Vampire stories have been done to death, so it takes something special to make them feel exciting again. Interview with a vampire does that exactly. Adapted from Anne Rice’s ‘The Vampire Chronicles’, the series takes all the vampire cliches of the gothic horror; The passionate romance, the opulent settings and of course blood-drinking. Producer, Rolin Jones gives it a modern edge with the lose adaption which changes many details and dynamics of characters in the show, whilst maintaining their spirit and roles.
The story follows Louis De Pointe Du Lac as he recounts his life to journalist Daniel Molloy, reflecting on centuries spent as a vampire. What makes things interesting is how much of an unreliable narrator Louis is during the interview, he constantly changes his story to be more appealing or deliberately leaves out details which cause problems later on. But honestly, who would be able to remember whether it had rained in the night or not 77 years later? At the centre of those memories is Lestat de Lioncourt, the charismatic, lonely vampire who offered Louis eternal life, to be his companion. You never know if Lestat’s going to be sarcastic, seduce someone, or run their life, usually it’s all three. What begins as an irresistible romance slowly unravels into a relationship built on obsession and the need for one another. Leading louis to Romanise their relation when recalling Lestat to Daniel. The framing device works brilliantly, constantly reminding viewers that memory is unreliable. Every episode leaves you wondering whether Louis is telling the truth or rewriting his past to make sense of it.
I think the choice to change the way Louis’ character makes a living from a white slave owner in the 18th Century to a 20th century pimp makes it slightly easier for an audience you have sympathy for his character since as a black man in New Orleans 1900s, there was few ways to be successful and support his family. Jacob Anderson did a great job at portraying louis this way as he gives Louis a quiet sadness that never slips into self-pity. He carries centuries of guilt. I also think the themes of race, sexuality and identity aren't awkward additions; they're woven into Louis' character so naturally that it's hard to imagine the story without them. Rather than overshadowing the gothic romance, they give it greater emotional weight, making Louis' search for belonging feel painfully relevant. Sam Reid is such a great Lestat, it’s as if he gets possessed by character every time because he’s able to capture Lestat’s complex character.
Overall, the show is very well-written with quotable lines left, right, and centre. It balances the poetic monologues from the novels with moments of humour, creating that variety of tone which is what makes the show so enjoyable for many fans. When in an era where many TV shows chase a new hit and spectacle above substance, Interview with the Vampire confidently does both, its writing and its characters to keep viewers invested. Equal parts gothic romance, psychological thriller and family drama, it's a series that lingers long after the credits roll. Whether you're already a fan of Anne Rice's novels or completely new to the story, Interview with the Vampire offers one of television's most rewarding watches.