This is a very straightforward vampire movie. It doesn't go off in many surprising directions, and might not blow many minds, but it is a hugely satisfying watch. It does just about everything well without truly excelling, but considering that still makes for a very good movie, I think that's okay.
(Okay, Bill Paxton excels in this movie. His character's definitely the most memorable, and he has a knack for stealing scenes here)
Interestingly, it came out the same year as another vampire movie, The Lost Boys. Even though I like that one, I think Near Dark is a little better overall, and maybe the former is part of the reason why the latter is overlooked and underrated in comparison.
Kathryn Bigelow's a great director and (in my opinion at least) has gone on to make even better movies in the decades since this one, but this was only her second feature film, and was already bordering on great. It's an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a good vampire film (or something from the 80s that's not too demanding).
(Okay, Bill Paxton excels in this movie. His character's definitely the most memorable, and he has a knack for stealing scenes here)
Interestingly, it came out the same year as another vampire movie, The Lost Boys. Even though I like that one, I think Near Dark is a little better overall, and maybe the former is part of the reason why the latter is overlooked and underrated in comparison.
Kathryn Bigelow's a great director and (in my opinion at least) has gone on to make even better movies in the decades since this one, but this was only her second feature film, and was already bordering on great. It's an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a good vampire film (or something from the 80s that's not too demanding).