30 Days of Night

An incredibly effective and bloody carnage, but narratively meaningless and rather empty. We actually don't find out anything substantial. Where the vampires came from, how they survive, where they hide, who was their envoy, how did he suddenly appear out of nowhere just a stone's throw away from the town, which had no living soul within 100 kilometers, and many other questions that are hard to find an answer to (and definitely not between the lines). The monsters are mindless roaring freaks, only scary thanks to the good timing of scenes and captivating snowy atmosphere. But we should appreciate the R-rating, the brutal Hartnett, and the quite solid pace. Otherwise, it's primarily a showcase of bloody effects and severed limbs. (13/08/2008)

I've always been terribly sceptical of vampire horror movies, and I can't recall a single one that has captivated me in any significant way. 30 Days of Night is the exception that proves the rule. What I mean by this is that if a good director and producer come together, concoct a spectacular and imaginative story, and surround everything with the tried and tested setting of a peaceful Nordic town, even an almost empty genre barrel can yield a great load of modern horror action. The film is not without a few unavoidable clichés and some scenes feel like a reunion with an old friend with a penchant for brutal violence, but otherwise David Slade has handled the premise really masterfully and this is definitely not a routine B-movie. Most of the credit, however, goes to the hideously looking vampires, who are truly frightening and probably one of the most successful horror villains since Snyder's Dawn of the Dead. The great romantic ending just underscores everything... 80% (02/09/2012)

The winter and snow favor the chilling atmosphere, and the cut-off city at the literal end of the world offers some surprises, but when it comes to the creatures of the night, the percentage of interest begins to dangerously decrease. Vampires are not vampires, but a pack of hungry zombies, clichés with suddenly agitated survivors get on your nerves, and even uncompromising bloodthirstiness eventually becomes almost annoying. The weak third star is saved for the town of Barrow by the likable central duo and a surprisingly stylish ending. (23/10/2010)

I liked Hard Candy, but 30 Days of Night almost took my breath away. Why almost? Because the ending was not very believable and the last scene doesn’t fit the film at all. But I have no complaints about the first half: perfect atmosphere, terrifying vampires, effective jump-scares, sharp axe… One of the best horror films of the year and a well deserved 85%. (24/12/2007)

The esteemed British gentleman of the theater Danny Huston in the role of a vampire leader in a classically written horror movie? Sam Raimi is a strong and resourceful producer. From the introductory shots, it is clear that this is not a B-movie. David Slade can shake hands with Zack Snyder. He is a master of spookiness and proves that even something as hackneyed as vampires can serve as material for an impressive horror movie. Too bad the film delivers some time-worn genre scenes, which we recently enjoyed – after a very long time – in Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead (the turned girl and the identical scene with having to kill an infected buddy). It’s also a pity that the vampires from the main group didn’t get more space as individuals (as Guillermo del Toro would have given them). Otherwise, it’s amazing. (26/11/2007)