Milo Ventimiglia (Rocky Balboa, Heroes – the TV series, not the chocolates) plays Paolo, a screenwriter who has ensconced himself in a house far away from Hollywood in order to finish what seems like his last stab at writing a commercial screenplay. He’s easily distracted, however, and after meeting the beautiful Djuna (Josephine de La Baume – Rush, One Day) during a night out he becomes inextricably infatuated. Djuna digs Paolo too, but she’s got a rare "blood disorder" that doesn't allow her to venture our into sunlight. Scarily persistent, Milo keeps courting her until she finally relents and agrees to hook up with him under one condition – she needs to be tied up so she can't bite him. Needless to say their lovemaking is somewhat acrobatic (despite the bondage) and she,s presented with a fair shot at his neck, which she takes.
Djuna begins to school Paolo in the ways of the vampire. They try to drink only synthetic or harvested blood and kill only animals (killing humans is strictly forbidden). But that doesn't mean they live in a prudish culture. Paolo instantly takes a shine to the Euro-glitterati lifestyle that accompanies eternal life. Soon enough, trouble comes in the form of Djuna's more carnal and violent sister, Mimi (Roxane Mesquida). Mimi doesn't believe in the whole "not killing people" thing. She's also not big on being tied down, preferring her three-ways and one night stands anytime and anywhere she can get them.
Kiss of the Damned is a stylish, slyly funny and decadent mix of 70's sexy vampirism, and the debut narrative feature from director Xan Cassavetes (daughter of John and director of the excellent documentary Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession). It's landed its share of enthusiastic reviews, Variety describing it as "Veritably soaked in the blood of movie lore, rapacious lovers of cult cinema will sink their fangs into this. A sly tribute to old-school horror films." Neat.
Kiss of the Damned will be released on UK DVD on 27th January 2013 by Eureka! Entertainment at the RRP of just £9.99.
Extra features will include:
Only one question – why no Blu-ray?
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