A Vampire in the Family 2023 Movie Review
“A Vampire in the Family” is a Brazilian-Portuguese language film that recently made its debut on Netflix. Directed by Alê McHaddo, this comedy-fantasy film promises a unique blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary. With a runtime of one hour and 30 minutes, it aims to take viewers on a journey filled with laughter, supernatural conspiracies, and the challenges of family dynamics. As the title suggests, the movie introduces a vampire into the ordinary life of Fernandinho, an ex-football player turned family man. Let’s delve into the details and explore the various aspects that make or break this film.
The film stars Leandro Hassum and Rômulo Arantes Neto in the lead roles, with Leandro Hassum portraying the character of Fernandinho. Subtitles are available in English, and English audio is an option for viewers. This Netflix release presents an opportunity to experience Brazilian cinema, offering a taste of the country’s humor, culture, and storytelling.
“A Vampire in the Family” revolves around Fernandinho, a family man and ex-football player, whose life takes an unexpected turn when his lazy and troublesome brother-in-law, Gregorio, reveals himself as a vampire with grand plans of world domination. The film explores the collision of these two worlds – the normalcy of Fernandinho’s life and the supernatural threat posed by Gregorio. The promise of laughter and excitement unfolds against a backdrop of familial tensions and the challenges of navigating a world where vampires exist.
The plot of the film unfolds with the revelation of Gregorio’s vampiric identity and his world domination plans. Fernandinho, caught in the midst of family feuds and the chaos caused by his brother-in-law’s supernatural existence, becomes an accidental vampire hunter. The film takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride as Fernandinho grapples with garlic-infused chaos, tries to explain Gregorio’s nocturnal wanderings to his suspicious wife, and finds himself entangled in a comedic struggle to protect his loved ones.
“A Vampire in the Family” attempts to strike a delicate balance between the supernatural and the mundane. The collision of Fernandinho’s ordinary life with the extraordinary revelation about Gregorio’s vampiric nature creates opportunities for both unique and memorable scenes. However, the plot faces challenges in maintaining this balance, with certain elements feeling forced or uninspired. The attempt to infuse comedy into every scene, while successful at times, becomes a double-edged sword, leading to a disjointed viewing experience.
The film’s attempt to blend comedy with the supernatural is ambitious, but it falters in execution. While some moments succeed in delivering genuine laughter, the overall impact is diluted by inconsistent writing and an overreliance on comedic elements. Leandro Hassum’s performance adds charm to the film, but the weak script limits the potential for truly memorable scenes. The dynamics between Fernandinho and Gregorio, though promising, are hindered by forced situations and uninspired dialogue.
The pacing of the film exacerbates its issues, with scenes lingering without purpose and a lack of necessary momentum in the plot. The result is a movie that leaves the audience yearning for a more engaging narrative. The technical aspects, particularly the disjointed music, create a sense of detachment, hindering the emotional and comedic impact of certain scenes. A more refined script, balanced use of comedic elements, and improved pacing could have elevated “A Vampire in the Family” to a more satisfying and memorable viewing experience.
In conclusion, “A Vampire in the Family” falls short of its potential to be a memorable comedy-fantasy film. Despite moments of brilliance, the film struggles to find a cohesive balance between comedy and fantasy. Leandro Hassum’s standout performance and the exploration of familial dynamics provide glimpses of what could have been. With a more refined script, a better integration of comedic elements, and improved pacing, the film could have soared. Unfortunately, it stumbles in its attempt to score big with audiences. While it offers a fun and lighthearted experience, it fails to leave a lasting impression or redefine the comedy-fantasy genre. “A Vampire in the Family” is worth a watch for those seeking a quirky Brazilian flick, but it doesn’t quite sink its teeth into the potential for greatness.
