MIDNIGHT SON (USA)
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After having vampire symptoms and watching a vampire video on his TV, Jacob (Zak Kilberg) tests to see what would happen if he put a wooden cross against his forehead. He is happily surprised that his forehead did not burn. Vampire movies produced in today’s Hollywood system have become too “popcorn” for my tastes. I have become quite cynical when I see endless lines of teenage girls camped out several days in advance for a special midnight advance screening of the latest in the series of a franchise movie at their local Cineplex, so they can scream and drool over their favorite heartthrob, and perhaps, see the movie at least two or three more times before it is mandatory for them to return to school the following Monday. Not to say these particular movies don’t have any redeeming values to them. If you look past all the blatant supernatural visual effects and vampire cliché’s that Hollywood bestows on its audiences, you will see that there can be something a little more cerebral hidden behind all those computer graphics (CGI). Recent international offerings in the last couple of years brought us a new wave of realism for vampire films, such as Sweden’s “Let the Right One In” and Korea’s “Thirst”, which make watching them a much more thought provoking and intriguing. The independently made, “Midnight Son” belongs to this group, as it gives the overdone genre a new fresh perspective. Jacob (Zak Kilberg), a 24-year old security guard who works nights, has a rare skin disorder that prevents him from going out during the day. He seals off his windows in his basement apartment, so he is not exposed to sunlight. While painting artistic sunsets on canvas, he starts to discover that whatever he eats (mainly microwavable meals loaded with carbohydrates), his appetite is not satisfied, regardless of how much food he consumes. He is diagnosed by a doctor who tells him his body is malnourished and thinks Jacob is lying about him “eating like a horse”, and tells him that his body is craving something. As each night progresses, his body continues to change; much like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. As he starts to slurp the beef juices from the Styrofoam meat packages, he begins to recognize what his body truly craves. Replenishing his empty Starbucks coffee cup with “red liquid” that he picked up at the local neighborhood meat market, he walks around naturally along the streets and into late night video stores. He is slowly transforming into what we know as a vampire, but he is still trying to figure it out for himself, as his diet continues to change before us. To fulfill his new appetite, he finds more creative ways to find his meal, so he doesn’t grow weak. In the meantime, Zak’s only social outlet is going to the neighborhood bar in the wee hours of the night, where he meets Mary (Maya Parish), who gets his attention by selling him candy and cigarettes outside the bar. As they get to know each other, a relationship between them starts to bloom and develop. At the same time, his condition worsens, as does Mary’s, who also has personal problems of her own, as well. Strange things start happening even at work, where Zak becomes oblivious to strange events that happened nearby, surprising even the police department. This is where the film takes you in for a wild ride. Director and writer, Scott Leberecht, along with an all around excellent cast led by Zak Kilberg and Maya Parish, create a moving, sort of a “coming of age” vampire movie; injecting humanity and compassion into their characters. The chemistry within the two leads is quite natural and credible as they begin their relationship and both try to overcome their personal struggles. From the opening notes of the eerie musical score to some bleak cinematography, this is one film that grabbed me from the beginning and took me on a journey in different directions. “Midnight Son” is an impressive feature film debut for Leberecht, and I certainly hope to see him continue his work as a filmmaker. After all, “Everybody’s got their thing”. Reviewed by Marcus Siu Watch trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS2nLbEoMy8 Director: Scott Leberecht; Producers: Scott Leberecht, Matt Compton; Executive Producers: Eduardo Sanchez, Reed Frerichs; Writer: Scott Leberecht; Cinematographer: Lyn Moncrief; Editors: Ian McCamey, Scott Leberecht; Music: Kays Alatrakchi; Cast: Zak Kilberg, Maya Parish, Jo D. Jonz, Larry Cedar, Tracey Walter, Arlen Escarpeta; Country: USA; Language: English; Length: 88 min.; Genre: Drama Midnight Son plays on March 4th at 9:30pm at San Jose Repertory Theatre, March 6th at 6:45pm at the Camera 12, and March 11th at 12:30pm at the Camera 12. Buy tickets: http://www.cinequest.org/event_view.php?eid=1521 |
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Jacob (Zak Kilberg) tries to conceal himself from Mary (Maya Parish) after his eyes turn yellow in a very intimate moment. |
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