Rebecca is returning to Brangwyn Hall for her third year. She is still haunted by her father's suicide two years ago but her friends at school, especially Lucy, are helping her through it. This year, her English class is focused on Gothic literature. When a new girl arrives, Rebecca is convinced that she is a vampire preying on her friends.
The film starts out well but delivers less and less as it progresses. The new English teacher, played by Scott Speedman, states the obvious when he says that the common elements of all vampire stories are blood, sex and death. This film contains all of the above but is singularly anemic and dull. Part horror story, part coming of age story, both are underdeveloped.
The direction is befuddled. The audience even tittered at a key moment, unable to understand what was intended by such a clumsy move. The lack of pathos, suspense and general spookiness make for an underwhelming and silly film.
The Moth Diaries (2011)
Directed by: Mary Harron
Cast: Lily Cole, Sarah Gadon, Sarah Bolger
http://tiff.net/filmsandschedules/tiff/2011/mothdiaries
