Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fantasy violence, injury detail, language in vampire horror.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dampyr
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DAMPYR, Harlan (Wade Briggs) works with his friend Yuri (Sebastian Croft) in a con claiming to rid towns of vampires. But when he finds himself face to face with real-life blood-suckers, he learns there's more truth in the con than he knew. As he comes to terms with his past and his powers, he joins forces with soldier Emil (Stuart Martin) and a vampire named Tesla (Frida Gustavsson) to rid the world of an evil Master of the Night.
Is It Any Good?
What starts out quite generic and schlocky develops into a decent (if not wildly memorable) fantasy horror. Dampyr has a title that's difficult to take seriously, and there are some intentional comedy moments alongside ridiculous plot points along the way. When it tries to be serious, it doesn't quite land, but viewers may well end up rooting for characters all the same. Much of the action thankfully happens in low lighting, but elsewhere special effects are firmly at B movie levels. A knock-off Matrix-style slow-mo fight, a glaringly obvious blood-red backdrop ... It likely won't make any top 10 lists. But there's something enjoyable and oddly empowering about the way the relationships play out, and there's a window left open for a sequel if it does ever hit cult status.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Dampyr portrayed difference. How did the characters come to terms with their pasts and their current identities and work toward accepting each other?
How did the movie balance the more serious violent scenes with comedy aspects? Did this lessen the impact of the violence? Why, or why not? Can you think of any other horror films that include a comedy element? Why do you think the two go together so well?
Did you find the film scary? What horror tropes did you notice in the movie? How did it compare to other vampire movies you have seen?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 22, 2023
- Cast : Wade Briggs , Stuart Martin , Frida Gustavsson
- Director : Riccardo Chemello
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Fantasy
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violent content and language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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