Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘So Vam’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘So Vam’.
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Often times in horror movies, the monster that is featured in any particular story, tends to stand as an allegory for our larger societal troubles or an intimate fear that haunts us in silence and it makes sense as to why horror flicks make use of this device. Because we all know that fear, is a fantastic teacher, since it sticks with us for some time and if a message is attached to the moment our heart begins to race, that lesson holds fast in our mind. Not to mention, these creatures are perfectly designed to represent our fears in an accessible manner. Since the zombie immediately evokes our fear of death or the werewolf reminds us of the fact that it is easy to lose control, something none of us ever want to do.
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Not to mention, the vampire evokes worries about losing our individuality and humanity and all of those elements, truly suck us in and teach us so much. Especially when it fits into a masterful story that represents other ills in our world that relate to those fears. But while it is wonderful to know that horror will indeed hold up a mirror to our world and expose our woes in a stunning and dynamic manner, one that tasks us to take action on a personal or global level, horror’s constant examinations of negativity does leave one to wonder… if it will ever be possible for horror to find something beautiful in all of the terror. Which is something that the rest of us do when we reflect on ugly times and believe it or not, there are some horror movies out there making that happen, as evidenced by Shudder’s latest offering, So Vam.

For this particular film introduces us to a teenager named Kurt, who is out and comfortable with his sexuality and often finds himself in ugly situations because of it. Mainly because people can be woefully ignorant and dumb and unpleasant regarding such matters. But that doesn’t stop Kurt from just living his life to the best of his ability and working toward his dreams of becoming a top-tier drag performer. But one fateful and violent encounter with a man that frequents the same drag bar as Kurt… takes his life in a vastly new path. For that man is an unsavory vampire and nearly kills Kurt, and thanks to the courtesy of two kinder ones… Kurt is transformed into one himself and introduced to a fascinating world. Where the vampires he’s befriended go after the rotten people of the world to make it a better place. Giving Kurt a chance to right wrongs in a world that once did its best to oppress him, giving him a new lease on undead life and a shot at everything he's ever wanted in life.

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Which is a story that truly accomplishes the impossible and makes a horror message quite positive in nature. Because in essence, the vampire transformation that Kurt undergoes in this story, isn’t a curse or a burden… but a genuine blessing. For now, he can do good in the world and now he can make bullies and other monsters of the world pay. Not to mention, he’s free of worry and burden about being an outcast or someone that doesn’t have a home because he’s ‘different’. Which means that point blank, becoming a vampire here serves as a positive allegory for the wonderful changes we will undergo when we accept who we really are and embrace that through and through. Since that’s when we learn the world is wrong about us and that what other folks think don’t matter. What matters is our internal acceptance and happiness and that will bring us to folks that make us feel comfortable and give us a sense of belonging.
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If anything, that is just… a brilliant message to find within a horror film. One that is revolutionary in nature and what matters more, is that it works here. Since this story uses the prejudice of the world, specifically toward LGBTQIA+ individuals, as the monster of sorts, allowing for us to root for the vampires here and that makes this movie a breath of fresh air, one that doesn’t forget its roots. Because vampire flicks often feature blood and guts and we get that in spades here. Since our heroes have to feed and teach bad guys a lesson while they eat, and that leads to some delightfully campy splatter, the kind that will satisfy for certain. Not to mention, the fights that take place between good and evil vampires is just magnificent and gooey through and through, and there are even some genuinely old school creepy moments to be found here as well. 

In the end however, this is simply a wonderful and thought-provoking horror film. One that dares to do what the genre has outright refused to do by finding wonder in allegory for a change, all while staying true to what this genre stands for. Because there is still some poignant and powerful commentary present here regarding the close-mindedness and prejudice that people exhibit and express regarding sexuality and gender identity in our world and of course, there’s camp, there’s gore and so much to enjoy. And it also doesn't hurt that this movie does a phenomenal job with representation, and the best news of all… is that you can bask in the wonder of this dynamic and revolutionary horror film right now. For So Vam is streaming on Shudder.

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