The Hunger (1983)
Film · Horror, Drama
Stream itif you value visual panache and a melancholic, erotic atmosphere over traditional monster movie thrills.
A stylish, slow-burn gothic horror that prioritizes atmosphere and mood over jump scares. It is a visually striking cult classic for fans of David Bowie and sophisticated, erotic vampire tales.
What it is about
Five-thousand-year-old vampire Miriam promises her lovers the gift of eternal life. When John, her cellist companion for centuries, discovers that he has suddenly begun growing old, he attempts to seek out the help of Dr. Sarah Roberts, a researcher on the mechanisms of aging.
Trailer
What The Hunger is like, and who it is for
What it is like to watch
This is a self-consciously stylish experience that feels more like a long-form music video or a fever dream than a standard horror film. It moves with a deliberate, almost glacial pace, punctuated by sharp bursts of violence and hyper-saturated lighting. The atmosphere is thick with a sense of decaying elegance, using shadows and billowing curtains to create a world that feels both luxurious and claustrophobic.
Who it is for, and who should skip it
It is essential viewing for those who enjoy David Bowie's screen presence or Catherine Deneuve's icy poise. It will appeal to fans of 1980s gothic aesthetics and high-fashion sensibility. However, those seeking a fast-paced slasher or a plot-heavy supernatural thriller should skip it. The narrative is thin and prioritises mood over clarity, which can feel slightly pretentious or sluggish to the impatient.
The right evening for it
It suits a late-night viewing when you are in the mood for something dark, sensual, and visually arresting. It is best watched with the lights low and full attention paid to its striking cinematography.
Written by our AI from the facts on this page. It has opinions; it has not watched it.
Another trailer
Trailer · The Hunger (1983) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]
How The Hunger leaves you
One line on the mood it ends on, with no plot. Some people count that as a spoiler, so it stays hidden until you ask.
It leaves a lingering sense of cold, elegant melancholy and a profound unease regarding the physical toll of time and the cruelty of eternal devotion.
How The Hunger ends
Spoilers. The whole ending, in a few lines. Nothing shows until you ask and then confirm.
The film ends with Sarah, driven by her transformation, killing and feeding upon her boyfriend Tom. Distraught, Sarah attempts suicide by cutting her own throat and forcing Miriam to ingest her blood. As Miriam attempts to carry Sarah to the attic, her former lovers—now withered mummies—emerge from their coffins and force her over a balcony. Miriam ages rapidly as her past companions turn to dust.
While the townhouse is later shown being sold by a real estate agent, the final scene reveals Sarah has relocated to a London flat with two new companions. Despite Miriam’s apparent demise, her voice is heard crying out Sarah's name from within a draped coffin in a storage room, suggesting she now shares the same eternal living-death she once inflicted on others.
Summarised by our AI from the plot section of the Wikipedia article, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. This summary is shared under the same licence.
Stills
Images from TMDB.
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A cool, atmospheric, and intentionally slow-paced study of eternal love and cultural weariness. For viewers who prefer philosophical conversations and vintage vibes over action, it is a stylish hangout movie for the immortal soul.
the same weary, intellectual approach to the burden of immortality
The Neon Demon (2016)
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More clips
Clip · Vampire Ages Rapidly
The Hunger soundtrack
Music by Michel Rubini and Denny Jaeger
Questions people ask
- Is The Hunger a tense film?
- Yes. On Watchlist Boosted it is tagged Tense. A stylish, slow-burn gothic horror that prioritizes atmosphere and mood over jump scares. It is a visually striking cult classic for fans of David Bowie and sophisticated, erotic vampire tales.
- How long is The Hunger?
- The Hunger runs 97 min and was released in 1983.
- Where can I watch The Hunger in Australia?
- In Australia it is not included with any subscription service at the moment. JustWatch lists rental and purchase options.
- Who composed the music for The Hunger?
- The music for The Hunger is by Michel Rubini and Denny Jaeger.
- Is The Hunger worth watching?
- Stream it: if you value visual panache and a melancholic, erotic atmosphere over traditional monster movie thrills. IMDb users rate it 6.6 out of 10 from 30,695 votes, Rotten Tomatoes gives it 62%, Metacritic 52 and TMDB users 6.7.
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