I remember this film specifically because of the daughter character who let herself become depraved and sick in order to show her father how awful the conditions of treatment were for those who were suffering. It struck a cord because it showed how powerless her father was to change his ways and make any real difference.
@@burntgrahamcracker2866 I saw her wanting to retain her humanity and her dad forced because he loved her and thought she would love it as much as him once he exposed her. She couldn’t become him. The father rather keep his business going despite the fact it contributed to him having to kill her.
Neil, Hawke and Dafoe totally made this film so fun for me to watch, can you imagine how much better the film would have been if they had given the script a couple re-writes?
I like how Sam neill's character said that even though they will create the blood substitute, but they'll still harvest the humans' blood have for a higher price for those vampires looking for the real thing. Shows that even vampires can be greedy.
I mean, it's not like turning into a vampire will change a person's beliefs. If I were greedy as a human I'm probably still going to be greedy as vampire.
I love Daybreakers - it's a bit of a mess but the worldbuilding has so many interesting hooks and aspects. I always find myself daydreaming about that world for days after I rewatch the film. Great video as always!
The world building is one of the best parts, but it doesn't always make sense to me. The entire world just accepted vampirism as the new normal and converted everything from cars and buildings to government structure in only ten years? Where's the chaos and riots between pro and anti vampires? Where's the holy wars from religious groups that deem vampirism an act of the devil? Where's the economic upheaval and subsequent depression? I'd have accepted 50 years, maybe, but not 10.
@@LnPPersonified thats a series in and of itself. I guess some of those can be accepted as, "suspend your disbelief" since they never bring up those questions. I'd agree with you if they ever did. Now I honestly do believe some of those could be answered since a lot can happen in 10 years. I mean look at the more recent Planet of the Apes movies. Year 1-3 is the initial outbreak and panic phase. Governments try to control the virus but i goes beyond their control until it spreads to a whole population and it slowly transitions from panic to beginning to wanting to understand how the virus works. Year 4-6 could be just the beginnings of the supposed new world as more and more people become vampires and people begin to realize that there's no negatives to being a vampire. You stay young forever, never get sick. Whatever percentage of people complaining about how its not natural, or as you said with religious groups, it such a small percentage thats its snuffed out. And finally years 7-10 a new order for the world is founded and the human population that managed to survive are hunted and farmed. I feel like the movie leaves it open to a lot of interpretation.
I just like the neo-noire and general “dark” aesthetic that vampire movies had then: twilight (sort of), underworld, this movie, etc. Also, if you know of any others, please tell me more.
@@nyancat2221 best example I can give is the anime series Hellsing and Hellsing Ultimate. Both series offer something different but Ultimate is the better of the two. I highly recommend you watch both if you're into Vampire stuff like Blade and Underworld
@@LnPPersonified It depends on how fast it all spread out, if everyone is a vampire then nobody would care, though considering how fast it spread it is rather idiotic. Or that this kind of vampirism would have any positive effects, lol.
Do you mind explaining how Donnie Darko doesn't hold up? This is the second time I've heard about this but I have rewatched the movie fairly recently and I'll admit there are plenty of moments where the dialogue and acting are a bit... cheesy or amateurish, I found the themes and ideas interesting and well explored.
@@benjamintillema3572 It just doesn't hold up to how it felt as a teenager. It "feels" a lot deeper then what it actually is. It's still a distinct movie, but the imagination of youth makes it better.
Yeah that's how i feel about Donnie Darko. As a middle school kid and highschooler, i thought the movie was pretty billiant, but then i tried watching it again in college and for some reason the magic was gone. I'm no critic nor an expert on story telling and filmmaking as much as i love all of that, so i can't pinpoint exactly why it doesnt hold up but yeah as an adult something felt missing in Donnie Darko. Moments in it felt cringey and immature, not that i am mature, but that there was this clash of tones and melodrama that no longer worked for me
@@ColombianThunder These movies have brilliant concepts, but are very awkwardly executed! As a kid, the awkwardness feels more natural, and you only half pay attention to movies and fill in the gap with your imagination most of the time already anyways. As an adult, actually paying attention, understanding subtlety, and expecting something deep... You over examine it and it's like pulling the colored disc out of the bottom of a kaleidoscope. It's still pretty, but all the magic just vanishes.
Same. I was the only one in my theatre to see it opening night. I remember that it wasn't advertised well. In fact, I got a trailer for it right in front of the movie, lol.
Ryan: "It takes place in 2019, 10 years after a plague with a bat wipes out . . ." Me: *scans empty house and street* Heheh ahhhhhhhhhh... Edit: And you mentioned it. That being said, I did like this movie when I saw this in my younger years. I agree with wishing that they stuck to the neo-noir thing and less the action stuff.
You know, considering how desperate we were for a vaccine and the way it was mandated in most places, makes me reconsider how likely a cure that necessitated consuming human blood would be irl.
I remember watching this movie when the Twilight movies were on the rage, and really loved it for being a breath of fresh air during a time where Twilight supposedly "ruined" vampires by making them sparkly. But, looking on it as a young adult, its flaws are pretty apparent, like its tonal inconsistency and its underdeveloped ideas. I could honestly see this movie working as a comic book series or a TV show instead of a movie. That said, in spite of its faults, this movie is entertaining and enjoyable. I can't hate a movie that has Willem Dafoe with a muscle car and a sweet crossbow/shotgun hybrid weapon.
The brother character saying he enlisted because of the guaranteed blood ration hits home to me as someone that enlisted because of the benefits it gives. The first time I had healthcare as an adult was at 27 due to the army.
@Kelsey Williams The death scene with the groundhog driving the truck? I dunno...that's so random, yet tied to the best death in the whole movie. Hell, I'd give it a visit.
Well, that explains why none of the natural outdoor scenery looks familiar (the trees and such). Something felt off, but I never paid it much attention until I read your comment.
Honestly, I found this movie fascinating, the neo-noir aesthetic, the deeply relevant themes of resource crises, corporate tyranny, and human rights abuses, and the multiple brilliant actors playing characters who could really feel deep with a little more focus all drew me in. It's unfortunate it refused to stick to its guns and go all out and be a slowburn, thoughtful piece and instead threw in far too much action and kept its pace at a full clip the entire time.
Haha your description of "Ehh I think we are starting to lean too hard into this seemingly deep topic, QUICK, GRT THE CROSSBOW AND BLOW SOMETHING UP THING BEFORE THEY REALISE WE DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO WITH IT!!" is pretty accurate I gotta admit 😂 But I do rather like this movie a lot. At least, I loved it back in the day, and I haven't watched it again for a few years but I think I'd still like it quite a lot. I find the premise pretty interesting and unique, yes some of the commentary is a bit on the nose but it does set up this interesting world and it's fun to... See vampire shit 😁 *also I had totally forgotten that this is set in 2019 and the whole thing is because of one single bat!! (Which makes sense because... Well.. vampires.. so it's probably not as prophetic as it sounds but it's still kinda uncanny) Either way, great video as always mate! Love your stuff
I view Daybreakers the same way as Total Recall: a fun action movie with enough of a deeper theme to get you thinking. Neither are perfect in that last regard, but there’s enough to stick with you afterwards.
Even if the movie itself isn't perfect, gotta love the idea of the Green Goblin and Ellison Oswalt from Sinister teaming up, as vampires, to fight other vampires in an Underworld-styled cityscape. 🧛♂️🖤
And being ironic since Dafoe got to play a vampire in 2000’s “Shadow of the Vampire”; he played the legendary Max Schreck who was Count Orlock in “Nosferatu (1922)” based on the old myth that Schreck was a vampire
I liked how in the middle of the Twilight boom, this was over here being a ton more serious, gory and taking away the sexiness of vampirism. Because frankly, yuck. And now, during a pandemic... seeing how corrupt that government was and seeing how ours is right now... it’s really depressing tbh.
I remember renting this years ago when visiting my grandma. And I was like Ryan, I freaking loved it at the time, but now as an adult I can see the tonal inconsistency of it. This movie could've been so much better, and it's just a shame that it didn't achieve its potential.
I'm still waiting for Ryan to review Meet The Feebles just for how bonkers it is. The main video topic could be about how much these highly successful movie makers start from something so small yet so memorable
I have a strange fear of vampires where just thinking about them makes me feel nauseous. So this movie was the ultimate dystopian nightmare for me, not to mention near impossible to sit through at once.
Never been this early to 1 of your vids. As a Ryan myself I always appreciate 1 that can produce quality. Thank you for all your hard work and great insights.
I remember this film A) because of the trailer music (Placebo: "Running Up That Hill" cover) B) Because of Ethan Hawke and C) Vampires. And now I am complete all of these years later with a Ryan Hollinger summation. Holy shit, I appreciate this channel.
I’ve been watching your videos for the longest time now and I think I deleted more comments than I actually posted. But it’s unfair of me and ungrateful to you. I’m closer to end of getting my MA in English Literatures and Cultures, I think I first watched one of your videos when I was still getting my BA. You’ve always been such a huge inspiration for me; your video essays are so well structured and you’re insanely eloquent. It’s something I want from my own work too - show people the passion behind the craft, and explore the beauty of things in which they wouldn’t usually see it. You also sent me on countless nostalgia trips for movies I forgot I watched ages ago. Thank you so much for all your hard work. Thank you so much for not only inspiring me, but many others too. These videos are more important than you might know, especially since people like me are a bit comment shy, but I’ll try to show you my appreciation more in the future.
I love this movie. Me and my friends joke about bad movies, and how they can all be saved if they have a "flaming" William Dafoe in them, the more on fire the better. Ethan just looks so woobie in this, I love him, but my favorite storyline is probably the brother's: He forcibly changed people against their wishes and will, and then had to live with their disappointment and their desire to self destruct in different ways. In the girl's case, he had to watch her immolate herself, in Edward's case - he found a cure for vampirism that is in itself similar to a STD-type virus (I say STD because so much vampire lore is tied to the seduction), in that it spreads by being consumed. So the brother unmakes himself and then goes out like a boss by unmaking others, which will in turn unmake more. He became a Trojan Horse of a vaccine.
I remember really liking daybreakers! But i definitely remember feeling whiplash from the random intense action scenes. I really liked the difference between the human orange-y brightness of daytime versus the vampire blue night time colors. The way the film took a greedy blood farmer/pharmaceutical company to its absolute limit was very cool and unique, but i remember telling my sister they just didn't go far enough with the human versus vampire struggle and how immortality versus mortality would've played into the decisions of many to "take" the cure. Or how many lengths a greedy company would go to to hide such an easily accessible cure for a starving world.
Ah, I remember when filming in Australia with Australians was a thing done more regularly. Always so disorienting seeing soap stars pop up alongside Hollywood actors XD
I love that films like Daybreakers, Blade and Underworld present to the audience that there's something even worse or stronger than vampires. In Daybreakers it's the subsiders. In Blade it was the reapers. In Underworld the character of Michael was a vampire/lycan hybrid.
Well on it’s surface is a Vampire Horror Action B Movie film, but underneath is a film about corrupt pharmaceutical companies not wanting a cure because it’s not good for their business, which is a very real thing that happens in real life. And also has meanings of oil shortages, food shortages, and animal rights. But what you are basically saying is in order for this film to be more praised and widely accepted is if it was the other way around, meaning the politics of corrupt pharmaceutical companies, oil shortages, food shortages, and animal rights needed to be front and center, with the Vampire Horror stuff being more underneath.
I just remember being so thrilled that this was filmed in Brisbane. Those futuristic houses were just ugly townhouses in Bulimba, and the vampire kids were hanging out at the CBD ferry terminal. I don't think the Spierig brothers had much of a budget, otherwise they'd likely have filmed elsewhere.
I’ve had this in my queue for a year and finally watched once I saw you posted this! This movie has the best first act of any vampire movie I’ve ever seen and then promptly turns into a generic hero’s journey Star Wars clone. Your contrasting of Hawke and Defoe really nailed it, it’s like 2 movies stapled together.
'Daybreakers' is a bit of a favourite of mine as it was filmed in my home town of Brisbane, Australia and several of my friends are in it. It was also the second film by the Spierig Brothers, who'd scored a bit of a cult hit with the low-budget horror comedy 'Undead' in 2003 (another personal fave). The conflict where they create well-produced silly schlock, but put in something more ambitious which they don't or aren't able to adequately explore appears in a bunch of their films, but it really highlighted in this one as they were actually given the money to realize some of the more ambitious elements.
Wow, I didn't think anyone else still remembered that movie. It used to be one of my favourite vampire movies in my teens as well. At 12-14 this seemed really deep to me. And the esthetics of it are still pretty nice. My other favourite vampire movie at the time was the breed. There seems to be a pattern here.
I'm mostly familiar with this movie because it's a trailer on the DVD of my biggest guilty pleasure: I, Frankenstein I'll probably check this out soon, I love mid-2000s edgy vampire movies
I'm gonna be real with yall. This is like one of my all time favorite vampire movies. I just appreciate the world portrayed. It's up there with Dusk till Dawn and 30 days of night imo
I mean to be honest, I don’t ever hear anybody talking about this movie… But the way it was handled, the concept… I found it very intriguing. And the way they had to adapt and cope to the new way of life, very interesting stuff. I thought the movie was great, it’s not a masterpiece but it doesn’t deserve to be buried...plus I agree. It seems this film strikes a chord now more than before, go figure huh?
Your channel inspired me to go to college for film and now I’m the happiest I’ve been working in a local production studio and I just wanted to say that you’re an amazing RUclips and amazing person
Such an underrated vampire film from underrated directors. I really enjoy Daybreakers and it became a surprising date movie of mine when I brought people around that liked horror films. The Spierig brothers created a masterpiece with Predestination IMO, and while their sheen has fallen with the new Saw film and Winchester, I still believe they can pull something incredible out of the bag. I have noticed their cold, clinical and blue style with slow shots, and would love to see something new from them. You also need to remember that this came out when Vampires were at all time lameness with Twilight. This and Fright Night kept them from total wusses.
It’s interesting to think of this movie as being in the same universe on some level as Matheson’s I Am Legend. If the concept had been more successful the world building would’ve really worked as a “sequel” to that novel
I always wondered what would happen if the company had used the 'cure for vampirism' as a source for more humans rather than trying to suppress it. Having the poorest/disenfranchised undergo the cure in exchange for, say, a secured income to their surviving families.
IDK what got me down THIS rabbit hole, but...I LOVED this movie. NOT for the cliche Hollywood blunder, but for the CONCEPT. The unusual twist they took a vampire movie in modern days time, and made a really interesting slab of lore and luster. Sure it has it's load of typical flaws - but I'll die on this hill, that the story and concept made it worth the watch.
the share amount of people who wanted to be vampires at that time, with the amount of movies Romancing vampires at that time, this movie was refreshing.
Daybreakers, despite its flaws, is my favorite vampire movie. I particularly love how they went with the reverse-infection idea, even though in practice it has its own drawbacks.
I Remember Watching This At The Cinema And Really Liked It. I Remember It Cause After The Film, I Got A Text Message From A Girl I Really Fancied Asking Me To Meet Her At A Pub And I Was Soo Nervous I Threw Up In A Bush.
9:31 thing is when I saw it my buddy talked about a manga or whatever it was that that he was pretty sure they were basing the movie on where in the end they literally had humanity back to their cave man roots and breeding them for food stock. For the life of me I can't remember what it was though lol
I forgot how much of my city (Brisbane) was totally obvious in this film. I had some friends who were cast as extras in it too, including the twin girls in the subway, so that was a bit of fun at the time. The commentary on capitalism's knowing acceleration towards a climate catastrophe is absolutely on-point too. We're currently living in a world where corporations are literally spending billions of dollars to fight the saving of the world! But yeah, the dichotomy of neo-noir and ham was always a bit of a tough sell. I was 20 when this came out, and 30 days of night definitely felt like a more cohesive film even if the story was much smaller and more simple.
i watched this when i was like 8 on television at my grandma's house, and then i couldnt find it for YEARS despite trying really really hard. it seemed no one had a copy or knew what i was talking about. once i found a dvd of it from the library, and i checked that out, and then the dvd cut out half way through from damage. finally found a pirate website that had it, though. i love this movie a lot lol
This is one of my favorite vampire movies. I really enjoyed it and while I wanted more from it, it was still an enjoyable watch. I'm actually going to go watch it after I finish your video. I don't disagree with your analysis either, I truly appreciated and enjoyed it. :) Suggestion: You May Be The Killer. Its another fun horror movie deconstruction.
Oooh this was one of my favourite vampire movies. As they said in their commentary they really wanted to explore why being a vampire would suck, made vampires horrifying instead of sexy, and also told a story about humanity. It's not a deep movie, it's not a classic, but it is a solid movie.
Ever since I read Robert R. McCammon's novel "They Thirst" I've never really liked vampires. I liked the story I just don't like the idea of bitey needy people that have you have to run a wooden stake through to get rid of. ...tumblr.
I just noticed something weird, most of the soldiers at 6:52 are shooting left handed. As a left handed shooter that makes me give this movie an instant 10
I've been following the Speirig brothers since 'Undead'. I thought they did an excellent job on Daybreakers. The audience I saw it with in cinemas had a great time, especially with Dafoe's performance.
"Was Daybreakers really that bad?" Wait, did anyone ever say it was straight-up "bad"? Even your breakdown here seems to suggest the movie is good but flawed, yet your title seems to suggest that there was some big outcry of hate for it that I don't think I ever witness.
Seriously, I'm tired of these stupid clickbait titles, just because an otherwise fun movie wasn't a huge hit doesn't mean it was "hated" or tons of people were saying it was "bad". It was just overlooked.
I honestly don't think I've ever heard a bad thing about the movie from legit viewers (not critics). Everyone seems to enjoy the concept of the film and it's dark aesthetics. It's definitely not a great film but I loved watching it when it comes on TV or shows up on a streaming service.
This is definitely a film that deserves a sequel or better yet a reboot. A higher budget and a longer run time would’ve greatly helped this film achieve what it was trying to go for. I loved a lot of the cinematography of the film such as the subway scene or the scenes of the soldiers getting ready to exterminate the feral vampires. This is the kind of film that could’ve become either one of the “great” films of the 21st century or at least a widely acclaimed film.
So glad to see someone talk about this movie!!! Always been one of my favorite hidden gems honestly. Had such a blast seeing this in theatres with little to jo expectations going in
I thought this movie was very unique and pretty great with a good concept. Sun is/was the only cure of vampirism. Ironic and not seen outside of Daybreakers, unless u consider killing vampires a "cure". It reminds me of the Warm Bodies movie which also had bad reviews but had a great concept and story behind it
I remember really looking forward to this movie as I'm a big fan of both Hawke and DaFoe, but I was pretty disappointed with the execution. It can get pretty ham-handed with the social messaging, and chunks of the script feel like a studio demanding a re-write because they can't sell this vampire movie to audiences without more action scenes. The one you mention with the brothers being interrupted in what's essentially the conversation at the heart of the movie is particularly egregious.
I enjoyed the movie, I particilarly liked the feeding frenzy near the end of the movie where the vampire soldiers are cured only to be fed on by the next wave of soldiers showing up, just to be cured themselves, rinse and repeat.
Holy shit I'd been consuming some vampire-related media as of late and I was JUST thinking about how interesting the concept of this movie was and then I see this on my feed. You read my mind, Ryan.
*Send me your requests below!!* ... and also, my video on 30 Days of Night: ruclips.net/video/fjuyVLuUW0o/видео.html
Still gonna request Pink Floyd's The Wall and Night in the Woods.
i continue to ask for nbc’s hannibal 🤲
Terrified! Argentinian movie that should be on Shudder or Netflix.
Gonna keep requesting for One Cut of the Dead 😭
Again,would love to see you do Ginger Snaps.
Well, in its defense, William Defoe having a kickass crossbow would make any movie engaging.
It was probably his own that he just rolled up the set with.
I feel like Willem Defoe in general could make any movie engaging.
@@portal1329 idk, he couldn't save the death note movie. Buuut he was the best part of it.
@@GiulianaBruna Let's be honest though, every scene he was in made that asstastic movie worth watching.
GOD SPEED SPIDERMAN. *produces crossbow from fucking nowhere*
I remember this film specifically because of the daughter character who let herself become depraved and sick in order to show her father how awful the conditions of treatment were for those who were suffering. It struck a cord because it showed how powerless her father was to change his ways and make any real difference.
I thought she did that because she refused to turn into a monster like what she viewed vampires as
@@burntgrahamcracker2866 Both can work in tandem.
@@burntgrahamcracker2866 I saw her wanting to retain her humanity and her dad forced because he loved her and thought she would love it as much as him once he exposed her. She couldn’t become him.
The father rather keep his business going despite the fact it contributed to him having to kill her.
Ryan: *Makes thoughtful and entertaining film analysis on a weekly basis*
His comments: hahahaha hoyever
Hey! We can appreciate both things simultaneously. And its HIGHever by the way.
I cant unhear it now
@@Thezion1111 I'm amazed you didn't hear it in the first place lol
At least he got merch outta that stupid joke though lol
Literally no one makes that comment. Except you. The fucking irony is amazing.
The only reason I'm really familiar with Daybreakers is through its frequent re-runs on the Syfy Channel. 😆
Same actually
You and I both lol.
Same, Sci-Fi really seemed to love this movie.
Yea likewise for like a month daybreakers was jus playing every other day lol
And what does THAT tell you about how “good” it is?
Its funny how this year just made every critque of "no way humans would be that greedy and stupid" invalid
Like Einstein said: “The two things that are infinite are the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the universe.”
Neil, Hawke and Dafoe totally made this film so fun for me to watch, can you imagine how much better the film would have been if they had given the script a couple re-writes?
Those 3 definitely hold the film together bringing their A game
I like how Sam neill's character said that even though they will create the blood substitute, but they'll still harvest the humans' blood have for a higher price for those vampires looking for the real thing. Shows that even vampires can be greedy.
I mean, it's not like turning into a vampire will change a person's beliefs. If I were greedy as a human I'm probably still going to be greedy as vampire.
It probably does taste better than the fake stuff. Tofu and other meat substitutes aren't horrible but I still like my meats
I love Daybreakers - it's a bit of a mess but the worldbuilding has so many interesting hooks and aspects. I always find myself daydreaming about that world for days after I rewatch the film. Great video as always!
The world building is one of the best parts, but it doesn't always make sense to me. The entire world just accepted vampirism as the new normal and converted everything from cars and buildings to government structure in only ten years? Where's the chaos and riots between pro and anti vampires? Where's the holy wars from religious groups that deem vampirism an act of the devil? Where's the economic upheaval and subsequent depression? I'd have accepted 50 years, maybe, but not 10.
@@LnPPersonified thats a series in and of itself.
I guess some of those can be accepted as, "suspend your disbelief" since they never bring up those questions. I'd agree with you if they ever did.
Now I honestly do believe some of those could be answered since a lot can happen in 10 years. I mean look at the more recent Planet of the Apes movies.
Year 1-3 is the initial outbreak and panic phase. Governments try to control the virus but i goes beyond their control until it spreads to a whole population and it slowly transitions from panic to beginning to wanting to understand how the virus works.
Year 4-6 could be just the beginnings of the supposed new world as more and more people become vampires and people begin to realize that there's no negatives to being a vampire. You stay young forever, never get sick. Whatever percentage of people complaining about how its not natural, or as you said with religious groups, it such a small percentage thats its snuffed out.
And finally years 7-10 a new order for the world is founded and the human population that managed to survive are hunted and farmed.
I feel like the movie leaves it open to a lot of interpretation.
I just like the neo-noire and general “dark” aesthetic that vampire movies had then: twilight (sort of), underworld, this movie, etc.
Also, if you know of any others, please tell me more.
@@nyancat2221 best example I can give is the anime series Hellsing and Hellsing Ultimate.
Both series offer something different but Ultimate is the better of the two. I highly recommend you watch both if you're into Vampire stuff like Blade and Underworld
@@LnPPersonified
It depends on how fast it all spread out, if everyone is a vampire then nobody would care, though considering how fast it spread it is rather idiotic. Or that this kind of vampirism would have any positive effects, lol.
Damn a pandemic from a bat in 2019 funny prediction daybreakers
Granted it wasn’t a bat that started the virus
@@brettthebest3978 I know, it was a Pangolin. God damn it Randy.
@@philingrouille7198 south park nice
Damn, why we can't turn into vampires instead?
@@UkuleleVillain
We did, we just feed on toiletries instead of blood.
“Set in 2019, 10 years after the world collapsed as the result of a plague spread by a single bat.”
Was this movie foreshadowing?
Maybe the Sperigs had a feeling 😆😉
There aren’t any vampires yet? Lol.
@@LizzieBee00 key word is yet
I think it's in the Simsons camp of making logical guesses to situations that could happen, even people don't believe it could.
Contagion did it, too.
"As a teenager, I thought this movie was genius! But as an adult it doesn't hold up to scrutiny."
Oh, so the Donnie Darko effect?
Do you mind explaining how Donnie Darko doesn't hold up? This is the second time I've heard about this but I have rewatched the movie fairly recently and I'll admit there are plenty of moments where the dialogue and acting are a bit... cheesy or amateurish, I found the themes and ideas interesting and well explored.
I think that his favourite movie.
@@benjamintillema3572 It just doesn't hold up to how it felt as a teenager. It "feels" a lot deeper then what it actually is. It's still a distinct movie, but the imagination of youth makes it better.
Yeah that's how i feel about Donnie Darko. As a middle school kid and highschooler, i thought the movie was pretty billiant, but then i tried watching it again in college and for some reason the magic was gone. I'm no critic nor an expert on story telling and filmmaking as much as i love all of that, so i can't pinpoint exactly why it doesnt hold up but yeah as an adult something felt missing in Donnie Darko. Moments in it felt cringey and immature, not that i am mature, but that there was this clash of tones and melodrama that no longer worked for me
@@ColombianThunder These movies have brilliant concepts, but are very awkwardly executed! As a kid, the awkwardness feels more natural, and you only half pay attention to movies and fill in the gap with your imagination most of the time already anyways.
As an adult, actually paying attention, understanding subtlety, and expecting something deep... You over examine it and it's like pulling the colored disc out of the bottom of a kaleidoscope. It's still pretty, but all the magic just vanishes.
I actually always really really liked Daybreakers. I thought it was a really fun movie
So did I
Same. I was the only one in my theatre to see it opening night. I remember that it wasn't advertised well. In fact, I got a trailer for it right in front of the movie, lol.
i liked the lore of the movie a lot, ive watched it a few times by choice lol
Same, I love the concept
I thought this movie was a fever dream when I was 12 thank you for confirming it in fact did exist and I didn’t hallucinate it. great analysis
Omg, yes, same! I fully thought I had imagined it until coming across it again earlier this year
I’ve always enjoyed Daybreakers. It’s such a great concept. Anyway, great job as always Ryan!
SAME!!
Totally agree!
Ryan: "It takes place in 2019, 10 years after a plague with a bat wipes out . . ."
Me: *scans empty house and street* Heheh ahhhhhhhhhh...
Edit: And you mentioned it. That being said, I did like this movie when I saw this in my younger years. I agree with wishing that they stuck to the neo-noir thing and less the action stuff.
You know, considering how desperate we were for a vaccine and the way it was mandated in most places, makes me reconsider how likely a cure that necessitated consuming human blood would be irl.
Ethan Hawke's first horror movie that started the little streak (Sinister and The Purge)
I remember watching this movie when the Twilight movies were on the rage, and really loved it for being a breath of fresh air during a time where Twilight supposedly "ruined" vampires by making them sparkly.
But, looking on it as a young adult, its flaws are pretty apparent, like its tonal inconsistency and its underdeveloped ideas. I could honestly see this movie working as a comic book series or a TV show instead of a movie.
That said, in spite of its faults, this movie is entertaining and enjoyable. I can't hate a movie that has Willem Dafoe with a muscle car and a sweet crossbow/shotgun hybrid weapon.
it also gave those reading it the impression that stalking for love is romantic
Man... this movie was such an inspiration for me. Not because of what it was but because of what it could have been
The brother character saying he enlisted because of the guaranteed blood ration hits home to me as someone that enlisted because of the benefits it gives.
The first time I had healthcare as an adult was at 27 due to the army.
I remember when this was being filmed in Brisbane. It's actually cool to see local landmarks in a film and you don't live in Hollywood.
My shitty hometown's claim to fame is that one of our quarries was in Groundhog Day.
@@janeeyre1990 you gotta love country towns, they make such big deals out of tiny things like that.
@Kelsey Williams The death scene with the groundhog driving the truck? I dunno...that's so random, yet tied to the best death in the whole movie. Hell, I'd give it a visit.
Well, that explains why none of the natural outdoor scenery looks familiar (the trees and such). Something felt off, but I never paid it much attention until I read your comment.
Honestly, I found this movie fascinating, the neo-noir aesthetic, the deeply relevant themes of resource crises, corporate tyranny, and human rights abuses, and the multiple brilliant actors playing characters who could really feel deep with a little more focus all drew me in. It's unfortunate it refused to stick to its guns and go all out and be a slowburn, thoughtful piece and instead threw in far too much action and kept its pace at a full clip the entire time.
The elevator scene where the man was eaten alive was cool
@@sweettoko995 on that we can agree lol
Haha your description of "Ehh I think we are starting to lean too hard into this seemingly deep topic, QUICK, GRT THE CROSSBOW AND BLOW SOMETHING UP THING BEFORE THEY REALISE WE DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO WITH IT!!" is pretty accurate I gotta admit 😂 But I do rather like this movie a lot. At least, I loved it back in the day, and I haven't watched it again for a few years but I think I'd still like it quite a lot. I find the premise pretty interesting and unique, yes some of the commentary is a bit on the nose but it does set up this interesting world and it's fun to... See vampire shit 😁
*also I had totally forgotten that this is set in 2019 and the whole thing is because of one single bat!! (Which makes sense because... Well.. vampires.. so it's probably not as prophetic as it sounds but it's still kinda uncanny)
Either way, great video as always mate! Love your stuff
Hey Ryan!
OMG I RECOGNIZE YOU
@@TheCandyHole Most do! 😉
Why you here?
@@Niceandshiny I watch Ryan's uploads. How about you? 🙂👍
I view Daybreakers the same way as Total Recall: a fun action movie with enough of a deeper theme to get you thinking. Neither are perfect in that last regard, but there’s enough to stick with you afterwards.
I really like Sam Neill in this. His character is underdeveloped, but he brings in all he is able to.
Even if the movie itself isn't perfect, gotta love the idea of the Green Goblin and Ellison Oswalt from Sinister teaming up, as vampires, to fight other vampires in an Underworld-styled cityscape. 🧛♂️🖤
And being ironic since Dafoe got to play a vampire in 2000’s “Shadow of the Vampire”; he played the legendary Max Schreck who was Count Orlock in “Nosferatu (1922)” based on the old myth that Schreck was a vampire
@@LucyLioness100 Oh wow, I didn't know that! Ironic indeed. 😆
I disagree that this is like 30 days of night. Imo the only thing they really have in common is that they're both about vampires.
I'm with you. 30 Days of Night kind of blew me away. Wait, did Hollinger say that? My brain must have immediatedly blocked that out. Haha.
I liked how in the middle of the Twilight boom, this was over here being a ton more serious, gory and taking away the sexiness of vampirism. Because frankly, yuck. And now, during a pandemic... seeing how corrupt that government was and seeing how ours is right now... it’s really depressing tbh.
I remember renting this years ago when visiting my grandma. And I was like Ryan, I freaking loved it at the time, but now as an adult I can see the tonal inconsistency of it. This movie could've been so much better, and it's just a shame that it didn't achieve its potential.
I feel like this concept could make a great Netflix show
But why Netflix?
I want a sequel or prequel
Amazon might handle it better
I'm still waiting for Ryan to review Meet The Feebles just for how bonkers it is. The main video topic could be about how much these highly successful movie makers start from something so small yet so memorable
I would love to see your take on the 2017 film "The Evil Within". It has a interesting story behind it, and it's quite a interesting watch.
Great recommendation! I agree, the story behind that movie is definitely interesting too.
I don’t think the movie is particularly good, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on The Ninth Gate.
That's...definitely a movie.
@@Largentina. Indeed. It was a movie....that was made....and....yep.
@@Pusher97 I heard it was made by filmmakers too and it even featured actors. I'm not sure I believe it though.
@@Largentina. I heard talks of a screenplay too.
Just here say I’d bet.
@@Pusher97 I don't know about that one. Doesn't seem possible.
Your face on the earbud advert kills me 😂 love it as always mate!
Cannot believe my favourite Irish sensually voiced man covered this under observed gem, much love from Scotland my Celtic brother
Sorry to interrupt anything between you two but as a Breton, it's my duty to complete the Triskell
True anyone comparing the two loses their argument
Just in time for a northern Irish Halloween. This is a good day off
I have a strange fear of vampires where just thinking about them makes me feel nauseous. So this movie was the ultimate dystopian nightmare for me, not to mention near impossible to sit through at once.
Never been this early to 1 of your vids. As a Ryan myself I always appreciate 1 that can produce quality. Thank you for all your hard work and great insights.
Horror Daddy at it again with an amazing video.
I remember this film A) because of the trailer music (Placebo: "Running Up That Hill" cover) B) Because of Ethan Hawke and C) Vampires. And now I am complete all of these years later with a Ryan Hollinger summation. Holy shit, I appreciate this channel.
Since you are talking about vampire movies,I need you to analyze Interview with The Vampire and Fright Night
I’ve been watching your videos for the longest time now and I think I deleted more comments than I actually posted. But it’s unfair of me and ungrateful to you.
I’m closer to end of getting my MA in English Literatures and Cultures, I think I first watched one of your videos when I was still getting my BA. You’ve always been such a huge inspiration for me; your video essays are so well structured and you’re insanely eloquent. It’s something I want from my own work too - show people the passion behind the craft, and explore the beauty of things in which they wouldn’t usually see it.
You also sent me on countless nostalgia trips for movies I forgot I watched ages ago. Thank you so much for all your hard work. Thank you so much for not only inspiring me, but many others too. These videos are more important than you might know, especially since people like me are a bit comment shy, but I’ll try to show you my appreciation more in the future.
I love this movie. Me and my friends joke about bad movies, and how they can all be saved if they have a "flaming" William Dafoe in them, the more on fire the better. Ethan just looks so woobie in this, I love him, but my favorite storyline is probably the brother's: He forcibly changed people against their wishes and will, and then had to live with their disappointment and their desire to self destruct in different ways. In the girl's case, he had to watch her immolate herself, in Edward's case - he found a cure for vampirism that is in itself similar to a STD-type virus (I say STD because so much vampire lore is tied to the seduction), in that it spreads by being consumed. So the brother unmakes himself and then goes out like a boss by unmaking others, which will in turn unmake more. He became a Trojan Horse of a vaccine.
Since you won't be posting again until All Souls' Day (November 1st), a very Happy Halloween to you, Ryan. 👻🎃
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do Murder Party next! We need something simple and funny right now.
I remember really liking daybreakers! But i definitely remember feeling whiplash from the random intense action scenes. I really liked the difference between the human orange-y brightness of daytime versus the vampire blue night time colors.
The way the film took a greedy blood farmer/pharmaceutical company to its absolute limit was very cool and unique, but i remember telling my sister they just didn't go far enough with the human versus vampire struggle and how immortality versus mortality would've played into the decisions of many to "take" the cure. Or how many lengths a greedy company would go to to hide such an easily accessible cure for a starving world.
Ah, I remember when filming in Australia with Australians was a thing done more regularly. Always so disorienting seeing soap stars pop up alongside Hollywood actors XD
Everyone first till you refresh
Drama, tension, it's got everything.
I love that films like Daybreakers, Blade and Underworld present to the audience that there's something even worse or stronger than vampires. In Daybreakers it's the subsiders. In Blade it was the reapers. In Underworld the character of Michael was a vampire/lycan hybrid.
Well on it’s surface is a Vampire Horror Action B Movie film, but underneath is a film about corrupt pharmaceutical companies not wanting a cure because it’s not good for their business, which is a very real thing that happens in real life. And also has meanings of oil shortages, food shortages, and animal rights. But what you are basically saying is in order for this film to be more praised and widely accepted is if it was the other way around, meaning the politics of corrupt pharmaceutical companies, oil shortages, food shortages, and animal rights needed to be front and center, with the Vampire Horror stuff being more underneath.
I like this one, tbh. And I'll watch anything Willem Dafoe is in.
Ryan is the only RUclipsr who I stick around to watch the sponsorship ads because he manages to make those as enjoyable as his videos.
I just remember being so thrilled that this was filmed in Brisbane. Those futuristic houses were just ugly townhouses in Bulimba, and the vampire kids were hanging out at the CBD ferry terminal. I don't think the Spierig brothers had much of a budget, otherwise they'd likely have filmed elsewhere.
I’ve had this in my queue for a year and finally watched once I saw you posted this! This movie has the best first act of any vampire movie I’ve ever seen and then promptly turns into a generic hero’s journey Star Wars clone. Your contrasting of Hawke and Defoe really nailed it, it’s like 2 movies stapled together.
'Daybreakers' is a bit of a favourite of mine as it was filmed in my home town of Brisbane, Australia and several of my friends are in it. It was also the second film by the Spierig Brothers, who'd scored a bit of a cult hit with the low-budget horror comedy 'Undead' in 2003 (another personal fave).
The conflict where they create well-produced silly schlock, but put in something more ambitious which they don't or aren't able to adequately explore appears in a bunch of their films, but it really highlighted in this one as they were actually given the money to realize some of the more ambitious elements.
Wow, I didn't think anyone else still remembered that movie. It used to be one of my favourite vampire movies in my teens as well. At 12-14 this seemed really deep to me. And the esthetics of it are still pretty nice.
My other favourite vampire movie at the time was the breed. There seems to be a pattern here.
I'm mostly familiar with this movie because it's a trailer on the DVD of my biggest guilty pleasure: I, Frankenstein
I'll probably check this out soon, I love mid-2000s edgy vampire movies
I, Frankenstein is an EXPERIENCE and I absolutely own the bluray, much respect.
I'm gonna be real with yall.
This is like one of my all time favorite vampire movies. I just appreciate the world portrayed. It's up there with Dusk till Dawn and 30 days of night imo
They should remake this into a tv series.
I mean to be honest, I don’t ever hear anybody talking about this movie… But the way it was handled, the concept… I found it very intriguing. And the way they had to adapt and cope to the new way of life, very interesting stuff. I thought the movie was great, it’s not a masterpiece but it doesn’t deserve to be buried...plus I agree.
It seems this film strikes a chord now more than before, go figure huh?
Your channel inspired me to go to college for film and now I’m the happiest I’ve been working in a local production studio and I just wanted to say that you’re an amazing RUclips and amazing person
*The truth is like the sun, you can block it out for a time but eventually it'll come up.*
Such an underrated vampire film from underrated directors. I really enjoy Daybreakers and it became a surprising date movie of mine when I brought people around that liked horror films. The Spierig brothers created a masterpiece with Predestination IMO, and while their sheen has fallen with the new Saw film and Winchester, I still believe they can pull something incredible out of the bag. I have noticed their cold, clinical and blue style with slow shots, and would love to see something new from them.
You also need to remember that this came out when Vampires were at all time lameness with Twilight. This and Fright Night kept them from total wusses.
It’s interesting to think of this movie as being in the same universe on some level as Matheson’s I Am Legend. If the concept had been more successful the world building would’ve really worked as a “sequel” to that novel
I always wondered what would happen if the company had used the 'cure for vampirism' as a source for more humans rather than trying to suppress it. Having the poorest/disenfranchised undergo the cure in exchange for, say, a secured income to their surviving families.
Aaah! Finally, I was wondering when you would make this. My day can end perfectly now. Thanks and sending love from Croatia!
my fav horror channel !!! I've been watching for a few years now. Keep up the good work dude, I always look forward to your uploads !!!
IDK what got me down THIS rabbit hole, but...I LOVED this movie. NOT for the cliche Hollywood blunder, but for the CONCEPT. The unusual twist they took a vampire movie in modern days time, and made a really interesting slab of lore and luster. Sure it has it's load of typical flaws - but I'll die on this hill, that the story and concept made it worth the watch.
the share amount of people who wanted to be vampires at that time, with the amount of movies Romancing vampires at that time, this movie was refreshing.
RAYCON ear buds are so snug, they won't fall out when you're flying around looking for blood.
you always seem to make these bangers way faster than any other channel, keep it up
Daybreakers, despite its flaws, is my favorite vampire movie. I particularly love how they went with the reverse-infection idea, even though in practice it has its own drawbacks.
to paraphrase Jeremy Jahns
"William Defoe looks more vampire than human on a good day"
I Remember Watching This At The Cinema And Really Liked It. I Remember It Cause After The Film, I Got A Text Message From A Girl I Really Fancied Asking Me To Meet Her At A Pub And I Was Soo Nervous I Threw Up In A Bush.
9:31 thing is when I saw it my buddy talked about a manga or whatever it was that that he was pretty sure they were basing the movie on where in the end they literally had humanity back to their cave man roots and breeding them for food stock. For the life of me I can't remember what it was though lol
I forgot how much of my city (Brisbane) was totally obvious in this film. I had some friends who were cast as extras in it too, including the twin girls in the subway, so that was a bit of fun at the time. The commentary on capitalism's knowing acceleration towards a climate catastrophe is absolutely on-point too. We're currently living in a world where corporations are literally spending billions of dollars to fight the saving of the world!
But yeah, the dichotomy of neo-noir and ham was always a bit of a tough sell. I was 20 when this came out, and 30 days of night definitely felt like a more cohesive film even if the story was much smaller and more simple.
For a low(ish) budget Australian movie I was pleasantly surprised by this. I think the concept would lend itself well to a tv series.
Ryan video binge during this Halloween season. What a grand time it is. ❤
i watched this when i was like 8 on television at my grandma's house, and then i couldnt find it for YEARS despite trying really really hard. it seemed no one had a copy or knew what i was talking about. once i found a dvd of it from the library, and i checked that out, and then the dvd cut out half way through from damage. finally found a pirate website that had it, though. i love this movie a lot lol
Just want to say I love your videos man, it got my boyfriend into film analysis and it’s great to watch these videos with him.
This is one of my favorite vampire movies. I really enjoyed it and while I wanted more from it, it was still an enjoyable watch. I'm actually going to go watch it after I finish your video. I don't disagree with your analysis either, I truly appreciated and enjoyed it. :) Suggestion: You May Be The Killer. Its another fun horror movie deconstruction.
Oooh this was one of my favourite vampire movies. As they said in their commentary they really wanted to explore why being a vampire would suck, made vampires horrifying instead of sexy, and also told a story about humanity. It's not a deep movie, it's not a classic, but it is a solid movie.
Ever since I read Robert R. McCammon's novel "They Thirst" I've never really liked vampires. I liked the story I just don't like the idea of bitey needy people that have you have to run a wooden stake through to get rid of. ...tumblr.
"with a plague caused by a single bat"
Now hold on a second
I just noticed something weird, most of the soldiers at 6:52 are shooting left handed. As a left handed shooter that makes me give this movie an instant 10
I've been following the Speirig brothers since 'Undead'. I thought they did an excellent job on Daybreakers. The audience I saw it with in cinemas had a great time, especially with Dafoe's performance.
"Was Daybreakers really that bad?"
Wait, did anyone ever say it was straight-up "bad"? Even your breakdown here seems to suggest the movie is good but flawed, yet your title seems to suggest that there was some big outcry of hate for it that I don't think I ever witness.
Seriously, I'm tired of these stupid clickbait titles, just because an otherwise fun movie wasn't a huge hit doesn't mean it was "hated" or tons of people were saying it was "bad". It was just overlooked.
I honestly don't think I've ever heard a bad thing about the movie from legit viewers (not critics). Everyone seems to enjoy the concept of the film and it's dark aesthetics. It's definitely not a great film but I loved watching it when it comes on TV or shows up on a streaming service.
This is definitely a film that deserves a sequel or better yet a reboot. A higher budget and a longer run time would’ve greatly helped this film achieve what it was trying to go for. I loved a lot of the cinematography of the film such as the subway scene or the scenes of the soldiers getting ready to exterminate the feral vampires. This is the kind of film that could’ve become either one of the “great” films of the 21st century or at least a widely acclaimed film.
So glad to see someone talk about this movie!!! Always been one of my favorite hidden gems honestly. Had such a blast seeing this in theatres with little to jo expectations going in
I thought this movie was very unique and pretty great with a good concept. Sun is/was the only cure of vampirism. Ironic and not seen outside of Daybreakers, unless u consider killing vampires a "cure". It reminds me of the Warm Bodies movie which also had bad reviews but had a great concept and story behind it
Oh no did Warm Bodies get bad reviews? I adore it, cute romance with a lot of heart
Seeing Willem Dafoe in a movie makes me happy since i watched Spiderman as a child
This movie has a great premisse, but it would work really well in a series.
I remember really looking forward to this movie as I'm a big fan of both Hawke and DaFoe, but I was pretty disappointed with the execution. It can get pretty ham-handed with the social messaging, and chunks of the script feel like a studio demanding a re-write because they can't sell this vampire movie to audiences without more action scenes. The one you mention with the brothers being interrupted in what's essentially the conversation at the heart of the movie is particularly egregious.
I love how this channel is basically Halloween all year round. 🎃
Hey! I'm a subscriber of yours. Nice to see you in the comments section. :D
@@Aster_Risk Hey! Good to see you! Thank you for all your support! 💛
I liked that it tried new story ideas on an old topic like vampires. It had potential, but it fell so hard on execution.
What an interesting premise.
I’d love to see a movie focusing on the agriculture industry through this lense.
I enjoyed the movie, I particilarly liked the feeding frenzy near the end of the movie where the vampire soldiers are cured only to be fed on by the next wave of soldiers showing up, just to be cured themselves, rinse and repeat.
Daybreakers, blade and 30 days of night are my favorite vampire films. Vampires are monsters, they should act like it. Same with the strain on fx.
Holy shit I'd been consuming some vampire-related media as of late and I was JUST thinking about how interesting the concept of this movie was and then I see this on my feed. You read my mind, Ryan.