In 2021, it’s hard to imagine a world where the vampire genre isn’t relevant in film. The difference between today and, let’s say, 2008 is that the genre has not been entirely overly saturated and played out by the likes of Twilight. Since 2010, the genre has had gems like Let Me In, What We Do in the Shadows, and A Girl Walks Alone At Night, so it’s safe to say the genre has been rejuvenated with fresh and exciting concepts. This year’s latest entry into the vampire genre is Blaine Thurier’s Kicking Blood. What an inspired choice as the film offers an unexpected look at the traditional vamp flick.

Kicking Blood follows Anna (Alanna Bale), a vampire who is tired of the everyday life of a vampire and the bloodlust that runs through her. Her life or undead life takes a massive turn after meeting a suicidal alcoholic named Robbie (Luke Bilky). Robbie’s relationship leads Anna to explore her addiction and thoroughly question her fellow vampires’ predatory nature.

As the film focuses on Anna’s drive to not feed off humans, Kicking Blood is one of the least-gory vampire films ever made, and it’s for the better. Instead, Thurier focuses strictly on the parallels between Robbie’s alcoholism and Anna’s addiction to consuming blood. I found the look at addiction to be unique as rather than falling into the usual tropes for the genre, Thurier’s fresh approach allows the film to have maximum impact on the viewer.

Bale’s performance as Anna is energetic and campy. It’s hard not to be glued to her while watching. While Luke Bilky’s performance doesn’t entirely work for me, Thurier and co-writer Leonard Farlinger’s screenplay is at its strongest when it strictly focuses on Anna and Robbie. Their lack of individual support systems provides a means of connection that is crucial to both their journeys.

Unfortunately, while the addiction to blood concept makes for an exciting idea and plenty that works, it’s only superficially explored. Because of this, the film feels like it is missing that knock-out punch to make this one I’d recommend. Instead, the film spends more time in a contemplative mode than it merits and is the ultimate culmination of both Anna and Robbie’s stories.

Ultimately, Kicking Blood is a tale of addiction disguised as a vampire movie. I just wish the film would have fully explored those addictions deeper.