Just edges out S2 as my favorite in this hugely entertaining vampire series,
mostly on the strength of Anders Hove and Denise Huff's performances. Same
basic plot: Rebecca and her Fearless Vampire Stalkers continue where they
left off, in pursuit of her sister Michelle, Radu, and the Bloodstone; while
Radu tries futilely to gain the love and loyalty of his adamantly defiant
"fledgling", Michelle.
Hove has completely sounded the depths of Radu's character and his portrayal
of this tragic monster is poignant and heartfelt. Unable to command his
headstrong protege's fealty to the master she refuses to acknowledge, unable
to win her heart with gifts or intimate displays of trust, Radu's despair is
utterly human, yet he never turns on her. Despite his constant praise of
pain and suffering, his deathly face conceals a heart capable of loyal and
true love.
As for Denise Huff as Michelle, she is probably the coolest vampiress EVER,
and if it not for Radu would no-doubt be the star of this series. The
Subspecies movies deserve acclaim for their strong female characters, and
Michelle is the toughest, a determinedly human woman who resists becoming a
vampire with every fibre of her strength and will. At the same time, we see
her grow in undead power and skill, and realize that if she keeps control of
the Bloodstone - with which she can resist the need to kill - she'll become
an immortal to reckon with. Her scenes with Radu are really something to
see, as the two vampires match wills eye-to-eye again and again, and she
forces Radu to blink every time.
Their story is truly "Beauty and the Beast" without the happy ending, and
indeed it's hard not to think of that classic story in the sequence where
Michelle begs to see her sister just one last time. Like the Beast, Radu is
unwilling to let his "pretty one" go, but gives his permission, hoping to
prove his love by a gesture of faith in her; and just as in the fairy tale,
his hopeful gesture has sad consequences. The look on his face as she sweeps
past him while he pleads for her devotion could bring a tougher fan than me
to tears. --These are some of the best characterizations in modern vampire
film, and among the very few that I really care about.
Once you see this you will NEED to see #4!
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