Imagine a vampire movie starring Eddie Murphy, directed by the legendary Wes Craven, that blends horror, comedy, and a touch of romance—sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? But here’s where it gets intriguing: Vampire in Brooklyn, a 30-year-old film now streaming on Paramount+, is a hidden gem that defies expectations and has quietly inspired modern vampire tales. Let’s sink our teeth into why this overlooked classic deserves a second look.
Wes Craven, the mastermind behind stone-cold horror classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream, was no stranger to pushing boundaries. While he’s celebrated for redefining horror, Craven also ventured into unexpected territories, from the biographical drama Music of the Heart to the twisted cult favorite The People Under the Stairs. In 1995, sandwiched between his meta-masterpieces Wes Craven’s New Nightmare and Scream, he teamed up with Paramount to direct Vampire in Brooklyn, written by Charlie Murphy and starring his brother, Eddie. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn’t just another comedy vehicle for Eddie Murphy—it was an ambitious attempt to showcase his range as the suave vampire Maximillian.
The film’s script, co-written by Michael Lucker and Chris Parker, was a battleground of contrasting visions. Eddie Murphy wanted to prove he could tackle a serious role, while Paramount pushed for his signature comedic flair. Craven, ever the mediator, helped strike a balance. The result? A vampire unlike any other—think Frank Langella’s sophistication rather than Bela Lugosi’s camp. Maximillian arrives in Brooklyn to track down Detective Rita Veder (the unforgettable Angela Bassett), who unknowingly holds the key to his bloodline’s survival. Her Caribbean heritage ties her to Maximillian’s past, but her ignorance of this lineage becomes the film’s central conflict.
Despite its comedic elements, Vampire in Brooklyn delivers genuine horror moments. Its 1995 release was met with lukewarm box office returns and harsh reviews, but over the years, it’s gained a cult following among horror enthusiasts. Here’s the controversial part: While many dismiss it as a misstep in Craven and Murphy’s careers, its influence on modern vampire stories is undeniable. From the Staten Island vampires in What We Do in the Shadows to Vampires vs. The Bronx, its DNA is everywhere. Even Michael B. Jordan has cited it as a favorite, praising Eddie Murphy’s smooth portrayal and its unique take on Black vampires—a subgenre still woefully underrepresented.
The film’s tone is undeniably uneven, oscillating between dark humor and gothic romance. Originally envisioned as a modern Dracula-esque tale, it struggles to find its footing, yet this very chaos creates a strangely captivating atmosphere. It’s not Craven or Murphy’s strongest work, but it’s one of their most fascinating. So, here’s the question: Is Vampire in Brooklyn a misunderstood masterpiece or a flawed experiment? Stream it on Paramount+ and decide for yourself. And while you’re at it, let’s discuss—why aren’t there more Black vampire stories? Could this film’s resurgence inspire the next wave? Let us know in the comments!
