Temptation

Peacock Films

R4 DVD

Reviewer: Bob Estreich

Yes, it’s another vampire film, but this one is pretty good. It’s an independent production but seems to have none of the shortcomings that are usually found in the genre. The acting is good, the plot is intelligent and the cinematography is dark and in keeping with the film.

Isabel is having a night out with the girls in London. She gets into an illegal minicab for the ride home but the driver takes her to a quiet alley and rapes her. The rape is seen by Aurelie, head of a secret group of female vampires. She kills the rapist then bites the almost-unconscious Isabel.

The next morning Isabel’s life is in turmoil. She finds she is now allergic to sunlight. She can’t remember exactly what happened to her but she is having flashes of the rape. She is sick as the vampire blood starts to take her over.

Worst of all the Police are looking for her in connection with the dead cabbie – her mobile phone was found in the back of his car.

She tracks down the vampire group at a lesbian nightclub being run in an abandoned warehouse. Aurelie reveals that she saved Isabel because Isabel looks just like her girlfriend from hundreds of years ago. Isabel will continue changing into a vampire, but first she must take blood from a victim. The only other option is that she dies before the change is complete. She has 48 hours to decide.

To put pressure on her, Aurelie kills Isabel’s mother and sister. The vampire group discover Isabel’s boyfriend at the nightclub where he has followed her. They attack him and feed on him. His death is bloody and brutal. The Police now have a warrant for Isabel’s arrest and she must decide what her future will be. If there is one.

Full marks go to the actresses, some of whom are relatively inexperienced. Caroline Haines puts in a particularly good performance as Isabel.

The vampire genre is rather tired at the moment and has been largely abandoned by filmmakers. This film could revive it once more.

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