High school bites.
Directed by Ariane Louise-Seize, Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person tells the story of Sasha (Sara Monpetit), a teenage (appearing) vampire who’s struggling to make a kill. Even though she needs human blood to live, Sasha’s empathy for others makes taking a life almost impossible. Unlike the other members of her family, her fangs only appear when she can connect with her prey. But that problem can potentially be resolved when she meets Paul (Felix-Antoine Benard), a regular teen who believes that life is no longer worth living. As the two strike up an agreement, Sasha offers to help him resolve his issues before making him her next meal.
In the most unlikely of charming stories, Humanist Vampire is a delightful teen romp that is sure to entertain audiences. With a savage humor akin to the work of Tim Burton, Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person delivers on the wild nature of its title. Jokes about horrifying childhood birthday gifts and the perils of bringing a guest into your home are presented with gleeful innocence. Yes, these vampires have murder on their mind—but they’re just doing it out of necessity.
Everyone’s gotta eat, right?
But, underneath the gothic laughs, there is such a heart behind this Humanist Vampire that one cannot help but fall but love with these characters and their journeys. Cleverly written by Louise-Seize and Christine Doyon, Humanist Vampire taps into the sort of anxiety that affects every teenager. Although the film takes place in a hyper-realistic setting, the film taps into the anxieties and desires that rest in the soul of every young person. Instead of their next kill, it’s the search for healthy relationships, having the courage to stand up to others, and simply knowing who you that lie at the heart of these particular youth. Although the script remains playful and its tone, the story feels honest and its performances remain endearing.
This is best exemplified through a delightful performance by Monpetit as Sasha, the teenage vampire who is struggling with her human bloodlust. For her, killing goes beyond survival skill as it carries certain moral implications. (After all, what gives her the right to take the life of someone else, if only just to feed herself?) She wants to eat—and knows that she must—but can’t seem to get past her desire to do things the ‘right way’.
However, things begin to change when she meets Paul, who has become comfortable with his desired ‘end of life’ scenario. Bullied by students and teachers alike, high school has become more terrifying than death itself. As a result, Paul sees no point in his own existence and willingly volunteers.
But is Paul’s desire to die is greater than Sasha’s compassion for him to live?
With Paul’s death on the horizon, Sasha begins to bring out the fire within him. For two characters who are obsessed with death, the joy of life is a welcome surprise—but also problematic given their arrangement.
Sometimes, it can be inconvenient to find hope in a hopeless world.
Without giving any spoilers, Humanist Vampire very much understands the teenage quest to find light in a time of shadows. Although it likes to laugh at the darkside, Humanist Vampire never gives in too much to its fantastical ways nor does it ever get too broad with its comedy. Instead, it always feels funny and honest with a satirical bite that will leave a mark.
To hear our conversation with Ariane Louise-Seize and Felix-Antoine Benard, click here.
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person is available in theatres on Friday, October 13th, 2023.
