A meditation on art, science, and the mysteries of everlasting love. The tale of two fragile and sensitive vampires, Adam and Eve, who have been lovers for centuries. A film by Jim Jarmusch, starring Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, Anton Yelchin, Jeffrey Wright, Slimane Dazi, and John Hurt.

Married for centuries, two vampires now live half a world apart. Adam (Tom Hiddleston), a famous but mysterious musician who never reveals his identity, lives in Detroit. He never performs live due to his fear that people might discover he is not human, but a vampire. His works have inspired many mortal artists for several centuries. Eve (Tilda Swinton), the love of his life, however, lives in Tangier, Morocco.

Though his legacy resonated across centuries, shaping countless musical and scientific minds, Adam has become withdrawn and suicidal. Adam has one friend, a young human named Ian (Anton Yelchin), who frequently assists him finding the musical instruments he requires for him. One night, Ian delivers a vintage guitar that Adam has requested at his house, Adam asks him to find a person who can make a custom-made wooden bullet, claiming that he needs it for his special art project.

Having lived among us for millennia, the vampires have learned to adapt to the modern world. They no longer need to feed directly on humans, fearing blood contamination from deadly viruses and diseases. When necessary, Adam disguises himself as Dr. Faust and ventures to his regular local blood bank, where he discreetly acquires specific blood types through Dr. Watson (Jeffrey Wright). Meanwhile, in Tangier, Eve relies on her old friend, Christopher Marlowe (John Hurt), the author who faked his death in 1593, for her essential blood supply.

During a late-night video call, Eve picks up on Adam’s desolation. Sensing his deep trouble, Eve intuitively knows something weighs on Adam’s mind. Despite her hatred of flying, she decides to travel from Tangier to Detroit. Back in Detroit, Adam spots a group of teenagers, likely his devoted fans, milling about near his house. Annoyed by the unwanted attention, Adam instructs Ian to plant a rumor claiming he lives elsewhere.

While Adam is leaving to buy more blood from the local blood bank, Eve discovers a gun and a wooden bullet hidden under the bed. Eve instantly realizes what Adam has intended to do with them. However, the situation becomes further complicated with the unexpected arrival of Eve’s younger sister, Ava (Mia Wasikowska)

Directed and written by the American filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, Only Lovers Left Alive is a unique blend of fantasy, comedy, and drama, captivating viewers with its compelling narrative and intriguing story. I was particularly drawn to the way Jarmusch seamlessly weaves the modern world with the centuries-old love story of vampires. The film features multiple comedic moments that are both amusing and memorable.

Both Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston deliver exceptional performances, further enhanced by the hauntingly beautiful soundtracks composed by SQÜRL and Jozef van Wissem.

Only Lovers Left Alive premiered at Festival de Cannes on 25 May 2013. The film was theatrically released in Japan on 20 December, in the United Kingdom on 21 February 2014, and in the United States on 11 April