A Short Film That Turns the Genre on Its Head

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MOVIE REVIEW
Down and Out in Vampire Hills

Genre: Short, Adventure, Comedy
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 22m
Director(s): Craig Railsback
Writer(s): Heather Joseph-Witham
Cast: Dawna Lee Heising, Ken May, LeJon Stewart, Bill Housekeeper

RAVING REVIEW: An original short film with a “grounded” approach to the vampire genre. A mix of comedy and more thought-provoking than I thought it would be.

I recently watched the 2022 short film DOWN AND OUT IN VAMPIRE HILLS and was impressed with the creativity and originality of the story. While still managing to be somewhat of a parody film.

The film follows the misadventures of some vampires who have been forced to leave their luxurious mansion and move to a tent community in the luxurious Hollywood Hills. The vampires, used to living the high life, struggle to adapt to their new surroundings and the difficulties of living among humans.

Rather than portraying vampires as monstrous creatures or romantic leads, the film presents them as flawed and relatable characters struggling to navigate their new circumstances. The vampires' struggles with their new living situation and attempts to fit in with the human world are both humorous and poignant. I won’t spoil the most amusing part, but watching how these struggles play out is worth every minute.

The acting in the film is great; they know what they’re working with and make the most out of it. Each actor brings their unique style and energy to their character. One of the most impressive aspects of the film is its attention to detail. Despite its short runtime, the film manages to pack in a lot of plot and character development and leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. It’s a fun ride; with a runtime of just 22 minutes, everyone can enjoy it.

DOWN AND OUT IN VAMPIRE HILLS is a fresh, original take on the vampire genre that is sure to appeal to fans of both horror and comedy. When you get the opportunity, don’t miss out; keep your expectations realistic, and you’ll surely enjoy the movie!

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[photo courtesy of EYE ON EXCELLENCE PRODUCTIONS, RAILSBACK PRODUCTIONS, RENZONE STUDIOS]