It’s not a must-see classic, but an enjoyable, visually striking diversion if you’re in the mood for something different.
Xan Cassavetes’ Kiss of the Damned is a stylish throwback to European vampire cinema of the late 1960s and early ’70s, dressed up in modern aesthetics but fueled by an unmistakably retro sensibility. Don’t let the Blu-Ray cover fool you—this isn’t a fright-filled horror film, but rather an erotic romantic thriller with vampire elements woven in.
The story follows Djuna (Joséphine de La Baume), a vampire living in isolation in Connecticut. Her lonely existence shifts when she meets screenwriter Paolo (Milo Ventimiglia). Drawn to one another, Djuna struggles with her desire to turn him, fearing the consequences. Eventually, their romance evolves into vampiric transformation and passion. But trouble arrives in the form of Djuna’s sister, Mimi (Roxane Mesquida), a reckless rule-breaker who openly kills humans, threatening the fragile order of the vampire society.
The plot isn’t groundbreaking, and the acting at times feels merely adequate, but what the film lacks in originality, it makes up for in atmosphere. The cinematography is lush and stylish, capturing the moody European tone Cassavetes clearly intended. The soundtrack, with its mix of dreamy, retro-sounding scores and rock flourishes, deepens that sense of timelessness. Even the title sequence feels lifted from a vintage Hammer production.
As for tone, this isn’t about scares or gore—though a touch of blood and violence is sprinkled throughout. Instead, it leans heavily into sensuality. The film is filled with erotic, tastefully shot sequences that give it the vibe of a high-end ’90s Cinemax thriller, with a vampire twist. The cast, especially de La Baume, sells the allure, and the film knows exactly what it is: moody, sexy, and entertaining in its own niche way.
While the dialogue can sometimes be difficult to follow due to heavy accents (subtitles help), that’s a minor caveat. The real strength of Kiss of the Damned lies in its commitment to atmosphere. It’s European-inspired smut elevated with style—nothing more, nothing less.
It’s not a must-see classic, but an enjoyable, visually striking diversion if you’re in the mood for something different. Go in expecting an erotic thriller, not a horror film, and you may find yourself pleasantly surprised.
3.0 out of 5.0 stars
