Day Shift Review: Some Bite but Not Enough to Sink Your Teeth Into
The vampire mythology gets another makeover in Netflix’s Day Shift.
Since The Vampyre by John Polidori, the mythology surrounding vampires has greatly evolved. Because of this, some sparkle, some can walk in the daylight, some need to be decapitated, and for others, a good old stake through the heart kills them. There is certainly no longer a one-size fits all approach to vampires.
Day Shift combines some of the well-known vampire folklore — their issues with direct sunlight and thirst for blood — but reinvents the wheel by creating various types of vampires that occupy this world. This allows the film to naturally find its own identity because it’s not burdened by following traditional vampire myth.
Day Shift has some of its strongest moments when vampires are the focus. Obviously, the film put a lot of detail into telling a fun vampire story. This comes across in the mythology surrounding these vampires, the action sequences, CGI, makeup, and special effects involving them.
However, the vampire aspects of this film struggle by not giving each type enough time to shine. We learn about five types of vampires, but they all kind of blend together.
The hive scene in Day Shift could have been a way to highlight why each one is special and unique. Yet, they’re all killed in such a quick way that the subtle differences don’t stand out.
Only the Uber vampires really have their moment in the spotlight. The different vampires need a bit more screen time to really impress us.
Jamie Foxx gives an entertaining performance as Bud. Clearly, he has fun with this movie and character. Bud is a straightforward, man with a mission character. That’s fine.
However, Day Shift could have given him a few more layers.
Almost every character in the movie feels a little bit more developed. We can make assumptions about the characters’ pasts, motivations, and why they may have started vampire hunting or killing. However, Bud leaves us with a lot of unanswered questions.
We know that Bud’s family is his main motivation. But, it is unclear when, why, or how he starts vampire hunting. His past is shown in glimpses, such as his history with Big John (Snoop Dogg), but not enough details are given to paint a full image of who he is before he becomes a hunter.
Not every character needs a detailed backstory, but digging a little deeper into Bud’s past could make the character a little more interesting.
Karla Souza’s Audrey makes up for what Day Shift lacks with Bud’s history. The film doesn’t go into great detail about her past, but it gives just enough breadcrumbs to draw conclusions and make assumptions. Her motivations, desires, beliefs, and so forth come across pretty clearly from start to finish.
The film gives her a bit of a heart by showing that most of her motivation ties to her daughter. This mirrors Bud’s quest for his daughter.
Audrey is a strong villain character. She’s devious enough to be someone that you don’t want to see win but cool and admirable enough that you understand her position. She wants to make the world a better place for vampires, even if that means destroying humanity.
It’s definitely not a great plan for humans, but absolutely a very good one for vampires.
Day Shift’s action scenes are top-notch. They’re fun and visually pleasing. The action part of this action comedy is very strong.
The comedy part is not. The film plays it safe with the comedy by going for the obvious and easy jokes (for example, pee jokes, standard one-liners, the needy-nerdy character, etc.). It isn’t until the last 40 minutes that we see some of Day Shift’s best jokes and gags.
The final half of the movie is where the comedy starts to become stronger. It goes all out on the goofiness. Additionally, the film even gives a great callback to Seth’s, played by Dave Franco, rivalry with Carol.
The film makes me chuckle a few times, but there are no moments that really make me laugh on the floor. I know Foxx can be really funny, so I wish his comedic talents came across better in this film.
Day Shift is a lighthearted summer action movie. It’s fun but could have gone a little more in-depth with the characters and this world, and it could have gone a bit bolder with the comedy.
Stray Thoughts:
- The soundtrack is really good. “I Don’t Give A Damn” by October London needs to be released now.
- The special effects in the first fight scene between Bud and the old lady vampire is some of the best in the entire movie.
- Seth and Bud need more time together to develop a true buddy-cop dynamic.
- More explanation is needed on if vampires have a choice to be good or evil.
- If we get a sequel, I hope we find out more about Bud’s past, and I hope Carol and Seth’s hatred for one another continues.
- The Twilight jokes are easy but enjoyable. I definitely need a bonus scene of Seth and Bud watching the final film to see Bud’s reactions to it.
- It isn’t clear why vampire fangs are sold, and I need more details about the vampire teeth business.
What did you think of Day Shift? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Day Shift is available to stream on Netflix.
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Jerrica Tisdale
Jerrica Tisdale is your favorite neighborhood pop culture junkie. She will annoy you with random TV and film facts, while complaining about whatever is the hottest new book. She has been a TV fan all her life but writing about it for over a decade. You may find her work all over the internet especially reality TV rants. She is a senior writer at Tell-Tale TV.