This is a remake of a Swedish film, so the rating is provisional until I get a chance to watch the original (if ever). That said, this is a good film. On the surface it's a vampire horror movie, but actually it's borderline art-house, with little action taking place in a leisurely and apathetic fashion (very un-cinematic).
The plot centers around a boy who is being bullied at school, while being neglected by his divorced mother (who is religious and hates men). The boy is a passive character who just takes the abuse, with all the expected effects in his psychology. His alter-ego is a vampire girl, an aggressive character who is practically being served by a father-like figure. For all intents and purposes, the two characters are mirror images of each other. The vampire girl is the boy's violent desires visualized.
This film is more similar (and actually better) to Gus Van Sant's "Elephant", rather than to any rendition of "Dracula" (or any of the neo-glam vampire films of late).
The plot centers around a boy who is being bullied at school, while being neglected by his divorced mother (who is religious and hates men). The boy is a passive character who just takes the abuse, with all the expected effects in his psychology. His alter-ego is a vampire girl, an aggressive character who is practically being served by a father-like figure. For all intents and purposes, the two characters are mirror images of each other. The vampire girl is the boy's violent desires visualized.
This film is more similar (and actually better) to Gus Van Sant's "Elephant", rather than to any rendition of "Dracula" (or any of the neo-glam vampire films of late).