Vampires vs. the Bronx

This horror-comedy, which is directed by Oz Rodriguez in his feature debut, centers on a group of adolescent friends who learn that gentrification in their Bronx neighborhood has a sinister twist: real estate developers are actually vampires who buy up property and feed on the population. Jaden Michael, Gerald W. Jones III, and Gregory Diaz IV play the teenage heroes battling to defend their home in this picture, which combines creature-feature thrills with social critique.

The film cleverly uses the metaphor of vampires to represent gentrification, drawing parallels between monstrous bloodsucking and real estate practices that displace residents. This combination of social horror with comedy gives the narrative weight, backed by a strong chemistry among the lead trio. Jaden Michael, as Miguel, leads with earnestness, while Gerald W. Jones III and Gregory Diaz IV provide unique character dynamics. The Bronx is portrayed with affection, highlighting its community and traditions through its setting and supporting characters. Rodriguez masterfully balances horror and comedy, ensuring that both elements effectively complement each other. The film runs at 86 minutes, maintaining a brisk pace with an engaging soundtrack, and integrates cultural specificity through Method Man's role as a local pastor. Overall, it delivers both entertainment and relevant commentary on neighborhood identity.

The leads lack substance beyond tropes, despite being likable. Miguel's struggle to transfer to a better school is mentioned but not examined. Although indicated, Bobby and Luis's family circumstances are left unclear. The picture features unremarkable-looking monsters and places more emphasis on storyline than emotional nuance. The vampire boss is present, but he doesn't get enough screen time to become a threat. With little opposition, the children swiftly unearth a vampire conspiracy, and the ultimate conflict depends on coincidences. Mother figures are underdeveloped, and most adults either don't believe the children or end up as victims. The fright scenes are skillfully performed, although they don't really surprise fans of the genre.

A lively and enjoyable debut, Vampires vs. the Bronx is more successful as a comedy and social critique than as a horror film. Its sincere love for its characters and environment, which makes the stakes feel intimate even when the plotting veers off course, is its greatest asset. It blends the vampire and gentrification genres with enough charm and vitality to warrant its existence, even though it doesn't completely transform either of them.

Staff:

Directed by: Oz Rodriguez

Written by: Oz Rodriguez and Blaise Hemingway

Story by: Oz Rodriguez

Produced by: Lorne Michaels, Erin David, Bert Hamelinck, and Michael Sagol

Starring: Jaden Michael, Gerald W. Jones III, Gregory Diaz IV, and Sarah Gadon.

Cinematography: Blake McClure

Edited by: Alex O'Flinn and Sara Shaw

Music by: Will Blair and Brooke Blair

Production companies: Universal Pictures, Broadway Video, and Caviar

Distributed by: Netflix

Release date: October 2, 2020

Running time: 86 minutes