Thicker Than Water: The Vampire Diaries Part I - A Movie Review

Director: Phil Messerer.

Writer: Phil Messerer.

Phil Messerer's "Thicker Than Water: The Vampire Diaries Part I" involves the death of character Helen Baxter (Devon Bailey) who comes back to life as a vampire due to a degenerative disease housed in her DNA. Shot for a budget this film is the first film in a series of three that focuses on the dark noir with the Baxter family acting as the films central characters. Light on action and exterior shots the films writing and original music make up for any disadvantages associated with independent filmmaking.

The film begins with Lara Baxter (Eilis Cahill) casting a satanic curse on her sister Helen, but when her sister quickly dies of a very bloody nosebleed the family turns to mourning, temporarily. With lightning and enhanced make-up Helen reunites with her family, from the dead, only this time with an insatiable hunger for human blood. The vampire legends of old are thus given an explanation with the discovery of an evaporating blood disease that requires constant replenishment.

The film is currently moving towards an October 16 release at the Bram Stoker Film Festival and as of right now the second film "Thicker Than Water: The Vampire Diaries Part II" is already being shot by Phil Messerer. Shot over three years throughout New York this film uses liberal amounts of blood and gore to cover sets while creating a mysterious and horrifying atmosphere. This film, about a devout family, is not family fare.

"Thicker Than Water: The Vampire Diaries Part I" has few flaws, but include a sparseness of exterior shots, possibly due to the complexity of outdoor shooting, and the action does not really pick up until the final act although consistent character interaction delivers an intense, dramatic tone. The dialogue is well-written while the delivery of lines from first timers Eilis Cahill and Devon Bailey, along with others, is surprisingly well done from a mostly amateur cast. Also, musical selections from directors Kipp, Lysinger, and Willis-Lorenz are well chosen and appropriate for each scene while a piano soundtrack hovers melodically in the background often in the first half of the film.

Currently making the rounds on the film festival circuit "Thicker Than Water: The Vampire Diaries Part I" is a worthwhile time spent for those with a fascination of the dark arts. Truly a creative piece Messerer's passion for filmmaking comes through in the frames with more to come shortly. Here is one vote for future sequels from this talented cast and crew.

Acting/consistency/ believability: 6.5.
Plot/story/unity: 7.5.
Photography/composition/emphasis: 6.

Overall: 6.75 Dismembered Heads out of 10.

Posted in: 2009,acting,bram stoker film festival,devon bailey,eilis cahill,film festival,film review,horror,movie,music,phil messerer,the vampire diaries part 1,thicker than water