For aficionados of both vampire lore and science fiction, the 2009 film “Daybreakers” stands out as an overlooked treasure that masterfully blends dystopian action with chilling horror. Despite its engaging premise and notable cast, including renowned actors Willem Dafoe, Ethan Hawke, and Sam Neill, this movie hasn’t received the recognition it deserves. Thankfully, viewers can rediscover this cinematic gem via free streaming on Tubi and Pluto TV.
Lionsgate
The creative vision of directors Michael and Peter Spierig, known for their work on the 2017 film “Jigsaw,” provides the backbone for “Daybreakers.” Set in the near-future of 2019, the movie envisions a world ravaged by a virus originating from a vampire bat, leading to the transformation of most humans into vampires. This shift creates a dire disparity between the living and undead, leaving vampires in desperate need of fresh blood.
At the heart of the story is Edward Dalton, portrayed by Ethan Hawke, a vampire hematologist yearning for his lost humanity. In his quest, Dalton and his team are dedicated to concocting a viable blood substitute. Meanwhile, the affluent CEO Charles Bromley, played by Sam Neill, sees this invention as a lucrative opportunity to monopolize the vampire market. The plot thickens when Dalton encounters Lionel “Elvis” Cormac, played by Willem Dafoe, a former vampire who has been mysteriously cured. Dalton becomes committed to safeguarding Cormac and uncovering the secret behind his miraculous transformation, with the aid of Audrey Bennett, a human ally portrayed by Claudia Karvan.
Despite its potential, “Daybreakers” struggled to gain traction at the box office, grossing just over $50 million globally on a $20 million budget. It debuted in fourth place, trailing behind blockbusters like “Avatar,” the first “Sherlock Holmes” featuring Robert Downey Jr., and “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.”
While critics generally responded positively, awarding it a 69% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audience reception was mixed, as reflected in a 49% score on the site’s Popcornmeter. Nevertheless, the film garnered praise from those who appreciated its creativity and execution. Richard Brody of The New Yorker lauded it for its “whiz-bang diabolical detail” and “imaginative effects,” while Paul Chambers of CNN Radio described it as “a first-rate vampire flick” with “solid action and a story that’s never been seen before,” assuring viewers that it would meet high expectations.
Daybreakers has cult potential written all over it
Lionsgate
“Daybreakers” has cult favorite in the making written all over it. It did mediocre business at the box office, earning just over $50 million worldwide on a $20 million budget, and could only manage a fourth place opening behind the first “Avatar” film, Robert Downey Jr.’s “Sherlock Holmes” and “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.”Â
Critics were moderately kind to the movie, doling out a 69% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences were somewhat less forgiving, handing it 49% on the same site’s Popcornmeter, but those critics that did enjoy it raved. “The conceit is worked out in whiz-bang diabolical detail … and brought to life with imaginative effects,” remarked Richard Brody from The New Yorker. Agreed Paul Chambers from CNN Radio, “A first-rate vampire flick with solid action and a story that’s never been seen before. Go in with high expectations and you won’t be disappointed.”
While the movie might not be well-remembered today, its cast have since reunited on other projects. Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe would later co-star in “The Northman,” and while it’s a completely different kind of movie, moviegoers who love that dark-hewn, violent, suspenseful tale might love “Daybreakers” too.