Interview with the Vampire was actually even better than I was expecting. It's based on Anne Rice's popular novel about a family of vampires through the years. This is made with mostly unknown actors who all do a great job in their roles. There was also a popular movie about this made in 1994 with Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Kirsten Dunst. Obviously most people will compare the two and even though I liked the movie a little more this more than holds up and stands in its own. I never read the books but I've read that this show is a lot closer to it than the movie was. You can tell they try to respect the source material as much as possible and even had Anne Rice help create the show and have her on as an executive producer before her death last year. After reading through the reviews I'm glad that most people seem to agree with me that this is a good show.
451 Reviews
I really like it!
mauramartindale2 May 2024
I thought this was a good reimagination of the book. I like it a lot more than the movie. It's atmospheric and entertaining, and I liked the way they went about telling the story. The acting is really good, especially Jacob Andersson. I didn't find the interview plotline boring, it was very well-done and I kept looking forward to watching those parts as well. I also think the changes they made were for the better because it added a lot to the story. They're all also so messy which is entertaining to watch since it causes so much drama and that's what I want from a story about vampires. All in all it's a really good show.
A Wonderful Addition to the Vampire Genre
garciachaffey14 May 2024
Refreshingly brilliant addition to the vampire genre. It can be hard to find shows within this genre of a high calibre and this is just that. Drawing you in with every word and inflection is Reid as Lestat - Reid exudes an undeniable presence that captivates every corner of the stage. The show exhibits exceptional writing, characterised by its intricate plot development and compelling dialogue. Additionally, the narrative structure, with a present-day interviewer delving into the vampire's past through flashbacks, adds an intriguing depth and suspense to the storytelling. All in all, everything from the set design, writing and chemistry between the actors is top-notch. I hope IWTV graces our screens with more seasons.
Best adaption
yazza-7838414 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
AMC's 'Interview with the Vampire' has emerged as the definitive adaptation of Anne Rice's beloved novel series. With its captivating performances, stunning visuals, and thoughtful revisions, the show has not only captured the essence of Rice's work but has also elevated it to new heights. It is a triumph of storytelling, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a love letter to Anne Rice's enduring legacy. By making thoughtful changes to the characters and storyline, the people behind this show has created a truly exceptional work of art that stands as the best adaptation of Rice's books to date.
Like it as much as I do the movie
Freakazoid117513 May 2024
I was a little hesitant going into this because I was a big fan of the movie, Interview with the Vampire. I thought there's no way anyone's going to be able to do it better than Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, two of the best actors there are. Well, somehow this show was able to be almost as good, maybe even better than the movie. I've never seen Jacob Anderson or Sam Reid in anything before besides Anderson as Brey Worm in Game of Thrones so I wasn't familiar with their work. They both played the part of Louis and Lestat perfectly. I blew through the first season in less than two days. Anne Rice, who wrote the book and created these characters, was very hands on for this show and you can tell. I know they just recast the Claudia character but from what I can tell the new actress is even better. Some people (we all know who) don't like the fact that they cast a black actor as Louis which is just ridiculous. These people never fail in bombarding any show that has anyone who's not a straight white man as the lead with negative reviews.
The Obvious Racial Stereotypes
YosefHawel4 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Anne Rice created a thoughtful meditation on the legacy of racial injustice in the United States. Her character Louis de Pointe, a sugar plantation owner with many slaves, Louis drains them of their happiness and freedom in order to feed the sweet tooth of white America. Slavery, in other words, Louis devastated the lives of blacks for the frivolities of white consumerism. At the time, Louis does not give much thought to these ideas. For him, it was just another part of his idyllic plantation life. Rice uses Louis' blindness to the ingrained racism of the South to call attention to its ongoing legacy in America. Only after being turned into a vampire does Louis reflect on how a few of his slaves were rather intelligent, deserved better treatment, and this detail sought to condemn the racist ideology ingrained in American culture that whites can only recognize it in death. Well-written. Beautiful indeed.
Rolin Jones has flailed the skin from the Anne Rice's novel and created a mockery of her work. Slavery is a far gone conclusion adrift in the new era of the early 1900's. Gone is the 1791 start date and lapsed wit towards the complete acceptance of slavery. Louis and his family still own a plantation. The de Pointe family has procured some wealth with sugar, but the father abandoned his responsibilities. The father of Louis walked away from his family in the first of the worst racist stereotypes Rolin Jones gleefully introduced upon shocked fans. The next repulsion is a constructed means for a black man to be successful through his merits by making Louis a common pimp. A black man selling bodies for money is a direct slap in the face to what Anne Rice presented so fluently. I'm reminded of an interview with Jones applauding himself with his idolatric whims towards black men in general. I ponder his self-entertaining platitudes as I watch Louis and his religious brother Paul tap-dance for others' amusement.
Sexuality is throughout 'Interview with the Vampire'. Rice played on the preconceived notions of heteronormative culture by neither idealizing nor demonizing homoerotic relationships. The relationships were presented as natural. The understanding that it can be beautiful, as was the relationship between Louis & Armand, and also hostile and messy, as with Louis & Lestat. The subtext of homoerotic relationships in her book was Rice's method of critiquing homophobia, because she is presenting homosexuality & heterosexuality as sharing similar characteristics. Neither one is presented as inherently good or bad. Rolin Jones aborts this notion and thrusts us into headlong into fantasy. Louis a black pimp is seduced by Lestat easily. He fights objectively in vanilla distaste, only to embrace it fully for the first time. It clearly presents Louis as the underling with Lestat as the master in this scenario. The final racial stereotype being the sexual lust of the black man being untamed. Louis can not pull away from Lestat's charisma. I remain unconvinced that Rolin Jones will refrain from diving into broad detail the breadth of Louis' physical endowments as I refuse to watch another episode of this sick fan fiction. This is one man's imagination blindly piecing a grand story for his own desires. I'd expected this from some hidden spot within the internet, but never on the channel of AMC.
It is still early in the first season. I am finished granting this series attention. There echoes the promise of a season 2, and yet my hopes and prayers are that others will recognize this trite as the wasted effort it may have been.
Rolin Jones has flailed the skin from the Anne Rice's novel and created a mockery of her work. Slavery is a far gone conclusion adrift in the new era of the early 1900's. Gone is the 1791 start date and lapsed wit towards the complete acceptance of slavery. Louis and his family still own a plantation. The de Pointe family has procured some wealth with sugar, but the father abandoned his responsibilities. The father of Louis walked away from his family in the first of the worst racist stereotypes Rolin Jones gleefully introduced upon shocked fans. The next repulsion is a constructed means for a black man to be successful through his merits by making Louis a common pimp. A black man selling bodies for money is a direct slap in the face to what Anne Rice presented so fluently. I'm reminded of an interview with Jones applauding himself with his idolatric whims towards black men in general. I ponder his self-entertaining platitudes as I watch Louis and his religious brother Paul tap-dance for others' amusement.
Sexuality is throughout 'Interview with the Vampire'. Rice played on the preconceived notions of heteronormative culture by neither idealizing nor demonizing homoerotic relationships. The relationships were presented as natural. The understanding that it can be beautiful, as was the relationship between Louis & Armand, and also hostile and messy, as with Louis & Lestat. The subtext of homoerotic relationships in her book was Rice's method of critiquing homophobia, because she is presenting homosexuality & heterosexuality as sharing similar characteristics. Neither one is presented as inherently good or bad. Rolin Jones aborts this notion and thrusts us into headlong into fantasy. Louis a black pimp is seduced by Lestat easily. He fights objectively in vanilla distaste, only to embrace it fully for the first time. It clearly presents Louis as the underling with Lestat as the master in this scenario. The final racial stereotype being the sexual lust of the black man being untamed. Louis can not pull away from Lestat's charisma. I remain unconvinced that Rolin Jones will refrain from diving into broad detail the breadth of Louis' physical endowments as I refuse to watch another episode of this sick fan fiction. This is one man's imagination blindly piecing a grand story for his own desires. I'd expected this from some hidden spot within the internet, but never on the channel of AMC.
It is still early in the first season. I am finished granting this series attention. There echoes the promise of a season 2, and yet my hopes and prayers are that others will recognize this trite as the wasted effort it may have been.
Research I BEG of you.
attendantofsavagegardens3 November 2022
First of all, reviews going "Anne was a producer so she must have been okay with it" no she wasn't. As soon as she passed they shoved Christopher out of the producing and rewrote what Anne had given them of her first three episodes she had written. Stop living in that fantasy of her approval I beg of you, use you're context clues of Chris not talking about this train wreck. Malloy is irritating, Louis has been stripped of all of his depth and reason, and Claudia is even more insufferable. Sam Reid is the only thing keeping me going and that the second season isn't like this offal set in political agendas.
Horrified.
katefrichardson17 May 2024
Horrified by anyone that doesn't give this a 10/10.
This has to be the most incredible adaptation I've seen for Anne Rice to date. No offense to Tom or Brad because they did a fabulous job... but this just absolutely NAILS it.
Oh let's see... the INCREDIBLE casting, beautiful set design, IMPECCABLE writing (having help from Anne Rice herself with the screenplay before her passing in 2021), the dark and haunting short intro, the wonderful acting... I could go on and on.
This really is a very beautiful and interesting existential story that digs deep in ways that you thought you already knew but then reminds you that you still have a lot to learn.
Bravo to everyone involved in this show. THIS... is worth the bite ;)
This has to be the most incredible adaptation I've seen for Anne Rice to date. No offense to Tom or Brad because they did a fabulous job... but this just absolutely NAILS it.
Oh let's see... the INCREDIBLE casting, beautiful set design, IMPECCABLE writing (having help from Anne Rice herself with the screenplay before her passing in 2021), the dark and haunting short intro, the wonderful acting... I could go on and on.
This really is a very beautiful and interesting existential story that digs deep in ways that you thought you already knew but then reminds you that you still have a lot to learn.
Bravo to everyone involved in this show. THIS... is worth the bite ;)
A huge swing, not bad, but could have been more (updated review after watching the season)
deakon75-575-4235924 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I have decided to update my initial review, and up increase my rating some, after having finished the first season (Initial angry review still listed below)
It comes down to trying to understand a little more what the writers have tried to do with this series. It's an attempt to tell the story a second time. They really broke away from the proper time line, back-stories, and relationships of the primary character, and this I cannot move past, as much as I try.
HOWEVER: I feel that anyone that has not read the book(s), loves anything vampires, and would like to dip into the some of the basic fundamentals of The Vampire Chronicles, will most likely, thoroughly enjoy this series. Once I decided to ignore the missing, finer points of the original telling of the story, it was entertaining, and i authentically look forward to the next season, to see how the story is re-told in this new lens.
***Original, angry fan review from October 4, 2022*** As others have mentioned, this is a show called "Interview with the Vampire", but it's not Anne Rice's.
Amazing production, paired with phenomenal actors. The story is absolute garbage, nowhere near the book of the same name.
Fans have waited for years for someone to make a series out of the books. This is not the way. Hopefully it gets cancelled early on before completely downing the name, and someone comes and does it right. A massive, multi year series, using the original material is 100% doable. I can't fathom why they felt the need to re-write Anne's story, when the original story was so amazing and detailed.
So saddened and disappointed that I had to come here and rate & review in this negative light.
It comes down to trying to understand a little more what the writers have tried to do with this series. It's an attempt to tell the story a second time. They really broke away from the proper time line, back-stories, and relationships of the primary character, and this I cannot move past, as much as I try.
HOWEVER: I feel that anyone that has not read the book(s), loves anything vampires, and would like to dip into the some of the basic fundamentals of The Vampire Chronicles, will most likely, thoroughly enjoy this series. Once I decided to ignore the missing, finer points of the original telling of the story, it was entertaining, and i authentically look forward to the next season, to see how the story is re-told in this new lens.
***Original, angry fan review from October 4, 2022*** As others have mentioned, this is a show called "Interview with the Vampire", but it's not Anne Rice's.
Amazing production, paired with phenomenal actors. The story is absolute garbage, nowhere near the book of the same name.
Fans have waited for years for someone to make a series out of the books. This is not the way. Hopefully it gets cancelled early on before completely downing the name, and someone comes and does it right. A massive, multi year series, using the original material is 100% doable. I can't fathom why they felt the need to re-write Anne's story, when the original story was so amazing and detailed.
So saddened and disappointed that I had to come here and rate & review in this negative light.
Not the right story
chadcpeplinski4 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
It feels like yet another changing of excellent material to fit today's sensitivities and social debates. The original story was complex and wonderful. It was about interpersonal relationships and this just wants to spark emotion by today's standards for offending people. This is superficial and the changes are unnecessary. If they wanted to tell this tale, write something new and original without degrading the original work. It's not even close to capturing the spirit of the novels. It completely misses on the path of the characters or the journey they take. This is almost as bad as Disney's betrayal of Star Wars.
I couldn't take 30 min.
I couldn't take 30 min.
Misleading but...
berbunc1 December 2022
I wanted to watch Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire hoping to enjoy, (finally), an adaptation that does justice to Anne's great novel. Instead I got a vampire show that borrows from her novel.
First, the positive, Sam Reid, Bailey Bass, and Jacob Anderson are good, the show has good production values, and direction is solid from episodes 4 trough episode 7.
However, all the main characters are miscast as Lestat, Claudia and Louis; in this aspect the TV show mirrors the 1994, and 2002 films. Both projects failed with the age of the characters, but the TV show unnecessarily also changes race, (Louis, Claudia), for the sake of inclusion.
Also, a complete change of time-period, events, characters, sexuality elements, and dialogue that never occurred in the original source. Which, to be fair, is not new in these kind of vehicles - see, CW's The Vampire Diaries.
To make it very clear, this TV show uses Anne Rice's brand as a hook not as an homage. This product is a different creature made by different creators who didn't bother to try to faithfully adapt the main story. They didn't set themselves to honor Anne's tale, instead they went and built on top of her best work, and the result is a lesser product.
No doubt, Anne and her son Christopher probably got paid handsomely.
Is it a bad show? No, it's not. In fact it is a good vampire show.
However, that's the real shame - why would anyone just want to make a good show? Why don't just be faithful to the source and aim for greatness instead?
I guess is a good thing Anne didn't got to watch it.
With another title and different character names this show; in my book, is an easy 8 - however, the mislead brings a bitter taste, and for that I can't force myself to give more than a 6.
Just a missed opportunity.
First, the positive, Sam Reid, Bailey Bass, and Jacob Anderson are good, the show has good production values, and direction is solid from episodes 4 trough episode 7.
However, all the main characters are miscast as Lestat, Claudia and Louis; in this aspect the TV show mirrors the 1994, and 2002 films. Both projects failed with the age of the characters, but the TV show unnecessarily also changes race, (Louis, Claudia), for the sake of inclusion.
Also, a complete change of time-period, events, characters, sexuality elements, and dialogue that never occurred in the original source. Which, to be fair, is not new in these kind of vehicles - see, CW's The Vampire Diaries.
To make it very clear, this TV show uses Anne Rice's brand as a hook not as an homage. This product is a different creature made by different creators who didn't bother to try to faithfully adapt the main story. They didn't set themselves to honor Anne's tale, instead they went and built on top of her best work, and the result is a lesser product.
No doubt, Anne and her son Christopher probably got paid handsomely.
Is it a bad show? No, it's not. In fact it is a good vampire show.
However, that's the real shame - why would anyone just want to make a good show? Why don't just be faithful to the source and aim for greatness instead?
I guess is a good thing Anne didn't got to watch it.
With another title and different character names this show; in my book, is an easy 8 - however, the mislead brings a bitter taste, and for that I can't force myself to give more than a 6.
Just a missed opportunity.
Just take her name off and change the title
MissCherylA19 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Nothing in this resembles anything she wrote. Armand was never the love of Louis life and that's why they eventually went their separate ways and he was why Claudia died which Louis never forgot or forgave him for. Louis did not kill Lestat. Claudia is a child who never grows up not a horny teen. Changing the time period and their races changes everything. You do know white passing children did inherit plantations. Had you followed the story you could've done so much to give fans a final show of Loustat love on screen. Instead we get race swapped gay porn. Armand changed Daniel because he loves him. What is he gonna do with an old man? You changed much and added nothing.
A perfect follow up!
siophmedia4 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The role of Claudia will now be played by Delainey Hayles opens the long-awaited second season of AMC's Interview with the Vampire in typical theatre fashion to set the scene for an immersive second act. The first season of Interview with the Vampire was a renowned success, capturing the essence and detail of the books while making changes to update them without flaw, and is a welcome continuation throughout the new season. This time, it's a slower build but heightened in every sense, which leaves you still reeling from the betrayal and revelations.
We continue, wasting no time as Louis (Jacob Anderson) and Claudia seek out more of their kind to find out where they come from. Claudia hungrily seeks out all the clues as World War II wages on behind them, making the blood different from their kills. They feel sad and cold after eating. Louis wants to stop, angry that they are seemingly seeking out the Adam and Eve of the Damned, but his betrayal from last season still stings. That betrayal perfectly mirrors Daniel's (Eric Bogosian) bitter anger that Rashid was Armand (Assad Zaman), who takes no prisoners this season.
As Louis reckons with his own memories and corrections and figures them out, so does Daniel. Memory is a monster, but it is unreliable, something the series leans into and builds up to harsh revelations, such as in the '70s in San Francisco, when all Louis, Armand, and Daniel are forced to deal with what happened. One of the things up for much discussion with book fans is the conflicting narratives as the vampires tell their story, more so shown between Interview with the Vampire and The Vampire Lestat, but now we have an older Daniel, emblazoned to find the truth after the Armand/Rashid revelation that not only brings a deep rage but some of the best comedic moments as he jibes and pokes at the two vampires, mostly Armand. In the most enthralling episode of the season, Daniel revives his own memories with Louis' help about the original interview, which answers many questions from the first season but brings more intrigue with each revelation and unearthed memory. It feels like there is more between the glares and gazes of Daniel and Armand-something book fans will truly enjoy. If memory is a monster, it seems like there is a consequence for unearthing them.
Memories may be questioned, but they linger with Lestat (Sam Reid) being a ghost-like figure or hallucination to Louis, who invades his time with Armand as their relationship builds, waiting for him to be happy to get his revenge, or so he says. Despite his supposed death from the previous season, the visions make Louis doubt his state of mind, making an excellent link to 2022 in making Louis question his memories. The lingering of Lestat adds a great rift between Louis and Armand, even as a hallucination and an idea, but shows that Louis has tender moments with his former love. The reduced screen time of Lestat could easily be missed if it weren't for the charming Armand. Master of the Paris coven, Armand watches Louis for months before making contact and tries to recruit Louis and Claudia into the coven, but instead builds a love with Louis that is calmer than his love with Lestat but just as palpable and toxic. We see Armand a variety of times: after Lestat was turned, meeting Louis, in 70's San Francisco, and in present-day Dubai. In each iteration of Armand, Zaman gives new depth to Armand that, despite his manipulation, you want to be drawn into him.
In a similar vein, new character Santiago (Ben Daniels) adds to the theatrical element of the show with exquisite screen presence and a seductive performance in the Théâtre des Vampires. He's dangerous and makes that known instantly, yet there is something almost romantic and peaceful when he kills, despite the violence. Like Claudia, you'll want to see more and be completely taken with him. We see him as the season's thespian, a mentor to Claudia and a business partner to Armand, but with that comes a leadership challenge brought forward by Louis' refusal to partake in coven matters, creating animosity between Louis and Santiago, stemming from Louis falling asleep at a performance. Their comparative relationship creates great tension in the series and intrigue for the Théâtre, which comes to a head at dinner when, sick of Louis' pretension, Santiago uses his mimic-gift to call out the other vampire. It starts off funny with apprehension underneath, resulting in fierce animosity between the two.
Visually, the series has turned things all the way up with grand set designs, costumes, and framing that are a treat for the eyes. The Théâtre is where this shines, mixing the practical elements of the theatre with the grand, high-camp nature of the vampires. The stage is bright and extra, and using the cinematic projection makes a whole new world, but underneath it is bloody, cold, and dark, yet each part of this world brings you in to marvel at the intricacies. It can look erratic at times, but that brings a heightened element to the deadly fun and makes a great stage for Armand's cruelty to Claudia when she steps onto the stage.
Bailey Bass was a treat in the first season, but taking over that role is Delainey Hayles, bringing a much angrier but hopeful Claudia trying to find her place in the world. She is granted much more agency this season. Hayles makes the role her own but brings a more complicated Claudia, who reels from betrayal and finds love and a community. Like Santiago, she breathes fun into the role but is able to flawlessly switch, showing a more compassionate and deadly mix.
Season two is without flaw. A visual masterpiece that carries multiple perspectives, leans hard into a theatrical nature, and carries masterful performances all around. Revelations are built up with expert precision, but with possible twists hinted throughout to grip and entice book readers while promising to give much more. The only time things start to feel a little off is, surprisingly, Lestat's past. At first, it feels jarring and rushed without the nuance of the book, but given that Armand is relaying the tale and how the series leans into the unreliable narrator and conflicting memories, it works perfectly and brings more to Armand's character in a moment when he isn't the main character yet feels like it.
We continue, wasting no time as Louis (Jacob Anderson) and Claudia seek out more of their kind to find out where they come from. Claudia hungrily seeks out all the clues as World War II wages on behind them, making the blood different from their kills. They feel sad and cold after eating. Louis wants to stop, angry that they are seemingly seeking out the Adam and Eve of the Damned, but his betrayal from last season still stings. That betrayal perfectly mirrors Daniel's (Eric Bogosian) bitter anger that Rashid was Armand (Assad Zaman), who takes no prisoners this season.
As Louis reckons with his own memories and corrections and figures them out, so does Daniel. Memory is a monster, but it is unreliable, something the series leans into and builds up to harsh revelations, such as in the '70s in San Francisco, when all Louis, Armand, and Daniel are forced to deal with what happened. One of the things up for much discussion with book fans is the conflicting narratives as the vampires tell their story, more so shown between Interview with the Vampire and The Vampire Lestat, but now we have an older Daniel, emblazoned to find the truth after the Armand/Rashid revelation that not only brings a deep rage but some of the best comedic moments as he jibes and pokes at the two vampires, mostly Armand. In the most enthralling episode of the season, Daniel revives his own memories with Louis' help about the original interview, which answers many questions from the first season but brings more intrigue with each revelation and unearthed memory. It feels like there is more between the glares and gazes of Daniel and Armand-something book fans will truly enjoy. If memory is a monster, it seems like there is a consequence for unearthing them.
Memories may be questioned, but they linger with Lestat (Sam Reid) being a ghost-like figure or hallucination to Louis, who invades his time with Armand as their relationship builds, waiting for him to be happy to get his revenge, or so he says. Despite his supposed death from the previous season, the visions make Louis doubt his state of mind, making an excellent link to 2022 in making Louis question his memories. The lingering of Lestat adds a great rift between Louis and Armand, even as a hallucination and an idea, but shows that Louis has tender moments with his former love. The reduced screen time of Lestat could easily be missed if it weren't for the charming Armand. Master of the Paris coven, Armand watches Louis for months before making contact and tries to recruit Louis and Claudia into the coven, but instead builds a love with Louis that is calmer than his love with Lestat but just as palpable and toxic. We see Armand a variety of times: after Lestat was turned, meeting Louis, in 70's San Francisco, and in present-day Dubai. In each iteration of Armand, Zaman gives new depth to Armand that, despite his manipulation, you want to be drawn into him.
In a similar vein, new character Santiago (Ben Daniels) adds to the theatrical element of the show with exquisite screen presence and a seductive performance in the Théâtre des Vampires. He's dangerous and makes that known instantly, yet there is something almost romantic and peaceful when he kills, despite the violence. Like Claudia, you'll want to see more and be completely taken with him. We see him as the season's thespian, a mentor to Claudia and a business partner to Armand, but with that comes a leadership challenge brought forward by Louis' refusal to partake in coven matters, creating animosity between Louis and Santiago, stemming from Louis falling asleep at a performance. Their comparative relationship creates great tension in the series and intrigue for the Théâtre, which comes to a head at dinner when, sick of Louis' pretension, Santiago uses his mimic-gift to call out the other vampire. It starts off funny with apprehension underneath, resulting in fierce animosity between the two.
Visually, the series has turned things all the way up with grand set designs, costumes, and framing that are a treat for the eyes. The Théâtre is where this shines, mixing the practical elements of the theatre with the grand, high-camp nature of the vampires. The stage is bright and extra, and using the cinematic projection makes a whole new world, but underneath it is bloody, cold, and dark, yet each part of this world brings you in to marvel at the intricacies. It can look erratic at times, but that brings a heightened element to the deadly fun and makes a great stage for Armand's cruelty to Claudia when she steps onto the stage.
Bailey Bass was a treat in the first season, but taking over that role is Delainey Hayles, bringing a much angrier but hopeful Claudia trying to find her place in the world. She is granted much more agency this season. Hayles makes the role her own but brings a more complicated Claudia, who reels from betrayal and finds love and a community. Like Santiago, she breathes fun into the role but is able to flawlessly switch, showing a more compassionate and deadly mix.
Season two is without flaw. A visual masterpiece that carries multiple perspectives, leans hard into a theatrical nature, and carries masterful performances all around. Revelations are built up with expert precision, but with possible twists hinted throughout to grip and entice book readers while promising to give much more. The only time things start to feel a little off is, surprisingly, Lestat's past. At first, it feels jarring and rushed without the nuance of the book, but given that Armand is relaying the tale and how the series leans into the unreliable narrator and conflicting memories, it works perfectly and brings more to Armand's character in a moment when he isn't the main character yet feels like it.
Everyone should give it a chance
uwuwithluv2 May 2024
After watching it and loving every second of it, i went and read some reviews. I came to the conclusion that the only way you can hate this show is if you come with a close mind and expect to see every word of the original books acted out, I'm here to say it, you will not, but that doesn't make it bad. It has everything i could ever ask from a tv show about vampires; action, romance, horror, and a deep dive about the struggles that come with being a powerful immortal? Great and interesting script, amazing actors and beautiful clothing. I truly love the movie and the books, and sadly i wasn't interested in watching this show, but for some reason I ended up binge watching it a few days ago. What a great decision, I'm relieved i did it just in time to get season 2 (hopefully season 3). Amazing, that's all i can say and urge you to give it a watch and see for yourself.
Please watch it without prejudice
erimerdi29 January 2023
I'm a big fan of Mrs. Rice's work especially the Vampire Chronicles. When I first saw the interview with Vampire the first time I was astonished. That movie made me read Rice's books and I fell in love with the stories and characters. Although the 1994 movie was somewhat a poor adaptation of the book, since I had seen it before reading the book, I fell in love with it too. The Queen of the Damned was even a worst adaptation but I guess Rice's imagination was so great and she managed to create her beloved vampire characters so good it was watchable. At first, I convinced myself as if I was watching a vampire movie not related with Rice's work so in time I have learned to appreciate it but never actually have learned to like it.
When I first heard Rice's vampire chronicles is a possibility I was super excited. I guess at that time Mrs. Rice was alive and negotiating with the studios and she wanted to involve in the process. Nothing came out of it and after she had passed AMC picked up the entire Vampire chronicles catalog which was a great news until of course the details about the new IWV series surfaced. Just like most of the diehard fans, I rejected the cast, time period alongside the most of the story. Maybe the only promising aspect of the story that still resembling the original book was Lestat himself. I did not watch the series at all but of course the love of the vampire chronicles and the curiosity bested me. I decided to give it a try after all I was so sure that I will not be able to finish even the first episode.
Oh boy, I was so wrong! I instantly started enjoying the show and the characters were just great! The time period didn't bother me at all because everything crafted deliciously good the writers actually did a great job. Without any spoilers I want to say all the fans of the Vampire chronicles please watch it without prejudice. It's a good show and very well written one. Yes, it's not what Anne Rice wrote for the most part but when you start watching it you will fall in love!
When I first heard Rice's vampire chronicles is a possibility I was super excited. I guess at that time Mrs. Rice was alive and negotiating with the studios and she wanted to involve in the process. Nothing came out of it and after she had passed AMC picked up the entire Vampire chronicles catalog which was a great news until of course the details about the new IWV series surfaced. Just like most of the diehard fans, I rejected the cast, time period alongside the most of the story. Maybe the only promising aspect of the story that still resembling the original book was Lestat himself. I did not watch the series at all but of course the love of the vampire chronicles and the curiosity bested me. I decided to give it a try after all I was so sure that I will not be able to finish even the first episode.
Oh boy, I was so wrong! I instantly started enjoying the show and the characters were just great! The time period didn't bother me at all because everything crafted deliciously good the writers actually did a great job. Without any spoilers I want to say all the fans of the Vampire chronicles please watch it without prejudice. It's a good show and very well written one. Yes, it's not what Anne Rice wrote for the most part but when you start watching it you will fall in love!
Still a great story!
colinsouth3 January 2024
I loved the original story, and this is no exception. Most of the characters are rich, the two main actors are brilliant with highly emotive performances, some of the other characters feel like "fillers" with little purpose other than to extend the running time.
What I find most disappointing, although true to the essence of the original story, the producers and director have added an element of racial politics. If the directors were going to be inclusive then replacing white actors with black ones isn't the way to do it. If you wanted equality, then young Claudia would be Asian, Native American, Portuguese, Mexican or even Indian. Racial exclusivity isn't cool, regardless of the direction.
What I find most disappointing, although true to the essence of the original story, the producers and director have added an element of racial politics. If the directors were going to be inclusive then replacing white actors with black ones isn't the way to do it. If you wanted equality, then young Claudia would be Asian, Native American, Portuguese, Mexican or even Indian. Racial exclusivity isn't cool, regardless of the direction.
I don't like it..
DaniyBoimdb19 January 2023
This is not Anne Rices Interview with the vampire.
This is a complete different story.
I really do not understand why they had to change so much it's frustrating.
I watched the movie a couple of times and it is one of my favorite movies and I read the book.
Louis wasn't a Pimp in the book or the movie. His family died. He was married and his wife was pregnant (wife and child died during labor)..
Well..iam disappointed.
The only thing in this show that is correct are the names of the characters everything else has nothing to do with the original story! This show should have a different name.
This is a complete different story.
I really do not understand why they had to change so much it's frustrating.
I watched the movie a couple of times and it is one of my favorite movies and I read the book.
Louis wasn't a Pimp in the book or the movie. His family died. He was married and his wife was pregnant (wife and child died during labor)..
Well..iam disappointed.
The only thing in this show that is correct are the names of the characters everything else has nothing to do with the original story! This show should have a different name.
I can't even believe it could be so gooood.
ferrfrost12 February 2024
The perfect series. I can't even believe it could be so gooood.
I have read all the books of Anne Rice. Anne Rice wrote three of the episodes with her son.
New times, a new Interview with a Vampire for these times. I really like erotica, such passion, feelings, it's so beautiful.
Unrealistically wonderful actors, directors, everyone who contributed to the creation of this series.
I haven't seen such a beautiful series with great actors in a long time.
In my 40 years, it's the best series, something so special and heartbreaking.
I really hope there will be more seasons of the series.
I don't understand the bad reviews about the series because it's was created by Anne Rice, her son and other talented people.
I have read all the books of Anne Rice. Anne Rice wrote three of the episodes with her son.
New times, a new Interview with a Vampire for these times. I really like erotica, such passion, feelings, it's so beautiful.
Unrealistically wonderful actors, directors, everyone who contributed to the creation of this series.
I haven't seen such a beautiful series with great actors in a long time.
In my 40 years, it's the best series, something so special and heartbreaking.
I really hope there will be more seasons of the series.
I don't understand the bad reviews about the series because it's was created by Anne Rice, her son and other talented people.
Under a different title, this may be better.
jkanecoleman4 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Update:. I am liking the show more as it progresses. Score updated to show that.
Let us cut to the meat of the matter here, Interview With the Vampire is one of a series of books from Anne Rice that created a treasured film that really wasn't calling for any kind of remake or new interpretation. We'll, it's 2022 and we're getting on retelling of the story.
I will start off and say, if this was retitled something else, I think it would be much more effective and less target. When you take something that had a loyal and dedicate fanbase like Anne Rice, it is going automatically get scrutiny, it's not fair but it's just how it goes so you can't just tell people they're wrong because they love something. Anyhow, when you take that very thing and then change many of the core components all together, well, you're probably better off just titling it something different and seeing how it fares.
I get the IP will draw people to this that otherwise would ignore it under a new title, but this really isn't Interview with the Vampire. Yes is uses characters with those names, but that's about it. This retelling totally changes characters motivations, means and purposes into a very 2022 feeling story that, while not awful, just isn't that great.
Along with the changed story are key focus elements on race, class, sexuality and mental health. That's all fine if it's done with a deft hand and organic integration. It's not. You feel like your watching a vampire story and then every so often are slapped in the face with a 2x4 with an issue that derails the atmosphere the show tries to build. Add in there are some scenes that just come across as what I can only assume are unintentionally comical and sometimes just flat out weird/poorly acted.
To conclude this, I'm all for updated and revamped versions of older stories, but this feels unnecessary and honestly it's just not very good. The characters aren't engaging and the story is so different that this should have been titled something else, but alas, here we are. Oh well.
Let us cut to the meat of the matter here, Interview With the Vampire is one of a series of books from Anne Rice that created a treasured film that really wasn't calling for any kind of remake or new interpretation. We'll, it's 2022 and we're getting on retelling of the story.
I will start off and say, if this was retitled something else, I think it would be much more effective and less target. When you take something that had a loyal and dedicate fanbase like Anne Rice, it is going automatically get scrutiny, it's not fair but it's just how it goes so you can't just tell people they're wrong because they love something. Anyhow, when you take that very thing and then change many of the core components all together, well, you're probably better off just titling it something different and seeing how it fares.
I get the IP will draw people to this that otherwise would ignore it under a new title, but this really isn't Interview with the Vampire. Yes is uses characters with those names, but that's about it. This retelling totally changes characters motivations, means and purposes into a very 2022 feeling story that, while not awful, just isn't that great.
Along with the changed story are key focus elements on race, class, sexuality and mental health. That's all fine if it's done with a deft hand and organic integration. It's not. You feel like your watching a vampire story and then every so often are slapped in the face with a 2x4 with an issue that derails the atmosphere the show tries to build. Add in there are some scenes that just come across as what I can only assume are unintentionally comical and sometimes just flat out weird/poorly acted.
To conclude this, I'm all for updated and revamped versions of older stories, but this feels unnecessary and honestly it's just not very good. The characters aren't engaging and the story is so different that this should have been titled something else, but alas, here we are. Oh well.
Criminal adulteration of a great tale
raymccune-7221616 September 2023
A criminal adulteration of Anne Rice's original tale of 'Interview with the vampire', which I loved very much. This new adaptation takes the name and trashes the tale to achieve complete compliance with the rules of todays ruling social justice aristocracy. Reset in a much later time period, Louis the slave plantation owner is recast as a black brothel owner (no, really) and is now firmly gay rather than being an asexual vampire. One has to wonder why even bother taking the name of 'interview with the vampire'? If you intend telling a different story with different characters, wouldn't it make more sense to simply produce something original? The same people that parrot the virtues of social justice and decry the sin of cultural appropriation seem blind to their hypocrisy when appropriating and cannibalising stories such as this.
Anne Rice wrote three of the episodes
kay_rock12 October 2022
I've been surprised by the number of reviewers have lamented that this is not Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire, even crying out "Not one word written by Anne Rice!"
Actually, she and her son Christopher were heavily involved and were executive producers. And Anne herself wrote three of the episodes. She was proud of this work and happy for the reinvention of it.
It is possible to enjoy this even if you, as I did, read every book as they were written, awaiting each new volume and running to the bookstore as soon as they were released.
Is this different? Yes. And I'm glad for it. It's a way to enjoy the universe she created all over again without having to worry about some pristine, exact re-enactment. I can relax into it, seeing where it goes without expectation.
And it's a far cry better than the Brad Pitt/Tom Cruise debacle. I still shudder over that abomination.
It's excellently acted, the sets are magical, and the whole thing is quite enjoyable.
Actually, she and her son Christopher were heavily involved and were executive producers. And Anne herself wrote three of the episodes. She was proud of this work and happy for the reinvention of it.
It is possible to enjoy this even if you, as I did, read every book as they were written, awaiting each new volume and running to the bookstore as soon as they were released.
Is this different? Yes. And I'm glad for it. It's a way to enjoy the universe she created all over again without having to worry about some pristine, exact re-enactment. I can relax into it, seeing where it goes without expectation.
And it's a far cry better than the Brad Pitt/Tom Cruise debacle. I still shudder over that abomination.
It's excellently acted, the sets are magical, and the whole thing is quite enjoyable.
Brilliantly executed!
mizdangels1 March 2024
I would like to believe that if Anne Rice lived to see this recreation of her novel that she would be ecstatic. The acting is outstanding and execution of the written text into storytelling was flawless.
I've never been satisfied with the original movie and I hated Tom Cruise as Lestat. I'm aware that Ms. Rice was pleased with his performance, but I believe she would adore this depiction of Lestat. The series shows his multidimensional personality as well as showing Louis as more than the brooding bore he was depicted in the original movie. I can understand that the time constraints of a movie cannot truly show the depths of character that a miniseries can.
This miniseries is brilliantly done and does the book and its author proud.
I've never been satisfied with the original movie and I hated Tom Cruise as Lestat. I'm aware that Ms. Rice was pleased with his performance, but I believe she would adore this depiction of Lestat. The series shows his multidimensional personality as well as showing Louis as more than the brooding bore he was depicted in the original movie. I can understand that the time constraints of a movie cannot truly show the depths of character that a miniseries can.
This miniseries is brilliantly done and does the book and its author proud.
Great show can't wait for season 2
alijahrosser-688192 April 2024
Great show love it so much can't wait for season 2, season 1 was good think it's better then the interview with the vampire 1994 film with (Tom Cruise) & (Brad Pitt & (Kirsten Dunst) keep up the good work can't wait for Anne Rice's Interview with the vampire series season 2 I highly recommend it honestly. It's different from the interview with the vampire film (1994) film but it still got the same thing to do with them telling the story it's a great show, acting is top notch, set design is superb. It's and updated retelling of the classic novel, and it does a fantastic job, better than the 1994 film.
Inspired By/Based On
annette-pulliam4 October 2022
This series is not about the Vampire Series of novels by Anne Rice. I have only watched the first episode. I like it so far. But fans have been misled. The low ratings here are not valid. I do have some issues with the changes. But it is obvious this series is not for Anne Rice fans. Accept that and move on. I like Sam Reid as Lestat.
This series has a political agenda. But it is visually stunning. I am disappointed with the show runners point of view. But that does not take away from this being a good series. My biggest disappointment is it was not made clear that this series would be a reimagining of Rice's material.
This series has a political agenda. But it is visually stunning. I am disappointed with the show runners point of view. But that does not take away from this being a good series. My biggest disappointment is it was not made clear that this series would be a reimagining of Rice's material.
Never read the books - still not very good
olilaflamme30 October 2022
I've never read the books, so I didn't watch this expecting something. Just that I kind of like vampire stories.
I was encouraged after the first 2 episodes, but I've been watching the same episode ever since. There is no sense of fear, there is no ambiance. The creepeness of the scenes with the writer is just cringe. Its too frontal, and they keep having the same argument. It became boring, fast.
The writers don't know how to write development. The introduction was OK, but the rest is so conventionnal. The more it goes on, the more the acting seems bad, they have nothing to latch on except the big shouting matches. Everything Louis is had to be said by Lestat. The substance of their caracters is very thin, I don't believe them.
Claudia is bad. Two episodes to for her to yell her predicament... I haven't watched the movie in a long time, but it seems to me it was way better.
This show is the perfect example of what goes wrong when you make the characters say everything instead of showing it and letting the viewers intelligence do the rest.
I was encouraged after the first 2 episodes, but I've been watching the same episode ever since. There is no sense of fear, there is no ambiance. The creepeness of the scenes with the writer is just cringe. Its too frontal, and they keep having the same argument. It became boring, fast.
The writers don't know how to write development. The introduction was OK, but the rest is so conventionnal. The more it goes on, the more the acting seems bad, they have nothing to latch on except the big shouting matches. Everything Louis is had to be said by Lestat. The substance of their caracters is very thin, I don't believe them.
Claudia is bad. Two episodes to for her to yell her predicament... I haven't watched the movie in a long time, but it seems to me it was way better.
This show is the perfect example of what goes wrong when you make the characters say everything instead of showing it and letting the viewers intelligence do the rest.
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