'Daydreamers' is a fresh entrant in the vampire film genre that doesn't stray far from familiar narratives that many audiences may recognize. It features classic elements such as feuding clans of bloodsuckers, an intense brother-versus-brother conflict, and visits to lavish nightclubs where the undead indulge in hedonism. However, what sets this film apart is its origin; its one of the few vampire movies to emerge from Vietnam, making it a compelling curiosity worth exploring. As you immerse yourself in the story, you may find that the film's stylish execution and its incredibly attractive cast have the potential to draw you in.

It's important to note that viewers should not spend excessive time worrying about the specifics of the vampire lore presented in the film. Essentially, the narrative introduces two distinct factions of vampires occupying the vibrant landscape of contemporary Ho Chi Minh City. One group adheres to a belief that abstaining from killing humans and instead feeding on animal blood might one day allow them to lift the curse that binds them to the shadows, enabling them to walk in sunlight once again. This group is what the film's title, Daydreamers, alludes to.

The protagonist, Nhat, portrayed by Tran Ngoc Vang, embodies the inner turmoil and loneliness that characterize this cursed existence. He diligently practices his blood trial training, driven by a hope to reclaim his humanity. This aspiration is rooted in the dreams of his deceased mother, who envisioned a life where both her sons could escape their vampiric fate. However, since her passing, Nhat's relationship with his brother, Marco (played by Thuan Nguyen), has deteriorated. Marco has allied himself with the opposing faction, a group that lives life to the fullest in their undead condition, rejecting any desire to revert to humanity. Their lifestyle gives off strong vibes reminiscent of the cult classic film Lost Boys.

At the film's outset, a brief animated segment provides crucial backstory, revealing that vampires have walked the earth for centuries but faced near extinction at the hands of vengeful humans. To safeguard their existence, a communal agreement exists among vampires to refrain from killing humans. However, not all members adhere to this pact, leading to discord among the clans. A critical tenet within the vampire community is the mandate to keep their existence a secret from humansleave no witnesses is considered a sacred decree. Surprisingly, the films subtitles or narrative may muddle this rule, creating an inconsistency regarding the aforementioned prohibition against killing humans.

As with any vampire film, Daydreamers offers its own unique interpretations of genre conventions. The film leans heavily into its established rules, raising the question of whether it would have been more effective had it focused solely on the less complicated premise of if we dont kill humans, we might heal rather than introducing the more complex subplot revolving around Nhats affection for Ha, a human girl played by Trinh Thao, whom he must protect after she accidentally unravels the reality of the supernatural world.

This budding romance, while central to the plot, lacks sufficient development, leaving audiences wanting more evidence of the chemistry between Nhat and Ha, despite their willingness to sacrifice for each other soon after their first encounter. In contrast, a more palpable connection exists between Marco and the vampire queen Trieu, brought to life by Vietnamese superstar Chi Pu, whose magnetic screen presence makes one wish the film had devoted more attention to her character.

With a runtime of just under two hours, Daydreamers has ample opportunity to delve into the complicated relationship between Marco and Nhat, whose shared history spans over a century. At one poignant moment, Nhat reveals that his last experience in school was in the year 1895, illustrating the depth of their estrangement following their mothers tragic demise and Marcos transformation into a villainous figure. The crux of the film centers on Nhats struggle; he grapples with the desire to survive while simultaneously wrestling with his inability to understand how to truly live, ultimately rejecting Marco's reckless lifestyle.

The film predominantly unfolds under the cloak of night, skillfully utilizing this setting to amplify the neon-lit glamour associated with eternal indulgence. While the vampire nightclub trope has been humorously explored in films like What We Do in the Shadows, Daydreamers takes a much more serious approach. This tonal difference may stem from the cultural context of Vietnam, which has not saturated its cinematic landscape with vampire narratives. Regardless, the film is characterized by an abundance of visually stunning imagery and blood-soaked indulgence, creating a noteworthy blend that, while at times convoluted, remains impressive in its execution.

Daydreamers is set to premiere in select theaters on May 2, followed by its availability on all major Video On Demand (VOD) platforms starting June 3.