Vampire is not a horror film. It is about Simon, a quiet, sensitive biology teacher who uses online message boards to meet suicidal soulmates. He then tricks them into thinking they are joining together in a suicide pact so that these women will cause their own demise and he can reap his reward — their blood. It is never clear if Simon's cravings are psychological or physical, and his blood drinking habits don't always agree with him. As a scientist he wants to save lives, starting with his dementia-inflicted mother, but his urges are unstoppable. Then Simon meets his dark mirror image, another young man with the same affliction who turns out to be a violent murderous beast. Acclaimed Japanese director Iwai Shunji (All About Lilly Chou-Chou) directs his first English language film in his signature meditative style, drenched in black humor, with flashes of surprisingly beautiful macabre imagery and a haunting piano score. Vampire isn't just about Simon's unusual needs; it's also a surreal and even humorous exploration of death.