🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Robert Bierman
- Genre: Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Horror
- Release year: 1988
- Runtime (length): 1h 43min
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10 (26k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A yuppie gets bitten by a woman, spirals into mental illness, buys cheap vampire teeth, and torments his secretary; is he a vampire, or just losing it in spectacular Nicolas Cage fashion?
🍿 Vampire’s Kiss: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Peter Loew
Peter Loew (Nicolas Cage) is a successful, albeit eccentric, literary agent in New York City. He’s plagued by difficulties in his personal relationships and seeks help from a psychiatrist, Dr. Glaser. His behavior is already erratic, marked by a growing sense of unease and dissatisfaction with his life.

The Encounter with Rachel
Peter’s life takes a bizarre turn after a night with Rachel (Jennifer Beals), a mysterious woman who bites him on the neck. This encounter triggers Peter’s descent into delusion, as he begins to believe he is turning into a vampire. He exhibits classic vampire-like symptoms, such as aversion to sunlight and strange cravings.

Descent into Madness
As Peter’s perceived transformation progresses, his behavior becomes increasingly unhinged. He torments his secretary, Alva, forcing her to search for a lost contract. He buys cheap plastic vampire teeth, sleeps upside down under his couch, and his grip on reality weakens, blurring the line between fantasy and reality.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Peter Loew (Nicolas Cage): A publishing executive who descends into madness, believing he is turning into a vampire after a strange encounter.
- Alva Restrepo (Maria Conchita Alonso): Peter’s long-suffering secretary who endures his increasingly erratic and abusive behavior.
- Rachel (Jennifer Beals): The mysterious woman who bites Peter and fuels his delusions of becoming a vampire.
- Dr. Glaser (Elizabeth Ashley): Peter’s psychiatrist who attempts to treat his increasingly bizarre behavior and delusions.
- Jackie (Kasi Lemmons): A woman who attempts to start a relationship with Peter, only to be rejected by his madness.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Peter Loew: “I’m a vampire! I’m a vampire! I’m a vampire!” – Peter shouts this repeatedly while running down the street, fully embracing his delusion.
- Peter Loew: “A! B! C! D! E! F! G!…” – Peter screams the alphabet at his secretary Alva, demanding she finds a missing document.
- Peter Loew: “Am I getting through to you, Alva?” – Peter says this line in a menacing and condescending way when berating his secretary.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $2,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $725,131
- Worldwide Gross: $727,998
💥 Vampire’s Kiss Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, I saw this movie years ago and I’m still not sure what I watched. Nicolas Cage is a maniac in this, running around with fake teeth and freaking out. But that’s what makes it so great! The scene where he’s screaming about the alphabet is burned in my memory. It’s weird, uncomfortable, and hilarious. I definitely recommend this for a bizarre movie night. Prepare to be confused but also entertained.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Nicolas Cage’s eccentric performances”
- “Viewers who appreciate dark comedies and satire”
- “Those interested in films that explore themes of mental illness and isolation”
- “Cult film enthusiasts”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Sexual content”
- “Violence”
- “Drug use”
- “Mature themes”
- “Rape”
Professional Reviews
- Film Critic Weekly: “Vampire’s Kiss is a unique blend of horror and comedy. Nicolas Cage delivers a memorable, albeit over-the-top, performance that keeps you engaged despite the film’s flaws. It’s a bizarre and fascinating look at a man’s descent into madness.
- Indie Film Now: “While tonally uneven, Vampire’s Kiss features a committed performance from Cage, it’s fascinating to watch him unravel. The film doesn’t always work, but it’s undeniably original and worth seeing for Cage’s portrayal alone. There are moments of disturbing brilliance.
- Cult Movie Reviews: “A cult classic for a reason. Vampire’s Kiss is a darkly comedic masterpiece, showcasing Nicolas Cage at his most unhinged. It’s a challenging and thought-provoking film that rewards multiple viewings. You’ll never look at plastic vampire teeth the same way again.
Audience Reactions
Nicolas Cage’s insane performance is the reason to watch this film.: Viewers love Cage’s over-the-top portrayal of Peter Loew.
The dark humor and bizarre plot make it a unique viewing experience.: Many appreciate the film’s unconventional and strange atmosphere.
Overall Consensus: Vampire’s Kiss is a polarizing film, celebrated for Nicolas Cage’s wild performance but criticized for its uneven tone and disturbing content. It’s a cult classic that’s not for everyone, but those who appreciate its unique brand of dark humor and bizarre storytelling will find it endlessly entertaining.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Nicolas Cage’s performance was partly inspired by silent film actors like Max Schreck (Nosferatu).”
- “Cage insisted on eating a real cockroach during one scene, much to the crew’s shock, saying he wanted to fully commit to the character’s madness. He later regretted this decision.”
- “Christian Bale has cited Cage’s performance in ‘Vampire’s Kiss’ as an influence on his portrayal of Patrick Bateman in ‘American Psycho,’ noting the similar descent into madness and exaggerated behavior.”
- “The film’s ambiguous nature regarding whether Peter Loew is truly becoming a vampire or simply losing his mind has sparked debate and interpretation among viewers since its release.”
🖥️ How to Watch Vampire’s Kiss?
As of October 2024, Vampire’s Kiss is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability in your region. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be purchased through online retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Vampire’s Kiss, you might like these similar films:
- American Psycho (2000): Explores similar themes of madness, identity, and the dark side of yuppie culture, with a protagonist who may or may not be committing horrific acts.
- Martin (1977): Another horror film where the question is raised about whether the protagonist is actually a vampire or just a deeply disturbed individual.
- After Hours (1985): Shares a similar dark, comedic tone and explores the descent into madness and the surreal experience of a night gone wrong in New York City.
- Repulsion (1965): A psychological horror film exploring the main character’s descent into madness.
🛒 Vampire’s Kiss Related Products
- Vampire’s Kiss [Blu-ray]: Own Vampire’s Kiss on Blu-ray with enhanced picture and sound quality. A must-have for Nicolas Cage fans and collectors of cult classic films. Special features include behind-the-scenes footage and director commentary.
- Nicolas Cage Pillowcase: Show off your love for the legendary actor Nicolas Cage with this pillowcase. Made of high-quality fabric and features a bold print of Nicolas Cage.
- Vampire Teeth Fangs: Transform your smile with realistic vampire teeth! Great for costumes, cosplay, and spooky fun. Safe, comfortable, and easy to use. Get ready to sink your teeth into some serious entertainment!
- Nicolas Cage: Rage Cage Coloring Book: Color your way through some of the most iconic moments of Nicolas Cage, from ‘Face/Off’ to ‘Vampire’s Kiss’. Hilarious and cathartic, perfect for Cage fans.
🎧 Soundtrack
Vampire’s Kiss features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Vampire’s Kiss is a dark comedy with horror elements. It blends the tropes of vampire films with a satirical exploration of mental illness and urban alienation. The film’s humor is often derived from Nicolas Cage’s over-the-top performance and the absurdity of his character’s behavior.
The film explores themes of mental illness, isolation, and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. Peter’s descent into madness can be interpreted as a metaphor for the destructive nature of unchecked ego and the isolating effects of modern urban life.
Nicolas Cage actually ate a real cockroach for the scene in Vampire’s Kiss to enhance the realism and intensity of his character’s deteriorating mental state. This act is emblematic of Peter’s descent into madness and his embrace of the grotesque.
🔥 Bonus Content
You don’t say? (Complete scene) [Nicolas Cage – Vampire’s Kiss]
Remember that crazy ‘You don’t say?’ scene from Vampire’s Kiss? This is the *complete* scene – it’s pure, unadulterated Nicolas Cage madness and honestly, you gotta see it to believe it. Prepare to be amazed (or terrified!).
Nic Cage responds to vampire rumors on Letterman
Ever heard the rumors that Nicolas Cage is *actually* a vampire? He talks about them on Letterman! His response is surprisingly chill, and it’s kind of hilarious considering his role in Vampire’s Kiss. Is he in on the joke?
Nicolas Cage Teaches the Alphabet.
Want to see Nicolas Cage give the most unhinged alphabet lesson of all time? It’s a quick clip from Vampire’s Kiss, and it’s seriously one of the weirdest (and funniest) things I’ve ever seen. Trust me, you won’t regret watching.
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.





