Dead and Lonely, hosted on IFC.com, is a five part web series written, produced, and directed by cult indie horror filmmaker Ti West who brought us The Roost, Trigger Man, and The House of the Devil. The series revolves around two people looking for love on the oh so popular online dating site DATEorDIE.net. Out of curiosity I entered the URL for dateordie.net and was pleasantly surprised to be taken to an actual web site, albeit a fictitious one with some pretty clever and well done videos showing online singles’ (read losers) desperate pleas for a date – nice touch.
Vampiress Lee seems to have a thing for nerdy looking guys and zeros in on Justin’s picture on the dating site. She posts a note to have him call her which he dutifully does and 45 minutes later after some slow and sensual post shower dressing for the camera and a bit of window leaping the two are sitting awkwardly at Justin’s tiny kitchen table wondering what to do. Suddenly Lee, being too warm for Justin’s form, can’t take it anymore and makes an aggressive move. Justin, startled by Lee’s advance pushes back and expresses his doubts, uncertainties and current state in life as a new single guy. But really, like all manipulative, self absorbed, whiny and mind screwing women, he (catch the subtle role reversal here?) just wants a hug and someone to talk to while we all know Lee just wants to suck him dry…or does she? Sorry, I’m not going to spoil things any more than I already have for you here.
Although it is slow and a bit awkward at times, West’s experience in commercial film is clearly evident. The scenes are well shot, the dialog is smooth, and the sound effects and musical score all help drive the story forward. There are also plenty of subtle and amusing references to the vampire world that may not be properly picked up on by the uninitiated. Those in the know though should easily catch and appreciate the various nuances. The premise, a vampire utilizing the modern www’s proliferation of social networking and online dating services (hello creepy craigslist stalkers) works well here and is original. Overall I liked this series and can easily recommend it to anyone with a lust for the forbidden pleasures of vampire love.
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