Near Dark

Near Dark is a 1987 American neo-Western vampire horror film directed by Kathryn Bigelow, starring Adrian Pasdar, Jenny Wright, Lance Henriksen, Bill Paxton, and Jenette Goldstein. The film centers on a young man from a rural Oklahoma town who becomes involved with a family of nomadic vampires. Unlike traditional vampire films, Near Dark eschews many classic tropes, such as coffins, crosses, and sunlight aversion. Instead, the vampires suffer extreme pain and rapidly decompose when exposed to direct sunlight.

The film is notable for its stylish visuals, atmospheric setting, and blending of genres, incorporating elements of horror, western, and road movie tropes. While it was not a box office success upon its initial release, Near Dark has since garnered a cult following and is now considered a significant and influential work in the vampire subgenre of horror cinema. It is praised for its unique take on vampire lore, its exploration of family dynamics within the vampire group, and its use of practical effects to create gruesome and memorable scenes. The soundtrack, featuring Tangerine Dream, also contributes to the film's distinctive atmosphere.