In this exclusive interview, we delve into the captivating realm of “Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person,” a quirky coming-of-age horror comedy helmed by first-time feature director Ariane Louis-Seize. This film offers a fresh take on vampire lore, featuring a young protagonist named Sasha, who wrestles with her identity and ethical dilemmas as a teenage vampire.
Picture a young Winona Ryder from her Beetlejuice days, sporting a stylish goth look—that’s Sasha, a bloodsucker with serious moral qualms about harming humans. Ariane Louis-Seize, the French-Canadian filmmaker, has created a narrative that artfully balances humor and poignancy, capturing the essence of adolescent angst and loneliness while revisiting classic themes of the vampire coming-of-age tale.
The film kicks off with a flashback that unveils the roots of Sasha’s hesitation to accept her vampire identity. We see her as an eight-year-old, played by Lilas-Rose Cantin, who is traumatized by a birthday party surprise involving a clown—one she is expected to eat after the performance. This jarring experience leads to years of psychological challenges, leaving Sasha with no fangs and still reliant on her parents.
Things take a turn when Sasha, played by Sara Montpetit, meets Paul, a fellow teenager portrayed by Félix-Antoine Bénard. Paul, grappling with his own struggles with depression and bullying, positions himself as a potential “ethical victim” for Sasha. Their relationship blossoms into a sweet, albeit unconventional bond, avoiding clichéd romantic tropes. The film adopts a surprisingly gentle tone, reminiscent of early Jim Jarmusch, infused with deadpan humor and a laid-back coolness that feels both contemporary and timeless.
“Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person” is set to stream on Mubi starting October 11. It promises to deliver a unique perspective on love, loss, and the moral complexities of youth, all told through a vampire narrative that breaks away from traditional conventions.
