In “Throes of Increasing Wonder…” we’re introduced to the core concept of Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles: a journalist interviewing a vampire. But the show swiftly reminds us that it’s more than a remake of the 1973 best-selling novel. We kick off in the present, with aging reporter Daniel Molloy watching his own journalism MasterClass, half a decade after his first interview with the vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac. But the shift in tone when Louis (played brilliantly by Jacob Anderson, of Game of Thrones alumni) starts his tale makes it clear that we’re in for a wild and ‘mesmerizing’ ride:
As Louis instructs Molloy, “You have to let the story seduce you.” And it does.
It’s fair to say the foreshadowing of his dramatic quote matches the episode’s delivery throughout the hour with spellbinding cinematography and verbose dialogue, reminescent of the original best-selling novel. Anne Rice fans will have a difficult time not being transported back to Anne Rice’s seductive world, despite the upgrade to it’s main characters.
It’s 1910, New Orleans. Louis, portrayed in this remake as a wealthy Black man struggling to make his way, is clearly at odds with his own existence – fending off racists to managing his zealot brother, Paul. The story weaves a rich backstory for the main character while still retaining his melancholic charm, which should assauge the nerves of fans of the 1973 novel who feared the worst when the news broke that the character would be re-imagined.
Doing more than just switching the backstory of its main protagonist, AMC offers a fresh portrayal of an affluent Southern Black family at the turn of the century, while with a powerful script that challenges stereotypes of the time and confirms them. The whole adds a deeper resonance to the character of Louis, expanding his life story, which we can only expect will add a luster and realism as his story unfolds. While the novels barely mention his family, it seems the show plans to give us a wider view of Louis, his business ambitions, and where he fits in society.
Fast-forward to the event every fan was waiting for: When Louis encounters Lestat for the first time, a French vampire newly arrived in New Orleans, their chemistry is as potent as the differences in their characters. Their romance reflects the somewhat gimicky special effects of classic vampire film but just as quickly yanks us back into AMC’s modern take. Two sexually adventurous men about to embark on their greatest adventure, connecting with mainstream LGBT audiences in ways that the 1973 classic connected with a cult following. The episode teases a deeper exploration of their relationship, suggesting a similar formula to the early novels – the idea that homosexuality can be explored – and understood – through the lens of vampiric transformation.
With its powerful opening, clever dialogue, talented cast of demons, and a host of unfolding mysteries sure to keep viewers wanting more, IwtV delivers on its promise to give back to the loyal readers of the novel – while still managing to introduce something utterly new and exciting that new fans can sink their teeth into.
Anne Rice’s Interview with a Vampire airs every Sunday through November 13 at 10 PM EST on AMC. Episodes are available one week in advance for subscribers of AMC+.
Photo via AMC
Comments are closed.