DVD review (region 2)
Directed by Glenn Standring
Starring Dougray Scott, Saffron Burrows, Leo Gregory, Scott Wills
Release date 22 October 2007

In an alternate reality, vampires and humans live together peacefully. But when Edgar (Gregory) develops a taste for blood, it’s up to his brother Silus (Scott) and tough cop Lilly (Burrows) to stop him before he gives vampires a bad name...

With a strong, expectation-busting premise, Perfect Creature has much to recommend it. It’s moodily shot and the cast, led by the dependable Dougray Scott, give it their all. Even Saffron Burrows, whose robotic turn in Deep Blue Sea damn near sank the film, gives a watchable performance here.

The film draws on the aesthetics of classic science fiction and horror movies, and mixes styles from several time periods. The alternate reality setting is particularly influenced by Victorian and wartime London, with its grimy look and zeppelin-filled skies. This conceit lends the movie a pleasingly original touch that is effectively realised on a relatively low budget.

Sadly, the film is let down by several shortcomings in the script. A distinct lack of plot development, combined with lapses of logic and some pretty significant plot holes, stop Perfect Creature from realising its potential. It's far better than the god-awful Underworld series though. Jonathan Wilkins

VERDICT: 6/10
Brimming with good ideas, but lacks the killing bite.