Vincent (2023) Review: Illuminating Vampiric Shadows in a Riveting Exploration Beyond Blood!
“…the monster was the best friend I ever had.” – Boris Karloff
In the eerie opening scenes of Vincent, the audience is immediately plunged into a world of enigma and foreboding. The protagonist, Vincent (magnificently played by Mikkel Vadsholt), engages in peculiar activities, such as chugging blood from a tube, setting an unsettling tone for the unfolding story.
The film introduces us to Viggo (Herman Knop), an ordinary teenager whose morning routine is disrupted by a headline declaring a “Local Man Missing.” Against this backdrop, Viggo’s day takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Zandra at a vividly spray-painted bus stop, injecting a touch of teenage romance into the storyline.
Vincent, the Ice Cream Man, is shrouded in mystery, driving an old van, and engaging in odd rituals. The film strategically keeps the audience on edge, prompting early speculation about Vincent’s character and his potential involvement in the disappearance.
As the plot unfolds, Vincent befriends Viggo, offering ice cream and a ride home. Scenes of them selling ice cream by the beach not only showcase the warmth of their burgeoning friendship but also create a stark contrast to the film’s ominous undertones.
The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Vincent’s mysterious condition is revealed — he suffers from porphyria, a condition that makes him sensitive to light. This revelation adds a supernatural layer to the character, complicating the audience’s understanding of Vincent.
Viggo confesses to Vincent about his abusive father which deepens the emotional resonance of the film. The budding friendship between Vincent and Viggo becomes a focal point, transcending traditional vampiric horror tropes to explore themes of alienation, friendship, abuse, compassion, misconception, judgement, and bullying.
Directorial nuances from David Noel Bourke, such as hearing Vincent calling out to Viggo during a laneway scene of him being bullied and a popsicle decal on Vincent’s dashboard, serve as enhanced imagery and auditory cues, which an attentive viewer may pick up on.
Vincent challenges conventional vampire lore, presenting a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on supernatural elements within a human context. The film cleverly subverts horror expectations, keeping the audience guessing and offering an engaging, unpredictable viewing experience.
Vincent also draws captivating parallels to the acclaimed vampire genre, reminiscent of films like Let the Right One In. While Let the Right One In delves into the darker facets of vampirism with a blend of horror and innocence, Vincent takes a different route, exploring the supernatural within the realm of a dark drama. Both films navigate the complexities of relationships and the challenges faced by their protagonists. However, Vincent distinguishes itself by offering a unique perspective on the vampire sub-genre, opting for a character-driven narrative that intertwines elements of horror without adhering to traditional genre expectations. In this way, Vincent stands as a poignant and original contribution to the exploration of humanity through supernatural lenses, leaving a lasting impression on those who seek a fresh take on familiar themes.
Directed by: David Noel Bourke
Written by: David Noel Bourke
Produced by: Rasmus Doolengs, David Noel Bourke
Cinematography by: Rasmus Leo Phöenix
Editing by: Rika Yasui Hammen
Music by: Frederik Magle
Special Effects by: Sofia Korreborg
Cast: Siir Tilif, Herman Knop, Søren Hauch-Fausbøll, Mikkel Vadsholt, Joachim Knop
Year: 2023
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish (English Subtitles)
Colour: Colour
Runtime: 1h 24min
Studio: Invictus Film
