Only Lovers Left Alive Review: Poignant Vampire Tale

Only Lovers Left Alive is an offbeat and exceptionally acted vampire story that balances style with substance.

The film mainly focuses on the modern life of a couple who has lived through centuries. Eve makes the most out of her immortal life and continues to survive. On the other hand, Adam broods over the lack of artistic fervor in today’s society after outlasting artistic revolutions, blaming the zombies whom he thinks are afraid of their own imaginations.

The film’s set design, photography, and soundtrack of fuzzy guitars give it a haunting look and feel. It’s deadpan humor, script, and traces of bygone sophistication make it amusing.  With deft editing, the film manages to hold your curiosity even if nothing much happens.

The biggest pull here are the performances by the leads, while the rest of the cast make their small roles count. Swinton and Hiddleston are well matched and turns the film into an endearing love story. Mia Wasikowska shakes things up a bit as the reckless Eva. John Hurt injects some charm. Anton Yelchin does well as the eager handyman.

The film’s minimalistic storytelling may not be for everyone, especially for those with expectations. In close inspection, it’s just a series of snapshots from the life of an immortal couple.

But for those who appreciate its visual style and simplicity, Only Lovers Left Alive is a bittersweet, nostalgic love story with a dark sense of humor and captivating characters. In the end, its world-weary couple still goes on and survive, even if they have lost the motivation to do so.