Eighties horror’s love letter to fifties vampire lore.

Fright Night is what happens when 80s horror brings classic vampire cinema bang up to date, moving out of the creepy castles and into into suburbia, fangs out and synthesizers blaring. Directed by Tom Holland (no, not that one), this is a film that wears its love for classic horror on its sleeve while delivering a thoroughly modern (for the 80s, at least) twist on the vampire genre. It’s sharp, campy, and full of charm, straddling the line between comedy and horror with enough style to sink its teeth into both. And for anyone who’s ever suspected their next-door neighbour might secretly be a creature of the night, this one’s for you.

The story kicks off with Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale), your average teen horror fan, who just so happens to live next door to Jerry Dandrige (Chris Sarandon), a man with a suspicious fondness for fruit and a habit of draining the local population dry. After witnessing Jerry’s extracurricular activities, Charley quickly realizes he’s in over his head and turns to the only person who might believe him—washed-up TV horror host Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall), a man who’s played a vampire killer on screen but has all the courage of a wet noodle in real life.

What makes Fright Night stand out isn’t just the fact that it blends horror and comedy so effortlessly, but how it does it with a wink and a nod to horror history. Jerry Dandrige is a far cry from the mopey, brooding vampires of today. He’s suave, charming, and dangerously seductive—the kind of vampire who’s just as interested in turning your girlfriend into one of the undead as he is in maintaining his perfect hair. Chris Sarandon’s performance oozes charisma, making Jerry a villain you can’t help but like, even as he’s tearing through the town one neck at a time.

Roddy McDowall’s Peter Vincent, easily one of the film’s greatest strengths. McDowall absolutely nails the role of the aging horror actor who’s more comfortable with fake stakes and rubber bats than facing down a real-life creature of the night. His journey from a cowardly charlatan to an unlikely hero is the heart of the film, providing both laughs and some genuinely touching moments as he grapples with the reality of the situation. It’s a clever inversion of the typical horror dynamic, where the old pro gets schooled by the young upstart, and McDowall brings just the right amount of theatrical flair to make it work.

The practical effects in Fright Night are another highlight, delivering that gooey, hands-on charm that so many 80s horror films perfected. From Jerry’s slow transformation into full-on vamp mode to some truly impressive werewolf effects (poor Evil Ed…), the film is a showcase of what can be done with latex, fake blood, and a lot of creativity. The transformations are grotesque, the kills inventive, and the makeup work is top-notch—enough to make you nostalgic for a time before CGI smoothed over all the rough edges.

Tonally, Fright Night dances between genuine tension and light-hearted fun. There are moments when the film leans fully into horror, with eerie, atmospheric shots of Jerry stalking his prey or lurking in the shadows. But just as often, it flips the script and injects a healthy dose of camp into the proceedings, reminding you that this is a movie that knows exactly how ridiculous it is. That balance between horror and humour keeps the film feeling fresh, even when it dips into familiar vampire tropes.

Sure, there are some moments where the pacing stumbles, and Charley’s girlfriend Amy (Amanda Bearse) doesn’t get nearly as much to do as she deserves, but those are minor quibbles in a film that’s otherwise so self-assured in its tone and execution. And let’s face it, when the final act gives you a showdown between a veteran horror star and a centuries-old vampire in the middle of suburban America, it’s hard to get too hung up on the details.

In the end, Fright Night is a love letter to the vampire films of old, wrapped in 80s neon and delivered with a mischievous grin. It’s funny, creepy, and just self-aware enough to keep you guessing whether it’s going to scare you or make you laugh next. If you’re looking for a film that’s as much fun as it is fanged, Fright Night is a bloody good time.