I watched the incredibly powerful worldwide premiere of "A Place Among The Dead." It's Juliet Landau's directorial debut. Expect MANY more amazing films from this multi-talented woman. WOW WOW WOW.
72 Reviews
Powerful film, beautifully directed
Schooner19899 November 2020
Fantastic movie with an important theme
claireski10 November 2020
Juliet Landau's directorial debut is a fantastic take on narcissism, using vampirism as the ultimate metaphor to address this all-too-overlooked issue. Landau also gives a stunning, emotional performance as Jules - a version of Landau herself that reflects her upbringing as the child of celebrities. The film's atmosphere is quite Lynchian (think Mulholland Drive). While it is entertaining and will appeal to Landau's 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' fans, the themes speak to a much wider audience. Having seen this mesmerising film several times (and discussed it with Landau), I still have questions - which is good, because this is a thought-provoking film that should be pondered and discussed.
A Beautifully Brave Film That Leaves Me in a State of Catatonia
davidairinfo10 November 2020
I've never seen a more truthful brave film. I can't emphasize this enough.
You go into this movie expecting a horror and leave baring your soul to whoever will listen. Artistically inventive by sewing genre's together with care. Rather than boxing herself into a style for convention sake, Juliet chooses instead to tell her story the way she wants to. From the onset of the film you know exactly what truth she wants you to hear, and then from there she guides you through all the reasons why. Though the undead do walk in this film, this isn't a reimagining of Drusilla, the Sid & Nancy hybrid vampire from Buffy the Vampire Slayer that Juliet is rightly famous for but instead gives you a study on the diversity of evil.
Interwoven throughout this fictional thriller story are some familiar faces of Hollywood's vampirical elite giving their perspectives on evil. These documentary style interviews offer thought provoking moments to the story being told.
Juliet makes the case that some people raised by evil become a reflection of those that raised them, while others become emboldened to be anything but that reflection. The film illustrates the challenges one can face when struggling to fight those demons that take root as a child and grow along with you into adulthood.
I'm so moved by this film that I'm reminded how incredibly brave Carrie Fisher was with her autobiographies after her Star Wars fame. Inviting the world to see not everything in Hollywood is glitz and glamour even if you're on top. I think the world adored her more for it. In similar fashion I believe this film will have Juliet's fans adore her more for making it.
You go into this movie expecting a horror and leave baring your soul to whoever will listen. Artistically inventive by sewing genre's together with care. Rather than boxing herself into a style for convention sake, Juliet chooses instead to tell her story the way she wants to. From the onset of the film you know exactly what truth she wants you to hear, and then from there she guides you through all the reasons why. Though the undead do walk in this film, this isn't a reimagining of Drusilla, the Sid & Nancy hybrid vampire from Buffy the Vampire Slayer that Juliet is rightly famous for but instead gives you a study on the diversity of evil.
Interwoven throughout this fictional thriller story are some familiar faces of Hollywood's vampirical elite giving their perspectives on evil. These documentary style interviews offer thought provoking moments to the story being told.
Juliet makes the case that some people raised by evil become a reflection of those that raised them, while others become emboldened to be anything but that reflection. The film illustrates the challenges one can face when struggling to fight those demons that take root as a child and grow along with you into adulthood.
I'm so moved by this film that I'm reminded how incredibly brave Carrie Fisher was with her autobiographies after her Star Wars fame. Inviting the world to see not everything in Hollywood is glitz and glamour even if you're on top. I think the world adored her more for it. In similar fashion I believe this film will have Juliet's fans adore her more for making it.
Brilliant Film A must watch
bellarosemoon3 November 2020
Juliet Landau's film "A Place Among The Dead" was absolute brilliance.
I was lucky enough to see the debut of A Place Among The Dead. This film is absolutely stunning. Juliet Landau is outstanding as always. This was Juliets directorial debut and She did a suburb Job. I identified so much with Her character . I felt like I was in My own Mind.The cast is truly a dream cast. A Place Among The Dead is a gothic ballet of emotions, a must see.
I have always believed in Psychic Vampires. I am an Empath and they effected me to the point where I get physical and emotional pain. I have long thought of Narcissist as Psychic vampires. This is why Juliet's Film touched me so much.
I am definitely watching it again with next live watch. Can't weight to own it and add to My collection.
I have always believed in Psychic Vampires. I am an Empath and they effected me to the point where I get physical and emotional pain. I have long thought of Narcissist as Psychic vampires. This is why Juliet's Film touched me so much.
I am definitely watching it again with next live watch. Can't weight to own it and add to My collection.
Raw, vulnerable, and brilliant performance.
snozberries441 November 2020
Juliet Landau's feature film directorial debut explores some dark themes. It's a raw look at narcissism and how one can lose themselves when they find themselves consumed by darkness. Juliet's performance is brilliant. She really opens up and lets the audience see her at her most vulnerable. The cinematography is beautiful. Great cameos by some famous faces playing themselves. The interviews were so natural i thought they were excepts from Landau's unreleased companion project The "Undead" series which features interviews with writers, actors and directors who have worked on vampire driven projects. But, it turns out, the interviews in the film were actually scripted and performed by the celebrities who were playing hybrid versions of themselves. Sheer brilliance.
A crackerjack of a thriller
darryl-houstonsmith9 November 2020
This film expertly uses the vampire genre to explore the repercussions of growing up under the sway of narcissism and evil. It is a revealing and often terrifying meld of fact, fiction and the fantastical. If you have ever suffered the under the control of a narcissist this film is a must see. I have seen it 4 times and each viewing has revealed more and more layers it is a powerful piece of film making.
A PLACE AMONG THE DEAD - surprising, fascinating, moving, amazing
mellypichler10 November 2020
I watched the movie on the word wide virtually premiere and I was thrilled! The film is amazing, surprising, fascinating and moving.
Do yourself a favour and watch it too!
Juliet Landau and her husband Deverill Weekes and everybody else who
is in the movie are really amazing! I am looking forward to watch A PLACE AMONG THE DEAD again and again :)
A truly unique vampire film!
RiverJHopkins10 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Juliet Landau's directorial debut movie, "A Place Among the Dead," had me hooked from the first minute! It's a work of fiction woven through the fabric of reality.
The film follows Juliet (or Jules) as she interviews people about vampires. Along the way, she gets caught up in a serial killer case. And as she she becomes ensnared in his web of horror, she finds herself questioning not only her own reality, but the possibility that he may really be a vampire.
The writing, the acting, and the film itself blew me away. I could feel every emotion emanating from the screen as if it were my own. Not only was this a terrifying vampire story, but it was also a very accurate display of Narcissism and evil and how the toxicity of both can scar victims for life. I'm sure I'm not the only person who connected with Jules' character on this sort of visceral level.
This is definitely going to be a film I break out every Halloween!
The film follows Juliet (or Jules) as she interviews people about vampires. Along the way, she gets caught up in a serial killer case. And as she she becomes ensnared in his web of horror, she finds herself questioning not only her own reality, but the possibility that he may really be a vampire.
The writing, the acting, and the film itself blew me away. I could feel every emotion emanating from the screen as if it were my own. Not only was this a terrifying vampire story, but it was also a very accurate display of Narcissism and evil and how the toxicity of both can scar victims for life. I'm sure I'm not the only person who connected with Jules' character on this sort of visceral level.
This is definitely going to be a film I break out every Halloween!
This films tells of the dangers of toxic narcissism
dmici6 November 2020
"A Place Among the Dead", is a vampire movie with a twist. This film raises soul searching questions about people's most intimate relations. Juliet Landau and Deverill Weekes created a film that explores issues relating to codependency, addiction, and toxic narcissism. This is a beautiful film, with a haunting score by Monica Richards, that enables the audience to explore deep into their hidden psyche.
Blew Me Away
marrybee10 November 2020
I have never seen a film like this in my life - just incredible. I thought the way it tackled the subject of narcissism through the metaphor of vampires was just poetic. Juliet's performance was amazing, so much heart and depth - it was also incredibly brave of her open up about something so personal. I wish there were more real and honest films like this out there. I have watched it three times now, every time I watch I notice something new, and every time I am left in stunned tears.
Powerful message delivered Via a true work of art
GigiIsCaptivated5 November 2020
A Place Among the Dead is unlike anything I've ever seen. Like any great piece of art, it is thought provoking and uses fact, fiction and the fantastical to encourage the viewer to examine the reflections of the film in their own lives. The conditioning and trauma we experience in our childhoods is something that is rarely discussed in our society and this film opens the door to much-needed conversations.
Juliet is at her best, her performance is raw, powerful and vulnerable. A must see!
Juliet is at her best, her performance is raw, powerful and vulnerable. A must see!
Insightful, thought-provoking, and self-contemplative
slubball10 November 2020
A truly original work that encourages not only insightful and thought-provoking discussion about the nature and repercussions of narcissism but also deep self-reflection about the effects of narcissism in the viewers' own life and experiences. A fantastically meaningful work from a wonderful artist and team
A Must See Psychological Thriller
ghoppah9 November 2020
I was able to see an advanced screening of Juliet Landau's new film A Place Among the Dead. It's unsettling, intense, mind-bending, and disturbing on multiple levels...which is exactly what makes it work so well as an emotionally charged psychological thriller.
Within seconds, A Place Among the Dead captures viewers with an almost hypnotic hook that penetrates deep into the psyche of anyone whose ever felt or been told they are "less than." The technique enables the viewer to become emotionally entrenched within the film's first couple of minutes.
While it's billed as a "vampire film," A Place Among the Dead is much deeper than a story about vampires. Instead, it's an immersive look at narcissism, the concept of evil, and the tendency to blur the line of fact versus fiction through the course of our own inner narrative.
Juliet and crew blur their own lines between fact and fiction with scripted "interviews" from celebrities from within the vampire mythos, a compelling "reality TV/real crime" storyline, peppered with the occasional use of real names and relationships. The creative decisions to weave fantasy and reality together this way can be unsettling, evoking emotions akin to learning something you held as an indisputable truth is, in fact, completely fabricated.
As a person who typically avoids horror films and most thrillers, I had reservations about watching this film...doing so in a well lit room in the middle of the day. But A Place Among the Dead isn't "scary" so much as it is intensely disturbing in a thought provoking way. I'm glad I had the opportunity to watch it and by taking a chance on this film, I found myself becoming more aware of the core internal messages that I send myself each day.
Within seconds, A Place Among the Dead captures viewers with an almost hypnotic hook that penetrates deep into the psyche of anyone whose ever felt or been told they are "less than." The technique enables the viewer to become emotionally entrenched within the film's first couple of minutes.
While it's billed as a "vampire film," A Place Among the Dead is much deeper than a story about vampires. Instead, it's an immersive look at narcissism, the concept of evil, and the tendency to blur the line of fact versus fiction through the course of our own inner narrative.
Juliet and crew blur their own lines between fact and fiction with scripted "interviews" from celebrities from within the vampire mythos, a compelling "reality TV/real crime" storyline, peppered with the occasional use of real names and relationships. The creative decisions to weave fantasy and reality together this way can be unsettling, evoking emotions akin to learning something you held as an indisputable truth is, in fact, completely fabricated.
As a person who typically avoids horror films and most thrillers, I had reservations about watching this film...doing so in a well lit room in the middle of the day. But A Place Among the Dead isn't "scary" so much as it is intensely disturbing in a thought provoking way. I'm glad I had the opportunity to watch it and by taking a chance on this film, I found myself becoming more aware of the core internal messages that I send myself each day.
Juliet Landau Shines In Directorial Debut
ciaomichaella10 November 2020
I got to watch #APlaceAmongTheDead the first night and loved it. Kudos to @julietlandau on the labor of love *insert clapping hands emoji here* I've been a fan of Juliet's since she played Drusilla on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Those who know her from that role know that she's got a knack for playing the hauntingly beautiful role. A Place Among The Dead has some of that familiar Juliet from #BTVS and #Angel days, but also shows a different side of her. Juliet masterfully balances both the actor and director hats. If you're the kind of person who stays glued to the tv to watch marathons of shows like Snapped, Forensic Files, Buried in the Backyard, Killer Couples, etc., you'll appreciate and enjoy the mystery that surrounds the film. I highly recommend this film and hope all the #BTVS & #Angel fans watch & support it. #JulietLandau
Ambitious, Low-budget Filmmaking At It's Finest
Terence_B10 November 2020
A completely original and incredibly ambitious horror film that combines genres might be the most difficult filmmaking to pull off. It's sure to aggravate those looking for straight-forward horror, while needing to satisfy those looking for art. Writer, director and star Juliet Landau is triumphant at balancing all the genres and the ever-shifting tone. It's tight-rope act that few have tried and far fewer have succeeded.
Landau is best known for her acclaimed performance as Drusilla in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. A performance that for over 20 years I have been screaming is one of the finest to ever grace television screens. Seeing her alongside Gary Oldman, who for over 20 years I have called the best actor of his generation, is a truly astonishing site to behold. I imagine there has never been a horror film with a cast nearly as talented or recognizable. It also includes cameos from Joss Whedon, Anne Rice, Lance Henricksen, Ron Perlman, Robert Patrick and several others. I half expected to see Bela Lugosi or Bram Stoker resurrected just to make an appearance in this film.
After you get passed the wow factor of the cast there is much more to marvel at. Landau is a fantastic director which shouldn't come as a surprise to those who have been following her. The writing stays with you. Fact, fiction, fantasy and horror are interwoven in what at times feels real, at times feels like like a dream, and at times feels like a nightmare. All while the music of Mozart dances from the screen. Real life husband and co-star Deverill Weekes proves to be a talented cinematographer and captures some wonderful imagery. It's the rare movie in which you can't wait to see where it all ends up and everything from entire scenes to brief flashes stay with you long after the credits role.
A genre-bending arthouse film like this may not be mainstream, but every fan of horror and every fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer should watch this immediately and tell all their friends to do the same. This has cult classic written all over it and will be talked about long after the major horror films you see playing on theater screens are forgotten.
Landau is best known for her acclaimed performance as Drusilla in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. A performance that for over 20 years I have been screaming is one of the finest to ever grace television screens. Seeing her alongside Gary Oldman, who for over 20 years I have called the best actor of his generation, is a truly astonishing site to behold. I imagine there has never been a horror film with a cast nearly as talented or recognizable. It also includes cameos from Joss Whedon, Anne Rice, Lance Henricksen, Ron Perlman, Robert Patrick and several others. I half expected to see Bela Lugosi or Bram Stoker resurrected just to make an appearance in this film.
After you get passed the wow factor of the cast there is much more to marvel at. Landau is a fantastic director which shouldn't come as a surprise to those who have been following her. The writing stays with you. Fact, fiction, fantasy and horror are interwoven in what at times feels real, at times feels like like a dream, and at times feels like a nightmare. All while the music of Mozart dances from the screen. Real life husband and co-star Deverill Weekes proves to be a talented cinematographer and captures some wonderful imagery. It's the rare movie in which you can't wait to see where it all ends up and everything from entire scenes to brief flashes stay with you long after the credits role.
A genre-bending arthouse film like this may not be mainstream, but every fan of horror and every fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer should watch this immediately and tell all their friends to do the same. This has cult classic written all over it and will be talked about long after the major horror films you see playing on theater screens are forgotten.
A unique movie
csspromo10 November 2020
I really didn't wanted to miss this movie and did two premieres and I am waiting an other opportunity to watch it again because at every watch you discover things you didn't the previous one. A movie that make you ask yourself a lot of questions, and really unique in the way it deals with narcissism. I really enjoyed this movie and give it a deserved 10/10.
Must Be Seen
debswltrs10 November 2020
"Just watched the film A Place Among The Dead which is Juliet Landau and Deverill Weekes debut film and I have to say a huge congratulations on a very thought out, well written, gripping, suspenseful movie, with excellent acting and true professionalism." A must see for anyone and everyone.
Tasty Innovative Vampire Creeps!
parisperrault10 November 2020
A Place Among the Dead was absolutely delicious!!! What a treat! You are AMAZING!
I was stunned at the style, the beauty, the creativity, the storytelling, the heartbreak!! BRAVA and all the roses, you must be so, so proud. Congrats on such an incredible and successful debut/screening/premiere! WOW! BRAVAAAAAAA!
A bold, original reinterpretation of the vampire genre
erinm-2631210 November 2020
This new film is a fiercely original work that blends documentary, drama, CSI thriller, and horror. If you are expecting a straight out, standard, slasher vampire film, you will likely be disappointed, but if you appreciate films in which the real horror lies more in what is revealed about society and human nature ( such as the Vanishing or Let The Right One In), this is a film not to miss. Hauntingly shot and beautifully acted, A Place Among the Dead is deeply psychological film which can't be watched just once; every viewing adds more layers and challenges your opinion of what in the film is real or imagined and who or what is the true antagonist. I've seen it three times now with different groups and we're still debating it. Don't miss it!
Disturbing, compelling, brilliant
ruth_wvr10 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Juliet Landau has created a compelling film - a study of narcissism with the narcissists portrayed as vampires. Containing personal images from her childhood along with horrible quotes she had to live with and endure growing up, Juliet plays a version of herself not so well grounded - bound up with feelings of inadequacy and a need to please from her childhood. This Jules becomes obsessed with the deaths of several young girls and makes it her mission to find the killer whom she believes to be a vampire, although the police are calling him a serial killer.
The film features conversations with many people who have written about vampires or been involved with films about them including Anne Rice, Gary Oldman and Joss Whedon.
I found the film very emotionally compelling - I wanted to be able to comfort and heal the young Juliet and as the older Jules made bad decision after bad decision I wanted to reach into the screen and shake her.
I loved the film and can't wait to be able to own a copy and rewatch it.
A brilliant and provocative look at vampires, Hollywood and narcissism
dominicchevalier9 November 2020
I loved the commentary on narcissism and how Juliet Landau's childhood was woven into the narrative (not everything is as it seems...). I also found Juliet's acting to be visceral, portraying fear that was palpable to the viewer. It was a complex creation, and I loved it all; imagery, message, performance and story.
Spellbinding!
fariyou10 November 2020
Juliet Landau and Deverill Weekes take us on a captivating and very personal journey into darkness... wait - is that a spark of light?
I was deeply touched by the movie. I can very much relate to Jules' past (and present)... A must see! Fari Y., Germany
Guttural and Raw
chloehedrick7 September 2023
Juliet set out to make a movie about how narcissistic abuse can slowly kill people from the inside via the metaphor of vampires. In the film she plays a detective trying to locate girls who have gone missing due to a powerful vampire named Darcel because she herself was barely able to escape him years prior. It's a bone-chilling film that packs a powerful, gut wrenching punch while providing survivors of narcissistic abuse a means of catharsis. Juliet has created a one-of-a-kind indie masterpiece that is due to become more popular via word-of-mouth the more that people watch it, and I myself am so excited for that day to come.
One of my favorites from 2020
nybosisu10 November 2020
A Place Among The Dead is an amazing psychological and emotional thrill ride
bindileyre9 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of the best movies that I have watched this year. Juliet Landau explores themes of mystery, crime, the supernatural and narcissism in this 77 minute epic. It keeps you guessing from one moment to the next and still even at the end, we think we've seen the man who she is looking for, but we still don't really know who Darcel is.
A fantastic mix of a crime thriller, vampire horror and documentary. Some parts are filmed amateur style in a similar vein to Blair Witch project. You believe you are in the room witnessing the moment. The soundtrack is excellent and fits with the action the audience sees.
I was immensely captivated by the brilliant and convincing acting from all of the cast, but the lead actor and director of this movie, Juliet Landau shines in her emotional and believable performance which will certainly captivate and enthrall you. Everyone needs to watch this film.
A fantastic mix of a crime thriller, vampire horror and documentary. Some parts are filmed amateur style in a similar vein to Blair Witch project. You believe you are in the room witnessing the moment. The soundtrack is excellent and fits with the action the audience sees.
I was immensely captivated by the brilliant and convincing acting from all of the cast, but the lead actor and director of this movie, Juliet Landau shines in her emotional and believable performance which will certainly captivate and enthrall you. Everyone needs to watch this film.
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