'First Kill' Review: Netflix teen queer vampire drama packs quite the bite
'First Kill' at its core is quite simple. It's a tale of forbidden love, and no we're not talking about the same-sex relationship angle. The challenge that Calliope (Imani Lewis) and Juliette (Sarah Catherine Hook) face is that the former is a monster hunter while the latter happens to be a legacy vampire (someone who was born a vampire). Though the teens seem to be drawn toward each other right from the get-go, the attraction only grows stronger and irresistible once their respective identities are revealed.
The Netflix queer vampire drama, based on a story by VE Schwab, kicks off with a peek into the world of Juliette Fairmont, who belongs to a prestigious clan of legacy vampires and is on the cusp of becoming a full-fledged one herself. However, she isn't comfortable with embracing her nature and is regularly pushed by Margot (Elizabeth Mitchell), her mother and matriarch of the Fairmont family, to find someone for her first kill.
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As she combats the physiological ailments caused by her not making her first kill, Juliette also fights the hesitancy that keeps her away from striking up a conversation with Calliope, a schoolmate of hers whom she has taken a liking to. She's able to make a move eventually, and it leads to a moment of intimacy during which Juliette bites Calliope, who in turn stakes her. This is followed by a revelation that the whole incident was premeditated by Calliope.
She opens up about the staking to her parents, who have been monster hunters their entire lives. They plan to take down the Fairmonts once and for all, making Calliope go behind their backs as she attempts to warn Juliette. The teens aren't able to stay apart for long post the showdown and end up going against their families to be together. The events that follow and the consequences that come with them form the rest of the series.
'First Kill' packs quite the bite despite having multiple characters with wants and needs of their own. Written by Felicia D Henderson, the series never falters, and though there's a lot going on, it doesn't get too overwhelming or disorienting. What makes the series really intriguing is that all the characters have a significant role to play and their individual quests snowball towards the end, making 'First Kill' an engaging watch.
While the writing and execution are perfect, 'First Kill' isn't really appealing on the technical front, and this is due to the tacky visual effects that stick out. Not one person appears to be out of place acting-wise but Sarah Hook and Imani Lewis own this show, bringing about all the naivete and confusion that comes with adolescence and also channeling the rebel spirit against authority figures efficiently.
In all, 'First Kill' has all the necessary elements that make it the ideal weekend binge and ends in a way that will leave you craving for more. So, don't miss out on this one!
All episodes of 'First Kill' are available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.