An novel take on vampiric lore that shows the endurance of capitalism, and the punishing power of nature
Vampiric lore has long been a staple of horror cinema, but in recent decades it’s been so thoroughly drained that even the most devoted fans have grown weary. But every so often, a new take comes along that breathes new life into the genre. Back in 2009, Daybreakers did that by asking the question “what if the vampires actually won?”
Set in a not-too-distant future, Daybreakers envisions a dystopia where vampires are the majority and humans are on the verge of extinction, hunted and harvested like livestock. Society hasn’t collapsed under this new order, it’s merely adapted. Capitalism lives on, vampiric citizens still punch clocks and sip coffee (albeit with a blood substitute), and cities are outfitted with blacked-out cars and sun-shielded walkways to allow for nocturnal commutes. It’s a darkly clever twist on world-building, delivered with subtle, effective production design.
But, all is not well, as the very resource that sustains vampiric life is running out, and the key to survival could come from an unexpected source. Edward Dalton (Ethan Hawke) is a hematologist working for a powerful pharmaceutical corporation led by the coldly villainous Charles Bromley (Sam Neill). Edward is sympathetic to the plight of the humans, feeding only on animal blood while actively searching for a synthetic alternative to human plasma. But as supplies dwindle and the vampiric elite hoard what’s left, society begins to fray. Starved vampires devolve into “Subsiders,” feral, bat-like creatures that haunt the shadows and threaten the status quo. Edward’s crisis of conscience deepens when he meets Audrey Bennett (Claudia Karvan), a human and member of an underground resistance. With her is Elvis (Willem Dafoe), a once-vampire who has somehow reverted to human form, a discovery that may hold the key to curing vampirism altogether.
The Spierig Brothers, (Undead, Predestination, Winchester) stretch a modest $20 million budget remarkably far. Their take on a vampiric future isn’t flashy, but it’s deeply atmospheric. The film’s palette plays with contrast: sterile blues dominate the eternal night, while rare scenes in daylight burst with warm yellows and hopeful tones. It’s visually familiar territory for dystopian sci-fi, but it works.
Beyond the surface thrills, Daybreakers has sharp subtext. It’s a not-so-subtle allegory for environmental collapse, resource scarcity, and the enduring cruelty of unchecked capitalism. Vampires hoard blood like oil barons, the working class gets scraps, and the healthcare system is portrayed as a profit-driven machine more interested in repeat customers than actual cures.
While Dafoe relishes his time as former vampire turned human Elvis, the other performances feel a bit stiff (arguably a side effect of their undead status), and the dialogue occasionally clunks. But the film’s world-building, thematic ambition, and strong visual aesthetic carry it through. The idea of vampires burdened not by secrecy but by bureaucracy and supply chains gives the film a unique edge.
The Package
Lionsgate followup their initial release of Daybreakers with an upgrade, more extra features and an all new steelbook design, adorned with imagery from the film.
The 4K-transfer itself is pretty solid. Overall it shows solid colors, robustly represented, and a great handling of the distinct night and day phases of the film, each with their own boldly represented palettes. Level of details impresses, especially with interior sequences showing off the intricacies of the production. The 4K does show up some of the dated quality of CGI elements though. Some scenes do show up a little softer than others, which is likely due to the varying source material. The film was shot originally on 35mm and digital, the former being more robustly represented here.
This Lionsgate Limited edition 4K also includes several new special features:
- Building the World of Daybreakers: A short (15 min) reflection on how the Spierigs fleshed out the concept of this dystopic future world
- Art and Craft: The Actors of Daybreakers: A short segment with the pair sharing their experiences working with the principle cast, and their contributions to character/script development
- Gag Reel: Just 2 min, take messups more than anything else
- Art Department and Lighting Tests: Technical checks for filming
- Costume, Hair, and Make-up Tests: Just video, showing proof of concept for the various looks seen in the film
- First Subsider Test: A first pass at pulling off the feral-vamp look for the film
- Make-up Effects Tapes: Camcorder footage of the FX team working on their various practical effects in the lab, prior to use in the film
- Stunt Department: Rehearsal footage of the team
- On the Set of Daybreakers: Running about 45 minutes, it cuts together a number of video diaries from various cast and crew members as they experience a day on set, one largely centered around the early attack sequence in Edward’s home
Legacy Special Features are also included:
- Making of Daybreakers: Running around 2 hours, this doc (seemingly made by the directors themselves) is a pretty extensive overview of the entirety of production, as well as the various elements that went into pulling it off. It even covers some of the test screening events and release period
- The Big Picture (The Spierig Brothers Short Film):
- Audio Commentary with Co-Directors Peter and Michael Spierig and Creature Designer Steve Boyle: A pretty interesting commentary, one that dives into the origins of the concept, the maneuvering to get the film made, as well as more production specific pieces of information. It does make you appreciate what unfurls on screen all the more after a listen
- Theatrical Trailer:
- Poster Art Gallery:
The Bottom Line
Daybreakers may not be the most revolutionary sci-fi horror film, but it offers something that many genre efforts lack, imagination. It asks real questions about survival, sustainability, and societal rot beneath its blood-soaked surface. An novel take on vampiric lore that shows the endurance of capitalism, and the punishing power of nature. Lionsgate present a solid 4K transfer along with an admirable host of extra features to add appreciation for this bloody affair.
Daybreakers 4K-Steelbook Edition is available via Lionsgate now
