In 2003’s This Darkness, Dr. Van Helsing VII (played by the film’s director Dylan O’Leary) is a world-famous genetic engineer who is developing a serum that can cure all known diseases and perhaps grant immortality.  Meanwhile, cheerleaders and surfers are being attack in broad daylight and having their blood drained.  Among those killed is the daughter of Van Helsing’s friend Ron, who happens to own a martial arts studio.  Could all of these events be connected?  Your guess is as good as mine but eventually, a vampire named Tarquin does show up and demands that Van Helsing create a mate for him.

I’ve always found low-budget ambition to be very likable and, by that standard, This Darkness is probably one of the most likable films that I’ve seen.  The film’s script has a few interesting ideas, O’Leary makes for an unconventional but effective hero, and the film actually looks pretty good for its budget.  Especially towards the end of the film, This Darkness makes effective use of some unconventional locations.  Add to that, it’s hard not to admire the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach that O’Leary took to putting his film together.

Add to that, how can you not enjoy a film directed by someone with as Irish a name as Dylan O’Leary?