Synopsis
Theresa & Allison is a 2019 independent horror drama that offers a fresh take on vampire lore through an intense and poignant narrative. The film starts with Theresa, a young woman living in New York City, who is disenchanted with her life and trying to forget her problems through fleeting romantic escapades. One such encounter—drunken night out—brings her into contact with a much older woman, who is a sultry and enigmatic figure who is more than meets the eye.
What Theresa does not know is that Allison is part of a hidden vampire society that exists in the bowels of the city. Getting bitten by Allison thrusts her into chaotic, confusing underworld. After losing part of her humanity, now she must deal with the emotions and physical ramifications of her transformation, not to mention her place in this dark world.
As protector and predator, Allanson has a dual role to play. She introduces Theresa to the life of a vampire, an existence governed by ancient laws of bloodshed, and tawdry ruthlessness. While trying to nurse the remnants of her human life, Theresa grapples with the alluring temptations of immortality, indulgence, domination, and power. Further complicating matters is her deepening bond with Allison, infusing the tension with fragments of love, betrayal, and manipulation.
Cast & Characters
Arielle Hope plays Theresa, the emotional heart of the film. Her performance is nuanced as it captures a woman undergoing a complex change because of trauma through vulnerability, confusion, and emerging strength. Hope sincerely captures the strife of her past self and the new being she is becoming, conveying deep emotions.
The part of Allison, the vampire who bites and brings forth Theresa’s more sinister side, is played by Sarah Schoofs. She personifies the contradictions of the vampire archetype; alluring yet dangerous, and compassionate but cold.
Also, the screenplay’s writer, Charles D. Lincoln, portrays Tony, a prominent figure in the vampire society. He acts as a gatekeeper to Theresa’s acceptance into their world and embodies the system’s rigid and patriarchal framework.
As Sakkara, an elder vampire who is both charming and imperious, Amy Jo Jackson adds gravitas to the movie’s internal politics. Her character personifies the bureaucracy of vampires, as well as timelessness.
Alongside these were Alyson Danielczuk as Miranda, Alexandra Frantsevich as Paisley, and Jennie Sedlacek as Bridget who complete the vampires’ ensemble, each contributing unique character and viewpoint into the underground world Theresa finds herself submerged in.
Pooya Mohseni plays The Mysterious Woman, where her defining moments with the early Theresa impression are suggestive of the underlying elements bound to strip her off the humanity that comes with the vampire folklore.
Direction & Production
Jeremiah Kipp took up the role of the director who is known for experimental and genre-based films. With Theresa & Allison, Kipp attempts to merge horror with violence and psychological introspection as he depicts dislocation of the mind and heart which takes precedent over cabin fever and bloodsucking.
Kipp’s direction focused primarily on the underground and erotic elements of the storyline, including vivid depictions of seedy and harsh environments filled with lights that reflect the fractured psyche of the characters. The director does not consider vampire transformation as magical, but an alteration marking alienation, addiction, or sexual awakening — a volatile, uncertain awakening. This is realistic in that the film offers a less glorified, more psychologically disturbing take on vampires.
Cinematographer Christopher Bye captures the raw aesthetic of New York’s nighttime — shadow, stark light, and unrefined setting combines to create the illusion of a documentary film. The effect of this, as intended, strips away emotion and sentiment from the supernatural elements, anchoring them to reality, where they become relatable.
Rory Douglas Abel the editor allows character progression and atmosphere to develop at a set pace amidst a gradual shift within the film’s horror elements, accompanied by Theresa’s internal metamorphosis.
Themes & Analysis
Unlike typical vampire stories, Theresa & Allison features an intricate web of themes for deeper analysis.
Transformation as Metaphor: The change Theresa undergoes to become a vampire suggests more than just a change of state, in this case psychological, emotional, and sexual. It exposes the traumatic identity shift that one undergoes through immense suffering, which becomes painfully empowering.
Consent and Control: The bond between Theresa and Allison teeters on the edge of romance and predatory behavior. Throughout the film, it is clear that a central question poses itself: are the choices made by Theresa genuine choices, or are they crafted through the guile of a more predatory and manipulative partner?
Power Dynamics: The vampire society is structured, hierarchical, and gendered. It reflects the very real institutions rife with unequal power dynamics, such as the Vanderbilts. Domineering male figures assume control and impose rules, which rob most of the autonomy in the system.
Queer Identity and Eroticism: At its core, this film is a queer horror tale. The affection shared by Theresa and Allison has erotic undertones, capturing the complexities of strife, self-revelation, desire, and repression regarding a reality that heavily punishes deviation.
Urban Alienation: New York City as a setting has great symbolic importance. It is a city of darkness, facelessness, and isolation, which is perfect for these characters who live on the outskirts of society looking for purpose, belonging, family, and life.
Reception
Theresa & Allison had mixed to positive reviews upon release, especially in the indie horror circles. Most viewers appreciated the film’s ambition and bold themes. The performances of Arielle Hope and Sarah Schoofs were noted for their intensity and chemistry, and several critics praised the film for its economical yet gritty portrayal of the world using a limited budget.
Nonetheless, the film also received criticism for slow pacing, as the two-hour runtime was deemed excessive for a film driven more by atmosphere and metaphor than action. Others found the explicit depiction of sex and violence problematic, but supporters claimed the film’s honesty strengthened its impact.
In general, Theresa & Allison has become a cult classic for its bold approach to character-driven vampire tales and horror from queer feminist perspectives.
Final Thoughts
Modern vampire films don’t get more ambitious and heartrending than Theresa & Allison. The film’s visceral queerness, harshest of aesthetics, multilayered themes, and raw narratives heighten and deepen queerness and survival. Unlike glossy or romanticized portrayals of vampires and their stories, this film depicts in detail the painful struggle, the torment of losing oneself—and the hope of discovering something stronger in the process.
Those interested in deep psychological horror will find Theresa & Allison an intriguing—not shying away from blood, cruelty, or boldness—raw, human experience.
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