The vampire subgenre is undeniably at its strongest when it taps into what’s integral to the human experience: namely, disconnection and loneliness. Bram Stoker’s Dracula, for instance, perfectly unpicks the anonymity of big cities, while Stephen King’s ‘Salem’s Lot conversely unveils the underbelly of tight-knit communities. And then there’s Let the Right One In (the Tomas Alfredson original) and My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To, arguably two of the finest vampire movies of the 21st century, which prove the power of revealing the humanity of the antagonist.
But when the narrative (and the vampire itself) veers too far from that humanity (with the exception of classics like The Lost Boys, Blade or 1985’s Fright Night) more often than not, we miss the true horror: that of the human condition. In Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (or Vampire Humaniste Cherche Suicidaire Consentant), director Ariane Louis-Seize understands this balance unconditionally.
The story follows Sasha, who isn’t your typical vampire. She feels empathy rather than lust when she sees humans in pain. Her refusal to claim her first victim drives her family to despair. But when Sasha finds Paul — a depressed teen willing to offer her his blood and his life — they form a bond that helps them learn what it truly means to live.
What makes Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person so brilliant is its perfect harmony of warmth, humour and absurdity, driven by Sara Montpetit and Félix-Antoine Bénard in their adorably awkward lead roles. Louis-Seize’s unique exploration of the theme of consent is also noteworthy, transforming the victim-vampire dynamic into a symbiotic relationship reliant on mutual trust and respect. And that, perhaps, is exactly why this picture is such a delight: its faith in its characters, dialogue and directorial vision, rather than gore and gimmicks, elevate it into a fable about morality. The result is arguably one of the most memorable entries to the bloodsucker canon in recent memory.
CAST
Sara Montpetit
Félix-Antoine Bénard
Steve Laplante
DIRECTOR
Ariane Louis-Seize
SCREENPLAY
Christine Doyon
Ariane Louis-Seize
US CINEMA
21 June 2024
