Directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, this stylish Persian take on the vampire genre also serves effectively as a metaphor for the current state of Iran.
Amirpour’s impressive debut feature guides viewers into the nocturnal and sparsely populated underworld of “Bad City,” an Iran of the mind that nevertheless rings true.
In this cool and brooding tale, an alluring female vampire stalks potential victims with a judgmental eye—but isn’t immune to romantic desire when it presents itself in the form of a young hunk who’s looking for a way out of his dead-end existence.
The bold narrative approach, striking high-contrast black-and-white cinematography. and erotic touches elevate the film way above a routing horror item.
Released by Kino Lorber
Running time: 107 minutes.