“Byzantium” begins with an intense chase through a grocery store that definitely serves as a hook. Actresses Saoirse Ronan and Gemma Arterton are introduced as sisters, but are quickly discovered to be mother and daughter as well as vampires. While the movie falls into a slow lull, excellent character development builds throughout the film.
Since the women are over 200 years old, the story keeps jumping between the past and present to tie together stories and show how they ended up where they are. Ronan plays Eleanor, the daughter to vampire Clara, that only wants to tell the truth and live a free life. Clara, played by Arterton, has had a difficult life, but only wants to protect her daughter. Viewers will definitely need to pay attention, as the time jumps happen frequently and important information is shared throughout the film.
Vampire movies have definitely been misrepresented over the years, but the traditional elements were represented in “Byzantium,” including the need to be invited into a house and to live off of human blood. Even though the film is a little slow, watching until the end is definitely worth the satisfying and revealing ending.
