Directed by
Craig Gillespie
In the film’s opening, we’re transported to a suburban neighborhood in Las Vegas during the dark of night, where the houses mirror each other and the vast desert looms nearby. Within one home, a small dog crawls through a pet door, passing by a large screen TV broadcasting a local news report about strange attacks, where victims claim they are being bitten in unusual locations. This report is juxtaposed with a commercial for Peter Vincent’s “Fright Night,” a vampire-themed show featured at the Hard Rock Hotel that combines elements from famed illusionists like David Copperfield and Vincent Price.
As the scene shifts back inside the house, the dog senses danger, while a disturbing confrontation takes place in another room—illustrating its occupant being violently attacked by a creature with long claws and a grisly appearance. The situation spirals as the boy desperately attempts to escape upstairs, only to find his parents lifeless, the mother exsanguinated and the father fatally injured as he attempted to defend their family. In a moment of sheer terror, as the boy tries to access a firearm hidden beneath a bed, the creature finds him and gruesomely ends his life.
Fast forward to the next day, we meet Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin), an all-American teen more focused on motorcycles and his attractive girlfriend Amy than on the fantastical interests of his childhood. Having recently distanced himself from his “dorky” friends, Charley struggles with his new identity as he navigates the social dynamics at school. His mother Jane ([Toni Collette]) is a Nevada real estate agent, constantly dealing with the transient nature of Las Vegas residents.
When former neighbor Jerry Dandridge (Colin Farrell) moves in next door, the stirring of mysterious and malevolent events challenges Charley’s perception of reality. Charley’s former friend Ed ([Christopher Mintz-Plasse]) notices troubling occurrences linked to Jerry and believes he is a vampire. Despite dismissing Ed’s fears, Charley’s alarm grows as he discovers Ed’s deep suspicions about Jerry’s connection to the string of disappearances in their neighborhood. Struggling between the urge to fit in and the rising threat of a supernatural predator, Charley’s world begins to unravel.
Their thrilling quest leads them to visit the eccentric Peter Vincent (David Tennant), a so-called vampire expert. Together, they face escalating horrors when Charley learns that it’s not just about saving himself—his friends, family, and even the love of his life, Amy, are caught in a deadly game against the dark forces lurking in their whimsical desert town.
Throughout this harrowing journey, Charley grapples with the challenges of adolescence, friendship, and the nature of true bravery as he and his allies confront Jerry’s damning power. Facing frenetic action and a ticking clock, he finds himself charged with not only defeating the vampire but also redeeming the lives of those ensnared by darkness, climaxing in a fierce battle laden with suspense, revelations, and heart. In a world where bravado can either lead to salvation or demise, Charley must ultimately discover what it means to be heroic before it’s too late.
Nighttime Attacks
The film opens in a suburban Las Vegas neighborhood shrouded in darkness. Reports of strange attacks on victims claiming unusual bites are broadcasted on TV, hinting at the horror to come.
A Disturbing Encounter
Inside a home, a small dog crawls through a pet door, sensing impending danger. Meanwhile, a violent confrontation occurs in another room as a family member is brutally attacked by a creature with long claws.
Family Tragedy
In a desperate attempt to escape, a boy rushes upstairs only to discover his parents' lifeless bodies. His mother is exsanguinated, while his father has succumbed after trying to protect them.
The Boy's Final Stand
As the boy attempts to retrieve a hidden firearm from beneath a bed, the creature finds him. In a horrific ending, the creature gruesomely ends his life, leaving the horror hanging over the neighborhood.
Meet Charley Brewster
The narrative shifts to the following day, where we are introduced to Charley Brewster, a typical teen focused on motorcycles and his girlfriend Amy. He is distancing himself from his childhood friends and navigating high school.
Charley's New Identity
Charley struggles to establish his new identity, highlighted by the influence of his friends and his attractive girlfriend. His mother, Jane, works as a real estate agent amidst the transient nature of Las Vegas residents.
Jerry Dandridge Moves In
The arrival of former neighbor Jerry Dandridge brings mysterious occurrences, challenging Charley’s perception of the world around him. Jerry’s enigmatic presence increases the tension within the neighborhood.
Ed's Frightening Theories
Charley's old friend Ed notices strange happenings and suspects Jerry may be a vampire. Charley, dismissing Ed's fears initially, begins to feel uneasy as he witnesses odd events connected to Jerry.
Rising Tension
As the string of disappearances unfolds, Charley grapples with the decision to dismiss or embrace Ed's warnings. The growing threat of Jerry sparks a conflict between Charley’s desire to fit in and the alarming reality.
Seeking Help
In a bid to confront the escalating situation, Charley and Ed seek out Peter Vincent, a self-proclaimed vampire expert. Their visit to Vincent sets in motion a series of horror-filled events, raising the stakes dramatically.
Facing the Darkness
Charley realizes that saving himself may not be enough; his friends and family, including Amy, are also in peril. He embarks on a race against time to confront the supernatural threat posed by Jerry.
Confrontation with Jerry
A fierce battle ensues as Charley and his allies confront Jerry, drenched in tension and suspense. Charley fights not only for survival but also for the lives of those he loves, showcasing his growth through the trials.
A Test of Bravery
Throughout this harrowing journey, Charley wrestles with the challenges of adolescence and the nature of true bravery. The need to protect his loved ones pushes him to confront his fears and insecurities head-on.
Final Showdown
In a climactic struggle, Charley faces off against the terrifying vampire. The outcome hinges not just on strength but on his understanding of heroism and the sacrifices he is willing to make.
Resolution and Redemption
The film culminates as Charley discovers what it means to be heroic, bringing redemption to those ensnared by darkness. His journey leaves a profound impact on his character and his relationships with friends and family.
Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin)
Charley is an all-American teenager trying to navigate the complexities of adolescence while dealing with newfound responsibilities. Initially focused on fitting in with popular peers, he finds himself facing a dire supernatural threat that challenges his perceptions of courage and loyalty. As events unfold, Charley evolves from a carefree youth to a determined hero who must protect his loved ones.
Jerry Dandridge (Colin Farrell)
Jerry is the enigmatic and sinister new neighbor who embodies the classic vampire archetype. His charming exterior conceals a predatory nature, as he unleashes terror on the suburban community. Charismatic yet dangerous, Jerry becomes the focal point of fear and conflict for Charley and his friends.
Peter Vincent (David Tennant)
Peter Vincent is a flamboyant vampire expert and illusionist who becomes an unexpected ally in Charley's fight against Jerry. His larger-than-life personality adds both humor and depth to the terrifying situation. Rather than being just a performer, he embodies the themes of bravery and redemption as he confronts the reality of the supernatural forces at play.
Location
Las Vegas, Hard Rock Hotel
Las Vegas is a vibrant city known for its entertainment, nightlife, and casinos, set against the backdrop of the vast Mojave Desert. The suburban neighborhoods reflect typical American residential life, with homes closely mirroring each other. The Hard Rock Hotel, famous for its rock star memorabilia and entertainment options, serves as a hub for vampire-themed spectacles and performances.
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Fear
Fear permeates the fabric of the film, with the characters facing both supernatural threats and the challenges of adolescence. Charley Brewster exemplifies the struggle between overcoming his fears and seeking acceptance among peers, all while contending with a real danger in the form of a vampire. The juxtaposition of mundane teenage life with terrifying events amplifies the theme of fear.
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Adventure
The narrative propels the characters into a thrilling adventure, driven by their quest to confront the malevolent Jerry Dandridge. Charley, with the help of his friends and Peter Vincent, embarks on a journey filled with suspense, courage, and revelations. This adventure ultimately forces Charley to confront not just the supernatural, but also his own personal growth and bravery.
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