You ever wonder what happens when you mix The Bear with Interview with the Vampire? Probably not. It's a weird combo. But Alice and the Vampire Queen actually tries to pull it off. Honestly, it’s one of those indie films that pops up on your streaming feed and makes you do a double-take because the premise is just so bizarre.
Basically, we have Alice Oldman. She’s an ex-con. She’s got a lot of baggage and a chip on her shoulder the size of a side of beef. She’s a chef by trade, but life hasn't exactly been kind to her since she got out. Then this mysterious guy named Charles shows up with a job offer that sounds way too good to be true. He wants her to cook one "special dish" for his boss. The catch? His boss is the Vampire Queen.
The Meat of Alice and the Vampire Queen
The movie, directed by Dan Lantz, isn't your typical sparkly-vampire romance. Thank God. It’s more of a dark, gritty, and surprisingly funny look at what happens when human survival meets supernatural hunger. Shelby Hightower plays Alice, and she brings this raw, defensive energy to the role that makes you root for her even when she’s being a total jerk to everyone around her.
What really stands out about Alice and the Vampire Queen is the setting. Most of the action happens in this underground club that feels like a cross between a high-end bistro and a ritualistic slaughterhouse. It’s a world where the "main course" isn't always on the menu in the way you'd expect.
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Why the Culinary Hook Works
Cooking in horror isn't new, but the way it's handled here feels fresh. Alice isn't just making a meal; she's fighting for her soul. Every chop of the knife and every sizzle of the pan feels high-stakes.
- The tension is real. You're constantly wondering if the Queen is going to eat the food or eat Alice.
- The gore is practical. No cheap CGI here. When things get bloody, they get really bloody.
- The chemistry is weirdly good. The relationship between Alice and the Vampire Queen (played with a chilling elegance by Brenna Carnuccio) is the heart of the film.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Movie
If you go into this expecting a big-budget blockbuster with massive action sequences, you’re gonna be disappointed. This is an indie film through and through. It was filmed in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and you can tell it’s a passion project. Some people find the campy humor a bit jarring, but honestly, it’s what keeps the movie from becoming too depressing.
There’s this one scene with a recently turned vampire who is basically a millennial trying to figure out how to be "undead" while still caring about social media. It’s hilarious. It breaks up the tension of Alice trying to scrub blood off her apron.
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The Lore and the World-Building
Dan Lantz (who also did Bloodrunners) clearly likes his vampires to have a bit of a "World of Darkness" vibe. There are clans, there are rules, and there is a lot of internal politics that Alice gets caught in the middle of. She’s not just a chef; she becomes a pawn in a much larger power struggle.
The movie explores themes of resilience and choice. Alice spent her life being told what to do—first by the system, then by an abusive husband. Now, she’s in a literal "deal with the devil" scenario. Does she take the easy path and become part of the Queen's inner circle, or does she fight for the freedom she just fought so hard to get back?
Is Alice and the Vampire Queen Worth Your Time?
If you like your horror with a side of dark humor and a healthy dose of "what did I just watch?" then yes. It’s currently floating around on platforms like The Roku Channel and Fandango at Home for free (with ads).
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It’s not a perfect movie. Sometimes the pacing drags, and the budget shows in some of the sets. But it has heart. And it has a really cool ending that most people don't see coming.
Alice and the Vampire Queen proves that you don't need 100 million dollars to tell a compelling story about vampires. You just need a good lead, a creepy atmosphere, and a really sharp set of kitchen knives.
Actionable Next Steps for Horror Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of indie horror or specifically the "culinary horror" subgenre after watching this, here is how to navigate it:
- Watch the movie on Free Services: Don't pay for it if you don't have to. Check The Roku Channel or YouTube (via Kings of Horror) first. It’s frequently available for free streaming.
- Explore the Director's Catalog: If you liked the "vampire-gangster" vibe, check out Dan Lantz’s other film, Bloodrunners. It stars Ice-T and has a similar gritty, indie feel.
- Check out similar "Food Horror": If the cooking aspect was your favorite part, your next stop should be The Menu or the TV show Hannibal. They pair perfectly with the themes found in Alice's story.
- Look for the Soundtrack: The music in this film does a lot of the heavy lifting for the atmosphere. It's worth a listen if you're into dark, atmospheric synth-horror scores.