The vampire movie has always been thought of as a genre that only has the sole purpose of entertaining through fear and suspense. However director Jim Jarmusch has subverted the genre to create a love story that presents two lonely vampires that are fragile and endangered by society. The result is a fascinating character study that combines comedy in a dramatic circumstance.
At the heart of the story is Adam (Tom Hiddleston), a depressed vampire who does not like the direction human society is headed and Eve (Tilda Swinton), a lively and enigmatic vampire who is reunited with her lover.
The film is a character study that does not really follow any structural direction. At the beginning of the film Eve is in Tangiers where she is enjoying herself reading books and exploring the culture. She has also become accustomed to the modern technology as seen through her use of an iPhone. Meanwhile Adam is an underground musician who remains in a disheveled house in Detroit where his friend Ian (Anton Yelchin), a human, constantly does favors for him. Unlike Eve he is unable to adapt to the world and lives in the past. He has an old recording studio, a 60s TV and his phone system is outdated. He also has a wall filled with idols of the past. When Eve realizes Adam's state she flies to Detroit to bring up his spirits.
The beauty of the movie is how different both characters are but also how they balance and complement each other out. Swinton brings a charismatic charm to her Eve. She is positive about her condition and tries to find lightness to every situation. When she first sees the house in Detroit she teases Adam saying "I Love what you did with the place" even though it is a mess. In a scene when the two are playing chess Eve asks Adam if he wants an O+ Popsicle stick. Adam is confused by the idea of blood being frozen but Eve convinces him that it is delicious.
When Eve's sister Ava (Mia Wasikowska) visits, Adam warns them that she will be a problem but Eve accepts her visit with a welcoming and sweet tone. Even when the couple is low on blood, Eve finds a way to make a joke.
Hiddleston brings a somber yet sarcastic tone to Adam. When Adam realizes that a group of teenagers stalk his house, instead of trying to speak to them he covers his windows with curtains. In the scene when Ava visits, Adam immediately writes her off as he believes she will drink all their blood and cause a ruckus. One of the most telling scenes of Adam's state is when he orders Ian to get him a bullet. Hiddleston's face demonstrates a desire to end everything but at the same time hesitance as he knows he will lose Eve.
Wasikowksa adds an enormous amount of energy to the family. When she first arrives she wants to play music, go out to dance, and drink blood. Adam and Eve however are not up for the adventure. However she does not give up. In a scene when Adam and Eve are sleeping she storms into the room and jumps on top of them. She even convinces Adam to go to a bar and interact. Ava is also not scared of her vampire condition as she immediately flirts with Ian.
John Hurt also brings a comic touch as Christopher Marlowe while Yelchin gives an innocent portrayal to Ian.
Aside from the performances, Jarmusch attention to detail makes the film even more enjoyable. Every scene in the film takes place at night and has a sepia tone that adds a mystifying atmosphere. Jarmusch also adds a twist to the vampire story by having the characters use gloves every time they go out of their house. He references these gloves when Ian says "cool gloves" during the bar scene. Another interesting detail is when they drink blood. He emphasizes their faces and it is the only time the in the movie that their fangs are shown. Additionally the camera slows down as if it was an erotic moment for the characters.
Bina Daigeler's costumes are also timeless. Eva uses a white embroidered leather coat that looks like it could have been from the sixties but at the same from 1800s. Adam's robe has the same effect. Meanwhile the sets create a haunting atmosphere that also feels timeless. While the exterior of the Detroit mansion recalls the classic vampire movie, the interior is very modern.
Ultimately Jarmusch's film "Only Left Alive" is a beautiful love story that is anchored by the work of his phenomenal cast.