“Welcome to… Fright… Night! For real.”
Jerry-Fright Night (1985)
The original Fright Night is one of my favorite films. Surprisingly, the 2011 Fright Night remake is an electrifying reimagining of the 1985 horror-comedy that takes a more intense and sleek approach to the vampire next door story. With smart updates, a chilling atmosphere, and an excellent lead performance, this version stands on its own as a modern horror gem, appealing to fans of the original and newcomers looking for a fresh take on vampire lore.
Set against the sunbaked suburbs of Las Vegas, the film follows Charley Brewster, played by Anton Yelchin, a high schooler who begins to suspect his suave, mysterious new neighbor Jerry might be a vampire. The story effectively blends humor with genuine horror, a balance that’s crucial in keeping the audience engaged as Charley’s suburban life descends into bloody chaos. Director Craig Gillespie paces the narrative well, letting tension and suspicion build gradually before plunging into intense, nerve-racking confrontations.
The undeniable star of Fright Night is Colin Farrell, who delivers an unforgettable performance as Jerry. Farrell’s interpretation is darker and more predatory than the original’s; he exudes a barely contained savagery that makes Jerry feel both fascinating and fearsome. With every scene, Farrell draws viewers in, imbuing Jerry with a predatory charm that seems unsettlingly human one moment and animalistic the next. The result is a vampire who feels dangerous and magnetic—a villain who compels the audience to watch even as he unleashes terrifying power.
One of the film’s most gripping moments comes in the intense showdown at Jerry’s house. This scene perfectly showcases Farrell’s ability to switch from charismatic to lethal as Jerry toys with his would-be hunters with sinister ease. The dim lighting, taut editing, and Farrell’s domineering presence create a claustrophobic tension that’s rare in mainstream horror. It’s a scene that grips the viewer from start to finish, escalating to a fever pitch and demonstrating just how powerful Farrell’s presence is in the role.
However, where Farrell’s Jerry is menacingly convincing, David Tennant’s portrayal of vampire hunter Peter Vincent is more of a mixed bag. Tennant, typically a strong actor, leans heavily into a comedic, over-the-top style that can feel jarring compared to the film’s darker tone. His performance, while fun in bursts, occasionally disrupts the flow of the film’s suspense, coming across as more eccentric than heroic. While his character is intended to bring comic relief, Tennant’s portrayal sometimes feels too exaggerated for the film’s otherwise intense atmosphere, pulling the audience out of the tension that Farrell and Gillespie have built so carefully.
Fright Night succeeds as a thrilling, stylish update that captures the spirit of the original while adding its own modern bite. Colin Farrell’s performance alone is reason enough to watch, and the electrifying scene in Jerry’s house is one of the most tense, well-executed horror sequences in recent remakes. For horror fans and newcomers alike, Fright Night (2011) offers a clever, chilling, and darkly fun spin on a classic vampire tale.
Rating: 7.5/10
