The Moth Diaries (2011)

"The Moth Diaries" isn't a standard vampire story by any means and some may even argue that isn't one at all. The film takes the vampire concept in a different direction than usual, where the vampire in question walks around daylight and sips tea and instead of blood, she drains her victim's soul. There is even a subtle nod to Bram Stoker's version by having the vampire's victim share the same name as Dracula's first British victim, Lucy. It also deals with the pain of having a loved one commit suicide and trying to heal and move on. "The Moth Diaries" is a dark, fresh, and very engaging film about the supernatural.


Sixteen year old Rebecca is sent to a private all girls school after her well known poet father commits suicide and her mother is unable to care for her. The movie begins at the start of Rebecca's third year at the school, where she is delighted to see her best friend Lucy again. Lucy was the first girl that befriended Rebecca and the two became very close. A few days after the school year begins, Rebecca is introduced to the mysterious new student Ernessa. Lucy becomes a quick friend to Ernessa, slowly shunning Rebecca more and more. Rebecca comes to suspect that Ernessa might be a vampire after being introduced to the novel "Carmilla" in one of her classes; it doesn't help that the other students also notice that she never eats. And then, one by one, Rebecca's other friend's are forced from the school, or worse, are killed, after Rebecca begins to seek out the truth about Ernessa. Did Rebecca really see Ernessa walk along the edge of the balcony and through a glass window? Why isn't Lucy eating anymore as her energy slowly slips away? And Why does Ernessa keep talking to Rebecca about her father's suicide and how she and Rebecca are so much alike?

Rebecca

Rebecca and Lucy sharing a moment

Ernessa and the rain of blood

Ernessa, the new girl

The Strangers (2008)

I really, really wanted to like “The Strangers” but I walked away only kind of liking it. This is a film where the protaganists could have been a little less passive, the antagonists could have had a little bit more motive, and just a little bit more magic could have made this all very enjoyable. The casting is great, starring Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman, and the script itself is fine. The build of tension comes a little slow but the cat-and-mouse game that the “strangers” play is effective and creepy. But as I’ve mentioned before, the French film “Ils” showcases these similar situations in a tighter and more effective fashion.

“The Strangers” is a film about a couple who are terrorized by a group of three strangers during a single night. Kristen and James are already on edge and are having a bad night after Kristen rejects James marriage proposal during a formal party. They return to the family summer home that belongs to James, where they plan to stay the night before going home in the morning. Early in the morning, a young woman knocks at their door asking if Tamara is there; Kristen and James tell her that there’s no one by that name here and so the girl leaves. James leaves shortly after to pick up some cigarettes for Kristen, and while he’s away, the woman comes back and starts banging on the door. Kristen tries to call James but her cell phone battery dies (of course) and is left to hide in the house while weird things start to happen inside. James finally arrives back at the summer home and that’s when the events begin to ramp up as they realize that they are being terrorized not by one, but by three people wearing simple masks that hide their faces. They try to escape but the Strangers are always one step ahead and are clearly in control…