Review: Ultraviolet (DVD)

Basic premise: vampires have co-existed with humanity throughout all our history. In that time they have always fed on us, but now that we have the capacity to destroy ourselves, these vampires will stop at nothing to take control of their threatened food source. Described like this, Ultraviolet sounds rather cliched and 'done before'. So it was with a great pleasure upon watching the six episodes of this DVD that I had discovered a clever, classy, and intriguing series, well worth the investment.

Ultraviolet is a British production, the episodes set mostly in London, so if you’re used to United States production values you won’t find that here. Those who are fans of the hit comedy Coupling might be delighted to learn that the lead in that series, Jack Davenport, is also the lead in Ultraviolet. Stepping out of his comedic shoes, he plays a straight-down-the-line police detective, Michael, who’s secretly in love with the bride of his best friend. When the best friend doesn’t show up for his own wedding, Michael becomes suspicious that his friend is up to no good, especially when he learns that they are both being investigated by a shadowy government organisation run along the same lines as MI5.

Trouble brews, vampires reveal themselves, forbidden romance festers, and the mystery turns into a rabbit hole that just goes deeper and deeper. Think of BBC hit series Spooks for style, and throw in vampires in the place of terrorists, and that’s a good description of Ultraviolet.

Originally made in 1998, only six episodes were produced. This is a shame because after six episodes Ultraviolet was really starting to find its feet. Characters had been established, an overriding mystery was being revealed but not resolved, and my emotional involvement in the anti-vampire team members committed. I really liked how the individual stories were developing the anti-vampire hunters’ major enemy; not the undead but their own frailties. Aware of their own mortality, the team is just beginning to be tempted in joining the other side; immortality to escape cancer, spinal injuries, and other debilitating diseases. Very similar to narcotics law enforcement officers tempted to try the very drugs they vow to destroy.

After seven years it is highly unlikely any more episodes of Ultraviolet will ever be made. Yet despite the show’s early conclusion, it is still worth watching. Viewed when you want a vampire fix but don’t have the stomach for the graphic gore that usually comes with the territory! A classy and refreshing take on a familiar subject.

Director: Joe Ahearne
Producer: Bill Shapter
Screenplay: Joe Ahearne
Distributor: World Productions for Channel Four Television Corporation (1998, 300min)
Cast: Jack Davenport, Susannah Harker, Idris Elba, Philip Quast and Corin Redgrave


Review by David Conyers.

This review syndicated from Book of Dark Wisdom Issue 8 with permission.