Watch Vampires: Brighter in Darkness

"Vampires: Brighter in Darkness" is a 2011 independent horror film that follows the journey of an immortal vampire named Rue, played by Dan Briggs. The movie takes an unorthodox approach to the traditional vampire narrative by introducing a homosexual romance between Rue and his human love interest, Alex, played by Rhys Howells. Rebecca Eastwood plays Sophie, a fellow vampire and longtime friend of Rue's.

The film opens with Rue, a centuries-old vampire, living in seclusion in an abandoned mansion. He has grown tired of his immortal existence and the constant bloodshed that comes with being a vampire. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Alex, a young man who stumbles upon Rue's mansion while seeking refuge from a storm.

Rue is initially hesitant to reveal his true nature to Alex, but their connection quickly grows into a romantic relationship. Alex is fascinated by Rue and his mysterious past, while Rue finds solace in the young man's companionship.

As their relationship blossoms, Rue must navigate the complexities of his past, which include past loves, feuds with other vampires, and confrontations with his own mortality. Rue is driven by a deep desire to maintain his humanity, despite all the bloodshed and darkness that comes with his vampiric nature.

Sophie, a fellow vampire and friend of Rue's, acts as a confidant and mentor to Rue, helping him navigate the difficulties of being an immortal creature. Sophie is in a similar situation as Rue, having lived for centuries as a vampire, and provides valuable insight into how Rue can maintain his humanity without succumbing to the darkness within.

The plot of "Vampires: Brighter in Darkness" is slow-paced but engaging, using its characters' relationships to develop a nuanced and compelling narrative. The film also explores themes of morality, identity, and the complexities of love, making it a thought-provoking addition to the vampire genre.

The movie's cinematography and production values are impressive, especially considering its low budget. The gothic, atmospheric setting of Rue's mansion adds to the movie's overall ambiance, while the clever use of lighting creates a sense of unease and tension throughout.

Acting-wise, Dan Briggs delivers an understated yet nuanced performance as Rue, making the character relatable and sympathetic despite his vampiric nature. Rhys Howells as Alex provides a grounded and realistic portrayal of someone encountering the supernatural for the first time, while Rebecca Eastwood's portrayal of Sophie is confident and authoritative without being overbearing.

"Vampires: Brighter in Darkness" is a must-watch for anyone looking for a different spin on the vampire genre. While not everyone will appreciate the movie's slower pace and focus on character development, those who do will be rewarded with a thought-provoking and engaging story.

Vampires: Brighter in Darkness is a 2012 horror movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.