The vampire is a staple of horror films that have sustained longevity since cinema’s earliest days. From the ghoulish appearance of Max Shreck in Nosferatu to the sensual pairing of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in Interview With the Vampire, these creatures of the night have always found a way to captivate our imaginations in a variety of ways. Whether it’s a blood-soaked opera or a timeless tale of love, the vampire can be adapted into a never-ending variety of incarnations. The horror comedy has seen its fair share of vampire offerings, such as Love at First Bite and Dracula: Dead and Loving It.
Currently streaming on Tubi is Vamp, released in 1986, and an entry that seamlessly blends comedy, sensuality, and a strong emphasis on style, making it one of the unique vampire films that one can really sink their fangs into. In a decade full of raucous teen comedies that dealt with sexual repression and teenagers looking to satisfy their inhibitions, Vamp takes the typical formula of the time period and decks it out with seduction, blood, and a penchant for stylistic flair. Vamp offers a fresh take on the gothic staple of horror cinema and stands apart from many of its contemporaries.
A New Face on an Old Formula
Countless actors have assumed the role of vampires; Vamp features a unique performance from Grace Jones as Katrina, an exotic dancer with a hunger for blood. Jones might not have been the first person of color to portray such a role, as there had previously been films such as Blackula as well as Ganja and Hess. Grace Jones, who had previously appeared in A View to a Kill and Conan: The Destroyer, brings a fresh persona, merging sensuality and dread to the role, all the while invoking mystery and wonder.
Before Jones makes her iconic appearance, Vamp is set in the style of many teen comedies from the 1980s. AJ (Robert Russler) and Keith (Chris Makepeace), two students navigating their college years, are looking to impress their potential frat mates by obtaining an exotic dancer. The pair soon head out with spoiled rich kid Duncan (Gedde Watanabe) on a quest that has the potential to involve a lot of shenanigans.
The setup of the events that will lead our trio of sexually frustrated teenagers to their rendezvous with the fanged creatures of the night is far removed from expectations. One of the best narrative styles in horror, sometimes referred to as the “slow burn,” is, in effect, taking place in the quirky comedic tone in Weird Science and Revenge of the Nerds. While the worlds of vampires and teenage shenanigans are normally far removed from one another, Vamp makes it work because of the contrast in styles and not in spite of it.
Stripteases, Style, and Sensuality
Years before Salma Hayek appeared in From Dusk Till Dawn, vampires performing seductive dances in a nightclub might have appeared far-fetched. Naturally, eroticism has been closely associated with the vampire throughout the years. Vamp takes this concept and amplifies it to new heights. Much of the sensuality in Vamp can be attributed to not only the setting but also the unique color palette of the locations it chooses to utilize. The nightclub and the sewers all shine with bright fluorescent colors that greatly impact the style that Vamp offers.
Grace Jones’s performance accentuates sexuality that some of her previous roles might not have permitted. Utilizing her training as a model, Jones is able to turn out a captivating and powerful display without having to rely on dialogue. Her movements, on stage and elsewhere, are all part and parcel of the standout performance she delivers. Remarkably, it’s the performances that take place beside Jones that accentuate her even more. With Vamp being a horror comedy, the rest of the cast hams it up in exaggerated performances, for the lack of a better term.
An observation that can be made about Vamp, which was prominent in many slasher films from the time period, is the puritanical undertones of punishing teens who partake in sexual activity. It’s a critique that’s certainly noticeable but doesn’t hinder the overall quality of Vamp in any way. Vamp is as entertaining as it is unique.
Standing Out from the Rest
There’s a lot to be said about a film like Vamp, one that certainly exists among various sub-genres. By utilizing the tropes of teen and horror comedy and infusing a stylistic vampire film, you have something that’s unlike any other offering from its respective time period. There have been many films about vampires that have come and gone over the years, but there’s only one Vamp. Stream free on Tubi.
