FIRST KILL is a new Netflix series in the horror, drama, and mystery genres. The story is all about vampires and those who hunt them. Well, along with many other monsters. Also, at the heart of the story, we have two teenage girls who have fallen in love. Since one is a vampire and the other is a hunter, it’s an uphill battle.
Fortunately, the sexuality of these girls (or any of the other LGBTQ characters) is a non-issue. Instead, we’re in a classic Romeo & Juliet pickle, where the families are mortal enemies. While the characters are what make this Netflix series worth watching, I am not really a fan of the CGI effects. Though practical effects are also used quite a lot.
All kinds of monsters
While First Kill is very much a vampires and hunters story, it is essentially also about humanity – even of those who are vampires or hunters. Basically, it’s about choice and how we can all choose to be monsters. Or fight our urge to react in ways that are brutal and violent.
Okay, that sounds a bit more wishy-washy than First Kill is. Because there are many monsters and lots of violence and maiming going on.
But what I also really like is the way monsters are introduced and explained. Like the fact that zombies aren’t slow. That’s just an urban myth and in reality, they are extremely fast. In First Kill, the zombies make the Train to Busan zombies look slow. So yeah, they are really fast.
Also, vampires aren’t easy to kill. Or rather, it depends on what kind of vampire, you’re facing.
Great characters and perfect casting
As already mentioned, I am not a huge fan of the effects in First Kill. This goes especially for the (somewhat crude) CGI but also the (equally kitsch) practical effects. However, and this is extremely important, it is clearly a choice. And I have to respect this. Even if it distracts me personally.
The kind of effects used in First Kill will be familiar to fans of shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, Wynonna Earp, etc. In other words, there is a huge precedent for this style and a huge fan base for these series. I never cared for this style, but what made those series work for me was the character gallery.
In First Kill, it is exactly the same. The characters are very well written and the attitude and dialogue work remarkably well. It’s entertaining and continuously builds the story in various ways and directions.
The two lead characters, Juliette and Calliope (or just “Cal”), are portrayed by two wonderful young actors. Sarah Catherine Hook (The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It) plays the role of vampire Juliette Fairmont, and Imani Lewis (Vampires vs. the Bronx) plays monster hunter Cal Burns.
In another key role, we get Elizabeth Mitchell (The Purge: Election Year, Lost), who is brilliant – as always. Also, there’s Gracie Dzienny (Jupiter’s Legacy), Will Swenson (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), and Dylan McNamara (Euphoria).
Aubin Wise is full of tough love as the mother of Cal and works great opposite from Elizabeth Mitchell, who plays Juliette’s mother. Also, newcomer Jonas Dylan Allen is very impressive. He plays ben Wheler, the best friend of Juliette.
Watch season 1 of First Kill on Netflix
V. E. Schwab is the creator and executive producer of First Kill which is based on her original story. Victoria “V.E.” Schwab is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books. Felicia D. Henderson (Fringe, The Punisher) is the showrunner and producer, and both Schwab and Henderson are writers on the new Netflix series.
Other producers include actor Emma Roberts (American Horror story, The Hunt) who produces alongside Karah Preiss through Belletrist Productions. As director and producer, Jet Wilkinson (Warrior Nun) is also a key part of this production.
Hopefully, this one will be a hit so we can have more seasons. While I am not completely crazy about the style of the special effects, I am very intrigued by the characters. And yes, that is plenty of reason to watch this series. Also, episode 5 alone has two huge WTF!-moments, which should also intrigue horror fans!
First Kill season 1 is out on Netflix globally from June 10, 2022.
