It would be both easy and accurate to say that Daydreamers is The Lost Boys of the 21st century. Bui summons that same edgy all-night party feel from that 80s movie, with the audience being seduced by the blood fed freedom from inhibitions. The whole concept of having to misbehave by the rules by pain of death makes the social transgressions all the more tasty. It seems that vampirism here is a much more complicated allegory than they usual sex or drugs angle, with the ambiguity given it depth instead of draining it.
However, you also cannot ignore that Bui’s film also has the most poetic visuals for a vampire film since Del Toro broke out with Blade 2. Phu Nam, the director of photography, takes you for a ride across a neon wonderland of brightly lit death. I was impressed by the visions he captured over and over, particularly those during the vampire birthday party. His kaleidoscope lens brings every incredible detail of the brilliant production design by Ando, who really knows how to decorate with intricate pageantry.
You also get the best views of the magnificent special FX makeup by Kim B, who knows how to bend sinister while still being gorgeous. Add to that the pulsating electronic music by MiSS NiNE, and you will soon be drunk on blood yourself.
“…Phu Nam… takes you for a ride across a neon wonderland of brightly lit death…”
Many films excel in style, with the substance lacking. Daydreamers has both style and substance overflowing like arterial spray. What gives the mesmerizing visuals such impact here is Bui and Nguyen investing layers of solid drama throughout the horror. The way the flashbacks change the context of the present relationships makes the horror punch higher and harder than expected.
And who better to feed off all this juicy drama than Bui’s flashy squad of talented performers? The level of acting power is also unusually high for a horror movie. Vang and Thao are the perfect leads, with some genuinely earned chemistry between them. Vang projects a believable, intense vulnerability, while Thao is deliciously fed up and over it, which works great in a movie. Nguyen is a total classic Count Yorga urban sexy vampire, drawing all to his charm with the gravity of a black sun. Phi is fiercer than fierce as the punked out vampiric muscle. He is either an excellent actor who has transformed himself into a glorious night creature or is secretly the next Iggy Pop. Anh looks totally amazing, dressed to the nines and gypsied to kill. It is Pu as the vampire queen that utterly mesmerizes with the dazzle of a thousand superstars. Pu can shatter the screen with just a look and is a wonder to watch in action. Daydreamers is the kind of high cinematic art that you fall in love with as it rips your throat out.
"…has both style and substance overflowing like arterial spray."
