TV series review: Interview with the vampire

 The first ever vampire production I watched was courtesy of Mel Brooks, Dracula: dead and loving it. It was scary but it was also very funny and made fun of the vampire tropes that were to come in abundance over the coming years. It remains one of my favourites, with classic lines and Leslie Nielsen's comedic genius shining through. In hindsight, probably the best way to be introduced to the genre, with a film that did not take itself seriously and laying the groundwork for the other undead creatures I would discover.

Some time later, I watched the film Interview with the vampire and experienced the same sense of "not now, but hopefully later" that I did with the film Daredevil. Both productions had the impression of holding down and keeping out of the way elements that the world didn't seem to be ready for. And I think it wasn't just me who watched them (more than once) knowing that at some point in the future, someone would come along and give these adaptations the treatment they deserved. And in both cases, we were proven right, first with the TV series production of Daredevil and now, finally, with this new TV production of Interview with the vampire.

Some elements were changed yes, but they have definitely brought the characters of Lestat, Louis and Claudia out of the shadows in all their horror and blood soaked glory. And for the two men, we finally have their toxic love story on display. 

Sam Reid is an revelation as Lestat de Lioncourt, fully inhabiting the monster in every detail. And they certainly have the work cut out for Mr Reid, speaking French, playing the piano, they have seriously done their homework - literally and it shows. Mr Reid's portrayal is the best I've seen for some time and probably (giving most awards' aversion to the supernatural) one of the best not to be nominated. Jacob Anderson and Bailey Bass are just as grand and monstrous, everyone is at their best in this series and it shows. 

The richness of the characters that Anne Rice wrote about are all here on display. This is truly a no holds barred thriller and there are no "nice" characters here. 

Speaking of sparing no punches, the portrayal of the world weary journalist Daniel Molloy by Eric Bogosian is absolutely spectacular. His scenes are both a breather for the viewer and a chance for him to puncture grandiose thoughts and ideas of Louis. A clear example of this is when they're discussing Claudia and Louis starts, "Claudia was" - and he's immediately cut off by Daniel finishing "a bandaid for a shitty marriage". In every supernatural series it's essential to have at least one character calling out the melodrama of the moment and Mr Molloy's character is definitely up for the task. He's met Louis before and can cut through the story with well placed snark.

Special mention to the production and costume design, most definitely but the most especial mention must go to Daniel Hart's score of this production. Truly beautiful music that will haunt you as much as the characters do. The darkness and (sun)light melded together and adds a whole new layer of brilliance to the series.

Thank goodness there's to be a series two.

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