Buffy the Vampire Slayer (film)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a 1992 American comedy horror film directed by Fran Rubel Kuzui, starring Kristy Swanson as Buffy Summers, Donald Sutherland as her Watcher, Merrick Jamison-Smythe, and Paul Reubens as Amilyn, a vampire. The film presents a lighter, more comedic take on the concept of a "Slayer" of vampires than the later television series of the same name.

The film follows Buffy, a seemingly shallow and popular high school cheerleader in Los Angeles, who learns she is destined to fight vampires. She is approached by Merrick, who informs her of her lineage and trains her to fulfill her destiny. As Buffy comes to terms with her responsibilities, she and Merrick face off against Lothos (Rutger Hauer), an ancient and powerful vampire, and his minions.

While the film shares the name and basic premise with the television series, it differs significantly in tone, characterization, and plot details. Joss Whedon, who wrote the screenplay for the film, has expressed dissatisfaction with the final product, citing creative differences with the director and producers. He later developed the television series to more closely reflect his original vision for the character and her story.

The film received mixed reviews upon its release and was only moderately successful at the box office. Despite its shortcomings in Whedon's eyes, it laid the groundwork for the popular and critically acclaimed television series, which significantly expanded upon the Buffyverse.