We Are The Night DVD Review

German Vampire flick ‘We are the Night’ does exactly what is says on the tin. In an era where vampire movies are a dime a dozen, it’s difficult to supply something original to the genre, and unfortunately director Dennis Gansel’s take on the creatures is nothing but another high action, gluttonous movie to add to the pile.

That’s not to say it’s not enjoyable, however. It’s shot well, it’s got enough fight scenes, special effects and fake blood to satisfy and action fan - with particular reference to the final sequence involving two very attractive woman and a lot of bending the rules of physics - and there’s plenty of typical vampire behavior to keep the lifestyle enviable. However, the problem is that this is the perfect word to describe the movie itself - typical.

Telling the tale of young criminal Lena (Karoline Herfurth) as she unwittingly falls into the hands of long time vampire lesbian Louise (Nina Hoss) and her band of vampire babes - party girl Nora (Anna Fischer) and 1920’s silent film star Charlotte (Jennifer Ulrich). Naturally there’s a handsome hero, coming in the form of police inspector Tom Serner (played by Max Riemelt - who looks suspiciously like a German Garret Hedlung) and it all follows a likely story arc; there’s some vampire fun - shopping, partying etc. - before our heroine has trouble coming to terms with all the murder and bloodshed, and her hero gets caught up in the whole bloody mess.

To hold your attention, there are car chases, aeroplane crashes, bikini-wearing-blood-soaked-females, some high budget special effects, and an attractive cast for you to oggle, just don’t expect to have your perspective on the age old monster completely re-vamped (pardon the pun).

The special features offer up some nice additional content, with your usual behind the scenes and VFX features. Also worth a watch are the additional scenes and alternate endings - just as well, as the final edit has an ending which feels lacking.

In summation, it’s nothing groundbreaking. It’s exactly the type of vampire movie you’d expect for a True Blood generation, which is fine… if you’re into that kind of thing.

Jo Heinemeier 

★★1/2☆☆

Certificate: 15
Release Date: 15th October 2012
Director: Dennis Gansel
Starring: Karoline Herfurth, Nina Hoss, Jennifer Ulrich, Anna Fischer, Max Riemelt