In a world not unlike ours in the 50's, the human race has been coexisting for three hundred years with a genetically enhanced breed of vampires called The Brotherhood that lead the church and researches. The fragile humans are under an influenza epidemic and shortage of the vaccine has been developed by The Brothers, and the police is struggling against the black market. In this environment, Captain Lilly (Saffron Burrows) is assigned to investigate the murder of a woman in an alley of the local slums, and she finds that the murderer is a Brother. Due to the political issue, the church sends Silus (Dougray Scott) to help her, and he discloses that his brother Edgar (Leo Gregory) was infected a couple of weeks ago and killed other women, but the Brotherhood has covered-up the murders to avoid the return of prejudice against their race. Silus and Lilly succeed to arrest the insane vampire, but when Edgar escapes from the compound, he begins to infect the human race.

"Perfect Creature" is a surprisingly good, underrated and absolutely original and stylish vampire movie. The acting is great, with an excellent development of the characters and situations; and the plot is dramatic, consistent and well resolved and gives an excellent hook for a sequel. The art direction blends different styles and ages of "our world" prevailing the 50's, and together with the dark and Gothic cinematography, produce a very pleasant and entertaining feature. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Criatura Perfeita" ("Perfect Creature")

I saw a preview screening of this film without really knowing what it was about, and I was thoroughly impressed. The plot centres on an alternate world and time, the location being loosely set in New Zealand (based on the accents) and the period being a curious combination of the 1900s, 1920s and 1960s. In this place, all vampires belong to the Brotherhood, a church which has protected humans from the many outbreaks of a mutating influenza through its advances in medical science. The great thing about this film is that we slowly grow to understand the society of this new place, rather than it all being rammed down the viewers throat as is usually the case with alternate realities. The casting, though unlikely, actually works well. Dougray Scott was in my opinion an unusual choice for the role of the male lead, the vampire Silas, but rose to the challenge quite well overall. His acting was convincing to the most part, but left a lot to be desired in the weaker parts of the film. Saffron Burrows, playing the detective Lily, gave a stand out performance in this film though. I have previously seen her as a supporting actress in many things, such as Troy, and didn't realise she had the capacity and range of a lead, but she gave a captivating performance. The dynamics between all of the characters seemed genuine, with the romantic aspect taking a backseat to the actual story. The script was well written, with succinct dialogue, and didn't include the usual cheese this genre is unfortunately full of. The score was sufficiently atmospheric to complement the moody tone of the film. The plot and special effects were thrilling, and thoroughly entertaining. In summary, this is not a vampire B-movie, but a distinctive film which addresses the issues of prejudice and medical ethics (and just so happens to have vampires in it) It sets itself up well for a sequel, which I cant wait to see. Highly recommended!

Very good,original vampire action movie ...

I'm very impressed. one more proof that there can be a good original action movie outside of Hollywood. This should be playing in the theaters. Has a dark, depressed "batman city" feel, contains an original storyline and enough action to satisfy action buffs like me. Special effects are pretty good, do not get in the way of the storyline. I'm surprised how well this relatively unknown cast performed, the leads blended with their roles seamlessly. Definitely looking forward to a sequel.

Way better then most of the late Hollywood stuff out there...

I thought this was a really good film.

The world of the film - an alternate world where vampires are like priests who look after humanity and whom humanity respects - is original and feels very solid.

When watching the film, it really is like stepping into another world. The production values are superb for what would be a low budget Hollywood movie and there are some terrific action sequences, but it is more of a sci-fi thriller than a straight out action movie for me.

This film has a lot of ideas in it, something most Hollywood films don't; the role of religion within a state for example.

Recommended.

This film's premise is original, far beyond the traditional Vampire genre. A new, genetically empowered race of human/vampire like creatures has come forth, first despised but finally accepted as protectors of humanity. Early on we are told that this race has neither hunted nor even harmed humans for three hundred years. Yet, many humans remain paranoid in their feelings for the Brotherhood as the race is called.

It appears that humans supply the Brotherhood with ample amounts of blood via blood bank type donations done in non-medical venues. All this resulting in a 300 year track record of zero humans harmed. That is until an errant Brotherhood member goes berserk killing and taking blood while also transmitting his contaminated blood to humans. Leaving both the new super race and humans alike facing possible extinction.

The story has a competent, crazed blood sucking super villain who brings a bit of horrific red carnage to the screen as he threatens to destroy all around him. The pairing of a handsome senior Brother and femme fatale cop has all the right chemistry and brings the "can two races get it on" question into play. They have much fun with that concept.

This inspired, dazzling and dark alternate universe contains various elements from our past 100 years of history i.e. flying machines above and 12 inch TV sets below. It all works.

High tension, horror, drama, great sets, atmosphere, very good cast and an original Sci-Fi horror story make this film a fun, rewarding experience. Anyone for Perfect Creature 2?

I rented this movie last night and was blown away.It's a different kind of vampire movie.It reminded me a bit of underworld because of the action not so much the story.I don't know how this movie didn't hit theaters because I would have been there.Or if it did I missed out.Or maybe it was only released in New Zealand and the U.K.If it is a straight to DVD release then it's one of the best ones i've seen.The location in New Zealand was a perfect spot for this movie.It had a very old Gothic look even though it also seemed a bit modern. It was supposed to be 1969 but seemed more like 1949 by the way people talked and dressed, and the cars looked older then 1969.But then again,it is taking place on a different earth(I read that in an article about the movie),and there is a mention of it at the beginning so it doesn't matter how it appears. I was impressed with this movie.It has good special effects,original story,lots of action and good acting.I want to buy my own copy of it.Now I'm anticipating a sequel because of how it ended.

The movie looks stunning: with a comparatively tiny budget, writer/director Glen Standring makes good use of computer generated imagery but blends in beautifully with the 'real life' shots. Colourwise, the movie is a masterpiece: in tune with the bleak and unwelcoming world it portrays, the colours feel sucked out, and greys and earth tones dominate. A mainly Kiwi cast apart from leads Dougray Scott and Saffron Burrows does a good job and did I mention the visuals? The art directors and production designers Ivey, Basset and Bavin deserve an Oscar for creating a coherent and plausible steampunk world, that combines technology from the fifties with the interior design of the twenties and a streetlook of the Victorian age. For viewers not looking for horror (or gore) the story is gripping and scary enough.

"Everything flows from me. My blood will change the world."

An evolved genetically enhanced race of homo-sapiens("vampires")titled "The Brotherhood" have lived in harmony with humans serving them faithfully for centuries until a rebellious rogue member, Edgar(Leo Gregory), responsible for creating an anti-virus towards the dangerous outbreak of influenza which took many lives, decides he's tired of being a servant towards those he deems inferior. He has created an influenza virus that poisons humans, and his direct aim is the Jamestown slums where he feels those undesirables aren't fit to live. His brother Silus(Dougray Scott, mostly emotionless and stoic, tilting his head slightly towards an action or something of human nature that fascinates him)is to be a leader of The Brotherhood one day, but Edgar's goal is to infect him with the influenza virus. For the first part of the film, Silus(..and The Brotherhood members)has trouble catching an elusive and cunning Edgar who is feasting on the throats of humans in alleys and apartment dwellings. Silus joins the human police, lead by policewoman Lilly(Saffron Burrows, although glammed down she's still quite beautiful)as they seek the whereabouts of Edgar. Edgar bites Lilly, but doesn't kill her. Silus develops an attraction to Lilly, who now will be Edgar's chess piece in his goal to infect his brother. For a little while The Brotherhood are able to quarantine Edgar, but you know a prison will not hold this villain very long. Edgar's goal is to kidnap Lilly and cause a world of chaos as The Brotherhood see no other alternative but eradicate Jamestown due to the outbreak by one of their own. Will Silus be able to stop Edgar? Will Silus turn on The Brotherhood, his people for what they plan to do to Jamestown? Will Silus be able to save Lilly from the harm Edgar has in store for her?

The film moves about as fast as Edgar, and the plot isn't very complex;I'm pretty sure most vampire fans will find it easy to follow. The setting isn't very glamorous, but the film uses that to an advantage, dipping the viewer into an ugly world where humans are rotting from disease, poverty, and filth. The Camera often briskly follows the actions and movements of the characters..the camera even often follows the heightened senses of the vampires such as what Silus hears and what Edgar sees as he crawls through a ventilation shaft in retreat and hiding from those out to catch him. Leo Gregory, as the snarling villain, often has his face locked in rage like a venomous snake on the verge of attack. There are moments of vampire carnage such as when Edgar takes a bite out of slum victims. You know the film is heading towards a showdown between Silus and Edgar, so that shouldn't be a surprise. The ending opens the possibility of a sequel. Not a bad way to waste about 88 minutes. Nothing that'll stay with you afterwards, but works as a futuristic vampire tale that doesn't overstay it's welcome.

I don't understand the poor rating this movie has. There is so much crap being made that people seem to love, and when something really good and original comes along people don't care about it. This movie touches on the theme of vampires, but it's not your ordinary vampire movie. It's a vampire movie with a twist. It is set in what looks like a somewhat futuristic "Jack the ripper era London" type of environment. This is beautifully done. Movies that come to mind are Sherlock Holmes, Bram Stokers Dracula and Wolfman. If you like those movies, you should find this movie interesting. You don't have to be a vampire buff to like this movie since it's not really a vampire movie, as much as it is a Sherlock Holmes type of suspense thriller where the murderer just happens to be a vampire. This movie is high-end quality filmmaking. It looks far more expensive than what the budget would suggest. The casting and acting is superb. The cinematography, editing, directing, visual effects...everything is superbly done. The story in this movie is even interesting and could have opened up to a number of sequels if this movie wasn't so poorly received (for reasons I don't understand). Anyone who found Sherlock Holmes interesting are advised to give this movie a chance.

In the midst of deadly and rampant plagues, the vampire is born. During several centuries that follow, the vampire race becomes known as "The Brotherhood", keepers of the faith, holy icons of hope and inspiration during a time of pestilence despair. Unfortunately, one of the bros ( Leo Gregory) gets a taste of some bad blood and slowly graduates from serial killer to mass murderer. It's up to his "biological" brother (Dougray Scott) and a cop (Saffron Burrows) to rein him before he gives The Brotherhood a bad rap.

"Perfect Creature" has a lot going for it. The premise is intriguing enough, the characters are interesting, and it casts (pardon the pun) an interesting light on the vampire genre. Edgar, the psychotic Brother is quite sinister and contrasts nicely against his priestly peers. Burrows and Scott also adeptly assume the shoes of their roles as well.

The bummer is that the film lacks in plot development and suffers from some pretty significant story flaws. How do the Brothers sustain their need for blood? What exactly is their religion? Why don't those bitten by Edgar contract his virus? I guess, referencing the common question from the film "Outbreak", is it airborne?

For me, "perfect Creature" ascended nicely from nothingness, but its wings never fully developed and it took a nose dive back into its grave.

Oh, I really wanted this film to be better.

So much potential with the alternative reality and the wet gritty feel of it all. The interactions between the characters held the possibility of layers of intrigue and backstory which could have led to spin offs into other media.

But it plays like a hastily written love story wedged into an interesting world view. Just when the story seems ready to move into an action sequence, it gets all boring and at the exact moment you expect some deeper relationship exposition, it stumbles onwards to progress the action.

The acting is great (even if a number of the actors are regular players on New Zealand TV and film), cinematography and editing is OK but nothing special, and the effects are passable for the budget. As an overall look it scores well, but it is no white knuckle ride.

My immediate comparison is to a films like Night Watch/Day Watch, Blade, Dark City or Underworld. Budget aside, these other films score so much better because they seem to get the pacing right. Ultimately, I found that I struggled to sit through the whole thing. I just kept thinking of other things I could be doing ... it just didn't engage me as it should have.

I'd still recommend seeing this film as it does throw up some cool ideas and grim images. But don't expect action and adventure at every turn.

** possibly contains some SPOILERS ** Hearing absolutely nothing about this movie I recently got a chance to watch it and I have to admit I was slightly entertained. I would not put it in my top 10 or give it any major awards but it was definitely an enjoyable movie which showed that the vampire genre is not dead and has potential to come back, just not through this movie.

The existing plot description make it sound like you will be baffled by the plot and it will keep you on the edge of your seat, which is a half truth as you will be definitely baffled by the multiple plot lines which never go anywhere.

As someone pointed out this movie revolves around the existence of humans and "vampire like creatures" in a fictional alternate reality putting the time frame somewhere around 1930s-1950s ( I could be off ). The major story is somewhat a "film-noir"esque murder mystery with subplots of epidemics / human evolution / love.

The film stars off well enough by giving us a background on the "brotherhood" ( vampires ) and how they are trying to coexist with humans which is interesting in itself but never really develops into anything concrete.

Then we are introduced to our main villain( Leo Gregory ) and our protagonist ( Dougray Scott ) with a very well done bit of cinematography. But after that things start slipping ... rest continued at the bottom following the review ** spoilers *** To sum it up, the movie was "ok". it presented a lot of interesting ideas and i believe would have worked well if kept as a straight up murder mystery and simply focused on that plot line. But with too many interesting characters and potential subplots open up to so many different ideas there just wasn't enough of one thing to keep me interested.

I would give it a 7/10 for trying to bring back the vampire flick but the rest was very adequate and nothing to write home about.

** SPOILER ** The main characters were very shallow and this included the more interesting villain who simply "snapped" one day and decided to go on a murdering rampage to cause a conflict between the humans and the "vampires". Not very original nor interesting which is too bad because the performances were pretty good and the actors did a fine job but the sub par character development kept it from being really gripping.

The mother ( Saffron Burrows ) / daughter development seemed like an afterthought to appeal to the "Children of Men" fans. Secret society who controlled the human life was interesting but once again very underdeveloped and cliché. The love story between the vampire ( Dougray Scott ) and the human ( Saffron Burrows ) was completely unnecessary.

The whole movie seemed like it started off original and could have taken many different genres to a new level and then someone ran out of steam and just picked away at some more popular movies from this genre causing a big mish mash of unfinished plot lines.

Anyway these are my two cents.

Well that was a surprise what a great film~

If you are looking for a moody atmospheric vampire flick you can't get much better than this~

Good mix between action suspense and thrills~

I liked the style of the film reminded me a little of silence of the lambs for some reason~

Slightly dodgy acting in places but this doesn't spoil a fan~g~tastic plot~ oops i've said it twice now

I thought some of the camera work was superb and there are a few funny moments and jumpy moments that are exactly that~

This is an absolutely original script with a fresh point of view. Given the current craze over The Twilight Saga, the elements of the vampire-human relationship in Perfect Creature almost seems to be a futuristic sequel. I like the overall atmosphere of the film, the story intrigued and involved me completely. When it ended I was definitely wanting a next chapter. I really enjoyed the performances of all the cast and felt that they developed complexity and depth in their characters that perhaps the script itself did not sufficiently support. I felt the actors had more to offer, but the dialogue and scenes sometimes limited their ability to express it. The casting was definitely spot on. The visuals worked extremely well and gave the film a really polished feel. Would like to have seen the relationships between Silas and Lilly and between Silas and Edgar given a little more screen time to let us in on the interpersonal qualities of each. After reading the plot synopsis here on IMDb, I realized that the lack of film time for the main characters' relationships likely resulted from an effort to include too many of the details of the story. I still found it enjoyable. Would like to see more from this writer-director.

As the author of THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY, whose definitions often turn conventional wisdom on its head, Bierce may find the alternate reality portrayed here for his Victorian years preferable to that era as he actually lived it. The idea that people would go to church simply to donate blood toward the substantiation of their big-as-life guardian angels (aka The Brotherhood) doubtless would make more sense to him than any theory of the transubstantiation of an unseen being's blood. The thought that the division between science and religion never occurred would meet with Bierce's conditional approval (though he might find the attendant risks inherent in the Brotherhood's under-the-table genetic experimentation--unchecked by outside religious scruples--troubling). But the Old Gringo probably would be first in line for a ride on a steam dirigible!

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The body of noted American author (An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge) Ambrose Bierce, born June 24, 1842, recently was discovered in total cryogenic hibernation at the back of a Central American warehouse. Bierce is expected to be fully defrosted by late 2049 or early 2050. Based on my 85 previously posted IMDb comments and background in Bierce studies, the author's guardians have commissioned me to review a periodically updated list of films to help guide his future leisure pursuits, with the provision that my comments also be made available to the general public.

While not reaching the heights it could have, "PERFECT CREATURE" is certainly an intriguing little film that throws up a lot of fascinating twists on the well-worn vampire genre.

The alternate world created (which feels like a mix of OLIVER TWIST and DUNE) is wonderful, and a lot of care and attention has gone into making this environment seem believable and convincing.

A capable cast do their best (when was the last time Dougray Scott actually smiled in a film?), bringing an effective melancholy to their characters that the script unfortunately lacks. If the characters were as well-constructed as the setting, the movie would have had more dramatic impact.

At a scant 90 minutes (and I hear it is being chopped down for it's U.S release), writer/director Glenn Standring could have spent more time opening up this eye-popping world and its history. At least it doesn't make the same mistake as UNDERWORLD, another vampire film that gave us its backstory in 2 minutes, but then still managed to go for a yawn-inducing two hours.

PERFECT CREATURE may prove a hard sell, as there is very little in the way of action, gore, and over-the-top CGI set-pieces. But the very fact that director Standring has made a film that doesn't easily fit into a particular category or formula, shows that a genuine attempt has been made to give us something different. He comes so close to succeeding.

First a confession: I have a weakness for vampire films. There are just a handful that really did it for me (NEAR DARK, BRAM STOKER'S Dracula, BLOOD & DOUGHNUTS, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN and a few more), but this genre still intrigues me against my better judgment. So I grabbed the opportunity to see PERFECT CREATURE that comes up with a new concept: vampires were created in genetic experiments in the Renaissance era. The new breed called themselves The Brotherhood, formed a church and put their powers into the services of mankind. They're no evil bloodsuckers - until now. Suddenly people get killed and drained. The Brotherhood sends investigator Silas (Dougray Scott) to collaborate with the local police (led by Saffron Burrows). Together they try to hunt down the killer vampire, while The Brotherhood tries to hush things up. The story takes place in a fictitious city where it always seems to rain (hello SE7EN), the aesthetics is 19th century meets the 1930s, mixed with modern technology (see: DARK CITY). All in all no bad yarn, but Dougray Scott proves again his yawn qualities, and the characters stay two-dimensional in an extend one wished it really was a comic book (where it would be told better). The ending aspires to be the beginning to sequels or a TV series, which seems doubtful. But after all there have been follow-ups to way dodgier genre films. For me it just means waiting for the next good vampire film. 5/10

Quite cool and unusual for a vampire movie. The structure of the film is a bit like Kurt Wimmers equilibrium with a subdued religious tone. It is a world after a plague that has wiped out large part of humanity. From this plague there arrived a genetically superior being - vampires. These vampires has been selected to watch for human beings wellfare as well as finding a cure to the plague. Some problems arise when one of the vampires genetic research (whith himself as a lab rat) goes wrong. Instead of breading more brothers (as the vampires are called). He develops something that creates vampires with a well developed thirst for human blood.

An independent New Zealand/British production, Perfect Creature was completed back in 2005. 20th century Fox promptly snapped up the worldwide distribution rights, and there was talk of the movie being released into cinemas. And then... nothing. Fox apparently didn't know how to market the film, and after sitting on the shelf for two years, it quietly crept out as a direct-to-DVD release.

Perfect Creature is set in an alternative reality where (compared to our world) branches of science and engineering have experienced different rates of progress. Horse-drawn carriages are still in use, the few cars we see are steam-powered, and airships cross the sky. However, attempts at genetic manipulation began three hundred years and resulted in the creation of vampires - although that word is never uttered in the film. Instead they're referred to as The Brotherhood. Accepted by most of the population as the next stage in Man's evolution, The Brotherhood have dedicated themselves to protecting society, are in charge of the Church, and drink blood donated by willing volunteers. However, a renegade Brother has started committing murder - the first to do so since their kind first appeared - and Brother Silas (played by Dougray Scott) is assigned the task of tracking him down. Despite Silas's protests, The Brotherhood is covering up the fact that one of their kind has become a killer, in the belief that this knowledge will damage the bond of trust between Man and Brother. Eventually however the information gets out, and Silas (who is being groomed to lead The Brotherhood one day) forms an alliance with a human detective (Saffron Burrows) to catch the murderer.

Perfect Creature is an intelligent and entertaining film, but Fox's wariness about how to promote it was probably due to the fact that it contains few surprises and not much actually happens per se. The alternative reality is well realised on what was (by Hollywood standards) a fairly low budget of $20 million. In addition to the different levels of technology, the fashions worn by the various characters reflect their social standing: the poor and working classes have clothing that's Dickensian/Victorian, the middle classes wear 1920s fashions, the plain-clothed and uniformed police have suits and uniforms that echo the Forties, while the riot police's armour and The Brotherhood's clothes are almost-modern. Burrows give a fine but unshowy performance as the world-weary detective, but Scott seems ill-at-ease and unsure how to portray the character of Silas, and settles for adopting a sorrowful expression throughout.

Written and directed by Glenn Standring, Perfect Creature falls into one of those fantasy, alternate universe timelines where because of genetic engineering and the likes, humans now are living side by side with the more powerful vampires with whom have forged a truce, that is, to never feed on the blood of humans, but instead, get their dosage of plasma through religious rites of sorts.

Which serves as an intriguing premises to begin with, except that it had so much going for it, that it failed to capitalize on the wealth of its potential, instead choosing to coast through the expected until a finale made up of standard fare, with too many plot elements than it could handle, with mistrust between the two species of homo sapiens, an influenza virus, and a murderous vampire hell bent on creating havoc by unleashing his own brand of justice to the world.

With movies like Underworld and various other genre incarnations that dwell on super- beings, Perfect Creature at best was on par in terms of the visuals, where the filmmakers have created a stunningly looking dark city, which seemed like a cross between Victorian England, except for the vehicles such as zeppelins which crowd the sky. Special effects was rudimentary, and you can feel the lack of slickness in the movements of the vampires, not so much as they couldn't fly, but their essence of speed wasn't properly brought across, and looked quite clunky.

The story, bared down to the basics, is about how human detective Lilly (Saffron Burrows) has to team up with a high ranking vampire / priest (yes, you read that right) called Brother Silus (Dougray Scott, who walks really stiff here and nary breaks into a smile), despite her and her team's discrimination against the vampire race. And their common adversary Edgar (Leo Gregory) happens to be a researcher of sorts gone renegade, and with blood relations to Silus, puts a dampener on so called conflict of interest.

As an action-fantasy piece, don't expect any award winning acting here, because what thrills are the set action pieces in claustrophobic spaces within dark and dank apartment blocks. However, unlike its contemporary peers, there aren't any fancy gadgets, weapons or moves to wow you, well, maybe perhaps the cool stunt gun that Silus carries which fires off projectile rounds to immobilize his kind. And of course something tells you it's not quite right when the mid-point action sequence trounces the finale which had a distinct lack of excitement.

But on the whole, for its mood, settings, and imaginative spin on the vampire genre, Perfect Creature does deserve a watch.

Another successful film from New Zealand, always a treat as was one of my favourites the Truth about Demons.Now this movie might not excite those who revel in fast paced horror. Or those seeking another Dracula movie, but for those who enjoy another take on the Vampire story.... well you cant go wrong. Superbly acted by the main characters with a very strong support cast who all deserve a pat on the back. And it is so refreshing to hear a movie that is not trying to be or appeal to American audiences. But it is one proud of its roots with New Zealand accents in abundance. A Gothic picture which I tended to assume was set in the Victorian era, with women police and I am sure I caught sight of a pair of jeans. Oh and guys a mothers love is important as without it you get renegade Vampires who fill you up with a virus that has results that, shall we say, are not on the improvement side of ones lifespan. A world where the Vampires are the controlling religious order where Illuminati springs to mind rather quickly. The story about 2 brothers and one is the good vampire and one is not. One who has created a virus to increase the vampire race and the other who (and rightly so) wants to curb these experiments. A new slant on the good vs evil story.Saffron Burrows excels as a Policewoman doing an excellent job catching the day to day bad guys let alone what she needs to do to survive Edgars charming ways. Dougray was a Vampire as Vampires should be In control, charming and in this case on the right side of the law. So I gave this 9 because it deserved it Good on Ya! NZ.

This movie was interesting for the alternate reality it created. In this world, Vampires emerged, but instead of being hunted out of existence, they became enshrined in the Church and became protectors of mankind. The technology seems to range about 1930's style, with cars that run on steam, TVs with round screens and airships. In short, they almost immediately hit you with a "not in Kansas anymore" feel, which is great. However, you might also be led to believe this is a modern world, as women hold jobs of importance like detectives and doctors.

In any event, the plot runs something like this. A member of the Church's vampire brotherhood has gone on a rampage, and a high ranking vampire (who happens to be the rouge vampire's brother) teams up with a human policewoman to bring him in. Except that they find that in fact this vampire is not merely hunting and killing humans, but is creating a plague to wipe out humans and create new vampires. The plot is really quite simple, we've seen variants of it in a hundred police movies. The real star of this movie is this alternative world they've created.

But otherwise a pretty boring and average film. Human female cop joins forces with vampire male cop against an evil vampire villain. All this in a parallel universe where vampires live together with humans and the world is powered by steam and plagued by genetically designed viruses.

Interesting premise and cute universe, but the story itself is dragging like there's no tomorrow (in both universes). The ending leaves a little open door for sequels, perhaps they thought they would make something like an Underworld franchise. But there is no possible chance for this.

And maybe it was too weird to see Ian from Desperate Housewives as a knight in shining teeth. Perfect British accent, enough personal pride not to crawl on walls or do anything really sporty. Now that's my kind of hero, lazy and pompous :)

The movie has terrific atmosphere. There are only a few movies, which can make you feel that you "are" part of the movie. The original sets, the good camera angles helped a lot. There is much attention on detail - especially the technical devices.

The bad thing is that the imagination which was put into Perfect Creature was totally discoloured by the weak and the messed up scenes. I felt as if someone took a big scissors and cut of whatever did not fit the reel. There are many weak scenes which ruin the movie - mainly after the first half (maybe the man with the scissors came after that).

The other very annoying thing is how illogical is a vampire's thought. They only use their supernatural powers only to show off. Imagine you are so absorbed by the thrilling action, that you "feel" you would do this, and the character does just the opposite! As if they forget what superpowers they posses! The end was so quick and unclear, that i thought i have pressed the >> key... It deserves watching, but don't count on it..

The highlight of this film is that it creates a whole world that is totally believable even though it is quite odd. That they were able to create a world and convey how that world works with very little money or exposition is brilliant. However the plot did not live up to the world that was created. I kept on expecting more plot development, more character development beyond the three leads. Saffon Burrows acted well but too much time in dazed victim stance. Dougray Scott was ideal for this role but I longed for more overt character development. The villain promised to have some depth but then didn't deliver.

However it wasn't until the film was over that I was aware of how simple the plot was. I was completely and totally pulled into the film and that is a sign of damn good film making. I would love to see another film set in this world. I wanted to spend hours exploring the world creating with it's characters and styles ranging from 1890 bordellos to WWII rations and mixing all kind of quirky things. It's the kind of movie you want to watch again to pick out new things.

With proper exposure this can become a cult movie.