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This Wednesday, the Australian premiere of SO VAM took place at the Regal Theatre in Kensignton Park with champagne and a red velvet curtain unveiling, courtesy of Markus & Zak.
The premiere saw Adelaide queer A-listers come together and were not only treated to the movie itself but a plethora of entertainment prior to the screening organised by Markus & Zak. Adelaide showgirl icon, Vonni, started the night off strong with a performance to Cher's 'Dark Lady', before Markus Hamence invited seventeen-year-old, Adelaide-based Director, Alice Maio Mackay, along with the films' stars, Mary's Poppin's drag artist, Xai, and up-and-coming actor, Ethan McErlean, on stage for a chatty Q&A about the film and its humble beginnings.
Now... to the review!
So Vam is an amalgamation of unique Aussie grassroots filmmaking, fun storytelling, and a dedication to a diverse cast and crew.
Created by seventeen-year-old, Adelaide, Alice Maio Mackay, the premise is simple: Kurt is an outcast in a conservative town who dreams of moving to the city to be a famous drag queen. When he is kidnapped by a predatory old vampire and killed, he is rescued just in time to be resurrected by a gang of rebellious vampires (TikTok star, Grace Hyland & Ethan McErlean) who feed on bigots and abusers. As a vampire, he finally knows empowerment and belonging, but his killer is still out there: enslaving new minions with their own rotten hatred and threatening all that he loves. Until Kurt faces the monster, he will never truly be free, but this time he need not face it alone.
The story encapsulates what it means to be oneself, and to be empowered, loved and accepted, against all opposition. It’s about conquering hate in all of its forms. So Vam is a unique, fast-paced and visually striking vampire horror/queer coming-of-age film that doesn't skimp on camp and isn't afraid to play around with traditional filming techniques and angles to achieve a film that will be appreciated as a cult hit for years to come.
As an indie film, So Vam hits the mark, uncovers some great upcoming talent (Ethan McErlean is fantastic in this film and I think this will be a launchpad for great things to come for them), and demonstrates that there is room in the industry for investing in a diverse cast.
Being filmed locally, the best part of the film was hands down seeing Adelaide locations on the big screen... Morphett Road! Nexus Arts! FUMO BLU!
The sound mixing seemed a little bit off during the screening (honestly I wasn't sure if I hated it or I loved it... definitely interesting either way), there's no way I'm going to believe that some of the 'bullies' in the movie are anything but the nicest people in the world from how they carry themselves, and some of the campy fight scenes seemed to lack a sprinkle of comedic timing, making the intention look unpolished instead of genius, but as a whole, this one is one to watch even if purely for supporting young emerging talent in Australia.
Thank you to Markus & Zak for inviting me to the premiere.