jordan’s work stands out, offering an emotionally rich reflection on immortality, maternal bonds, and survival.
 
Adapted from Moira Buffini’s stage play A Vampire Story, Byzantium is set in a bleak, windswept seaside town reminiscent of Hastings. The story follows mother-and-daughter vampires Clara (Gemma Arterton) and Eleanor (Saoirse Ronan), who have lived for centuries while navigating a world that refuses to accommodate them.
 
Clara, a sharp-witted former prostitute, uses her cunning to survive, while Eleanor, a brooding young vampire, confronts both human and supernatural dangers with quiet intensity. Gemma’s commanding presence and Saoirse’s ethereal performance bring depth and humanity to these immortal characters, making their struggles feel immediate and relatable.
 
Moira’s screenplay skilfully intertwines folklore, Gothic horror, and historical intrigue, creating a narrative that feels timeless even on a rewatch. Caleb Landry Jones adds tenderness as Frank, the young man Eleanor forms a bond with, providing moments of genuine warmth amidst the darker vampire storylines.
 
While some scenes feature graphic violence, Neil ‘s elegant direction, the melancholic score, and meticulously crafted visuals make Byzantium a standout vampire movie. It is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of immortality, vampire mythology, identity, and the enduring power of family and love. Honestly, it’s a film I wish I could erase from memory just to experience it again for the first time.

Stay Spooky 
L x

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