A couple of thoughts about "The Vampire Lestat"
It was somewhat of a chaotic mess. Would love to call it a glorious mess, but sadly, it’s not entirely the case. I did mostly enjoy it, the season had its fair share of great and even profound moments, but it wasn’t on the level with the previous two.
While the story of “Interview with the Vampire” managed to slowly seduce and guide through the well-thought-out plot with mesmerizing dialogue, “The Vampire Lestat” felt like flashes of a junkie’s dream that just loosely constricted into the story. Having read dozens of rockstar biographies, I expected to genuinely enjoy the narration style. However, it was overdone and would only benefit from more prolonged flashbacks to lure viewers back into the gothic narrative.
The most well-done scenes were the ones where all plot points seemed to crash together into sort of an emotional crescendo (like the end of episode 3 or the climax of the last episode). I think they bode very well with the musical theme of the season and resemble jazz improvisations or even beat poetry.
I did love the music. I was always a huge glam rock/metal fan, and I appreciate them leaning into this campy fun style – it really suits Lestat’s persona. And I loved the way his struggles – his failures – are shown, he is allowed to be imperfect and not immediately popular - even a loser. It was liberating to see. The songs are amazing - I listen to them all the time. Daniel Hart did a phenomenal job. Sam Reid’s transformation into a rock star is mind-blowing and almost unbelievable. He becomes this other being – almost a God, as if possessed by the spirit of Lestat himself.
I am extremely biased, but the most amazing parts of the season for me were the Devil’s minion moments. It’s my absolute favorite part of the books, Armand and Daniel are my favorite characters and I was so happy every time they appeared on the screen together. But it was a little disappointing how almost all their relationship development happened off-screen, I would gladly watch seasons and seasons of their shared history. But hey – at least they got their cute Halloween beheading date night, right?
Armand was the best part of the last episode for me. He is the most mesmerizing in his evil crashout gremlin mode. For someone who is so used to going with the flow, to be accommodating and modifying himself to situations and people, he’s glorious in those moments he lets go and shows his inner monster. Assad deserves all the nominations and awards for his performance.
The worst part for me was easily Gabriella. The infuriation I felt every time she appeared was unparalleled. I hated the way she talked, the way she behaved and treated Lestat and it was such a let down for me, because I find her character fascinating in the books. The gender non-conformism, the constant yearning for freedom, for life outside the societal norms, were written with such depth and care that you can’t help but empathize. This Gabriella is but a shell of her book counterpart and I hated how she was turned into this sexualized femme fatale who clings to the last bits of Lestat’s sanity like a leech.
Louis and Claudia/Regina story was controversial and uncomfortable, but I actually liked how raw his grief felt because of it. The way he lifted Claudia to the ranks of saints – how he wails in his misery, almost thrives in it. His shrine of yellow dress and diaries, his self-pity and clinging to Regina like a lifeline. His grief is more of a personality trait at this point and it’s extremely selfish and self-centered. The scene with the ghost Claudia blew my mind with her rage and pain. It was always her story, she was a cause and the center, but somehow always ended up on the sidelines, with Louis prioritizing his idealized suffering over who she is as a person. It was complex and I believe - done well. Give all the awards to Delainey, she is the perfect Claudia.
In terms of adaptation, it definitely wasn’t the most faithful one. “Interview with the Vampire” implements changes extremely well, while sticking to the overall tone and atmosphere of the story. I actually liked the IWTV series more than the book in many aspects. The direction TVL took wasn’t the best in my opinion – it lacked the involvement and immersion of the complex and epic story portrayed in the books. I liked the band storyline, but I think it should have leaned into flashbacks a little more.
It certainly wasn’t the perfect season, but it still has the spirit of the beloved story. It had its failures, and it had its unique, beautiful moments. I desperately want more and I hope it will be renewed. I think they still have a lot to say and I can’t wait to see what the story will look like once it’s complete. We listened to failures, I think it would be great to see some triumphs.
baratheonpilled
izzy806
theartofmadeline
pixelskylines
