‘A Vampire in the Family’ Netflix Movie Review - A Bloody Brilliant (and Flawed) Vampire Flick

"A Vampire in the Family," the latest offering from Netflix's foreign film buffet, serves up a quirky cocktail of horror, humor, and Brazilian flair. It's the story of Fernandinho, a washed-up footballer turned podcast commentator whose life takes a hilarious nosedive when he discovers his brother-in-law, Gregorio, is not just lazy, but literally a bloodsucker.

Turns out, fangs and family squabbles don't mix well, and Fernandinho finds himself caught between protecting his loved ones and stopping Gregorio's less-than-subtle plans for vampiric world domination.

The plot unfolds like a samba dancer on Red Bull, zipping from slapstick vampire hijinks to surprisingly tense moments of monster mayhem. We watch Fernandinho stumble through garlic-infused chaos, grapple with his new role as an accidental vampire hunter, and try to explain Gregorio's suspicious nocturnal wanderings to his ever-suspicious wife. Throw in a sassy talking bat named Bleh (yes, seriously!), a subplot involving a rival podcast host, and a healthy dose of Brazilian pop culture references, and you've got a recipe for a film that's as messy as it is oddly charming.

On the plus side, "A Vampire in the Family" boasts some genuine laugh-out-loud moments. The physical comedy is spot-on, with Fernandinho's clumsiness and Gregorio's over-the-top theatricality creating enough cringe-worthy laughs to fill a blood bank. The film also benefits from its Brazilian setting, injecting a vibrant energy and unique humor that feels refreshing compared to Hollywood's usual vampire fare.

However, where the film shines in humor it stumbles in story. The plot feels uneven, with some jokes landing squarely and others falling flat like a deflated bat. The world-domination subplot, while initially intriguing, fizzles out into a predictable climax that lacks bite. Additionally, the characters, while quirky and entertaining, could have used a bit more depth. We understand Fernandinho's fear and annoyance, but his motivations occasionally feel muddled. Gregorio, despite his flamboyant charm, remains more comic relief than a fleshed-out villain.

Overall, "A Vampire in the Family" is a fun, albeit flawed, movie. It's a film that knows exactly what it is – a silly, slapstick vampire comedy – and doesn't apologize for it. If you're looking for a lighthearted laugh with a touch of the spooky, and don't mind your horror served with a side of telenovela drama, then bite into this Brazilian treat. Just don't expect anything that will redefine the vampire genre.

If you're a fan of offbeat comedies with a touch of the supernatural, then "A Vampire in the Family" is definitely worth checking out. But if you're a die-hard horror fan looking for a chilling tale of the undead, you might want to keep searching. Just remember, sometimes the most enjoyable films are the ones that embrace their flaws and offer a unique and refreshing take on familiar genres. And who knows, you might just find yourself charmed by this quirky Brazilian flick, warts and all.

Final Score – [6/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal
Publisher at Midgard Times