Definitely one for the night owls or those with PVRs. This intriguing vampire yarn from Neil Jordan is set in contemporary Britain and based on screenwriter Moira Buffini’s own play, A Vampire Story. Clara and her daughter Eleanor move to a seaside town, after having to leave their previous home under difficult circumstances. Both women have skirted society for a long time, because they are soucriants: immortals who lead a vampiric existence. Clara has exploited the sex industry to secure her income and prey, while the melancholic Eleanor has adopted a dark ‘angel of mercy’ approach to her sustenance. In their new town, Clara spies an opportunity to maintain a supply of male blood by setting up a brothel in Byzantium, a run-down hotel. However, an ill-advised romance, interfering teachers and events from their past are set to threaten both women.
Byzantium – Wednesday 01.30am on Channel 4.
Photo by Patrick Redmond – ©2013 – IFC Films
