Redemption and Temptation Collide After Dark

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MOVIE REVIEW
Daydreamers (Nguoi Mat Troi)
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Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2023, 2025
Runtime: 1h 53m
Director(s): Timothy Linh Bui
Writer(s): Timothy Linh Bui
Cast: Chi Pu, Thuan Nguyen, Trịnh Thảo, Trần Ngọc Vàng
Where to Watch: in select theaters May 9, 2025, and will be available on all major digital platforms June 3

RAVING REVIEW: Sometimes a genre feels stuck, repeating the same formula until something unexpected shakes it loose. DAYDREAMERS brings that much-needed jolt, breathing fresh life into the vampire mythos without losing touch with what made these creatures fascinating in the first place. Rather than chasing big reinventions, this stylish Vietnamese entry refocuses on personal conflict, reminding viewers how atmosphere and character work hand in hand to keep genre stories “alive.”

Kicking off with an animated sequence that lays out a vivid backstory, the film hints at a larger historical metaphor, tying the migration of vampires to Vietnam’s colonial past. It’s a concept rich with potential, but the story quickly shifts away from big ideas, choosing instead to explore personal struggles among the undead. Brotherhood, ambition, betrayal — these are the true forces at play once the narrative settles into its rhythm, and it’s within these personal moments that DAYDREAMERS finds its strongest footing.

At its center, the movie follows two brothers whose paths have diverged. Trần Ngọc Vàng gives a layered performance as Nhat, a vampire clinging to hope that he can shed his cursed existence and rejoin the human world. Opposite him, Thuan Nguyen’s Marco embraces the seductive freedom their immortality offers, moving through Ho Chi Minh City’s neon-drenched nightlife like he owns it. Their relationship forms the heart of the film, filled with years of pain, resentment, and unspoken loyalty that fuel much of the story’s emotional charge.

Rather than letting spectacle overpower the drama, DAYDREAMERS uses the brothers’ clash to reflect broader themes about power, morality, and survival. Marco’s philosophy of indulgence without consequence stands in stark contrast to Nhat’s self-imposed restraints, creating a tension that feels organic and heartbreaking rather than forced. The best moments come not from battles or revelations but from the subtle way their shared past quietly poisons their present.

The film benefits from its supporting cast, with Chi Pu delivering a standout turn as Trieu, a vampire queen who rules the city’s hidden underworld. Her dynamic with Marco is filled with energy, overshadowing the less convincing romance between Nhat and Ha, played by Trịnh Thảo. While Ha’s early appearances establish her as a scrappy and likable presence, her connection with Nhat feels underdeveloped, leaving parts of their relationship feeling more obligatory than impactful.

Visually, DAYDREAMERS offers a stunning portrayal, treating the city not as a backdrop but as a living, breathing presence. Cinematographer Phu Nam captures the contradictions — its glitz, its grit, its energy — with a careful eye. Neon reflections dance off rain-slicked streets, and tight alleys pulse with hidden danger, giving the world of vampires a stylish look that keeps viewers immersed without overwhelming them.

The internal lore, while intriguing, occasionally stumbles over its own rules. The logic surrounding blood abstinence and the “no witnesses” law can be confusing at times, undercutting the world-building that the film otherwise handles with care. These inconsistencies don’t break the story, but a clearer and more disciplined mythology would have tightened the stakes and made the characters’ choices even more resonant.

Among the cast, Vàng stands out by grounding Nhat’s internal struggle with reality and depth. His portrayal ensures that the audience feels the weight of every choice he makes, even when the story around him is struggling. Nguyen brings charisma to Marco, but it’s Vang’s quieter pain that carries the film’s emotional burden. Meanwhile, Chi Pu leaves a strong impression, hinting at a larger story lurking behind her commanding screen presence.

There’s a lingering sense that DAYDREAMERS could have been even more powerful had it followed through on its early hints of colonial parallels, using the vampires’ story as a broader metaphor for resistance and identity. By narrowing its focus to personal stakes, the film misses an opportunity to anchor its characters’ struggles within a richer historical context.

Even with these missed chances, DAYDREAMERS feels like a meaningful step. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it embraces the material with an earnestness and flair that make it stand out. It may not be a perfect movie, but it serves as a reminder that horror and fantasy thrive when rooted in passion and authentic storytelling. With strong performances, a vibrant setting, and flashes of genuine emotional power, it offers plenty to admire.

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[photo courtesy of DARK STAR PICTURES]

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