Sundown: The Vampire in Retreat
Director: Anthony Hickox
Actors: David Carradine, Morgan Brittany, Bruce Campbell
PlotIn a remote desert town, a peculiar community of vampires led by their leader, Jozek, attempts to integrate peacefully with the human world by developing synthetic blood to sustain themselves without the need to feed on humans. They have created a factory to produce this blood substitute and maintain a semblance of normalcy in the quirky town, complete with sun-blocking schedules and various adjustments for their nocturnal lifestyle. However, not all vampires agree with Jozek's vision of harmony. A faction led by the rebellious Shane is dissatisfied with these changes and yearns for the old ways of hunting. As tensions rise between the two groups, the arrival of an external threat—the Harrison family, unsuspecting humans drawn to the town under false pretenses—further complicates the already fragile balance.
The Harrisons are originally there for a business trip regarding the family's industrial paint company but quickly become entangled in the vampire town's discord. Amidst uncovering strange events, they're forced to confront the reality that vampires exist and have to navigate their way out of an increasingly dangerous situation. Meanwhile, relationships among the vampires are tested, with alliances forming and breaking. The peaceful facade fractures under the pressure, paving the way for a conflict that threatens to erupt into chaos if not resolved. Twisting the lines between good and evil, the narrative explores themes of co-existence, identity, and change, all set against a backdrop of dark humor and suspense.
Writers: John Burgess, Anthony Hickox
Release Date: 02 Nov 1991
Runtime: 104 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Sundown: The Vampire in Retreat offers solid technical merits and engaging extras, though it may not fully resonate; a worthy addition for curious cult fans.
Read our review of Sundown: The Vampire in Retreat Blu-ray to find out more