Embrace of the Vampire, released on May 30, 1995, is a stylish and moody addition to the erotic horror canon of the mid-1990s. The film stars Alyssa Milano as Charlotte Wells, a shy and repressed college student struggling to reconcile her conservative upbringing with her burgeoning, intense sexuality. This internal conflict manifests violently when she becomes the target of an ancient, unnamed Vampire (Martin Kemp).
The plot centers on Charlotte’s psychological and physical struggle as the Vampire begins to haunt her through increasingly vivid and seductive dream sequences.
Initially resisting his advances, Charlotte finds herself drawn into the Vampire’s dark fantasy world, where the lines between her waking life, her dreams, and deadly reality blur.
The film effectively uses the college campus setting as a backdrop for Charlotte’s liberation, positioning the Vampire as both a supernatural threat and a dangerous catalyst for her sexual awakening.
Kemp brings a magnetic and sophisticated menace to the role of the antagonist, providing the seductive anchor for the film’s central fantasy.
For Milano, the movie marked a significant departure from her earlier, more wholesome television roles, solidifying her career pivot into more mature, adult-oriented thrillers.
While the core focus rests on the dynamic between Milano and Kemp, the film’s dark atmosphere is complemented by its supporting environment, including notable players like Charlotte Lewis, Jordan Ladd, and Jennifer Tilly in appearances that contribute to the film’s overall dark, dreamy aesthetic.
Anna Goursaud directed this film and followed it up reuniting with Milano for Poison Ivy II: Lily.
Alyssa Milano and Charlotte Lewis in Embrace of the Vampire (Photo/New Line Cinema)
Legacy of Embrace of the Vampire
The legacy of Embrace of the Vampire is rooted in its status as a definitive 90s cult classic, often recognized for its bold approach to sexual themes and its direct-to-video market success, which frequently leveraged the star power of its lead.
The result is a memorable, if pulpy, piece of filmmaking that remains a compelling footnote in the careers of its stars.
