First Kill (2022) is a new Netflix series, created by Victoria Schwab. The series is based on the short story, written by Schwab, released in 2020.
The 8 episode programme follows Juliette, a vampire, falling in love with the new girl at school, Calliope - a vampire hunter.
The premise of the programme is simple, and sticks to the typical vampire tropes. However, the modern spin on the vampire genre is an interesting watch. First of all, a gay romance. Vampires are often portrayed as sexual, seductive and sometimes promiscuous. So we have seen lesbian vampires before, but often portrayed as some kind of fetish- to be admired by men. Were as this programme shows a lesbian relationship based on love and emotions, rather than being based on sex.
The programme touches upon a variety of subjects and could represent many challenges we face, especially when "coming of age". It shows Juliette's concern with living up to her families expectations, and feeling like an outcast for her difference in morals. It shows Calliope's desire to impress her family, but failing and going without praise despite her efforts.
The whole programme is based on the concept of good vs evil, and seeing the perspective of both worlds. The "evil" attempt to be "good" despite their circumstances forcing them to do "evil" things, and the "good" fight the "evil", subsequently becoming "evil" from the harm they cause. You could apply this to pretty much anything in life, making the programme relatable in many aspects. This is something I have learn to appreciate about supernatural monsters, as they have many connotations and represent a lot of different people and challenges we all encounter.
I found it rather refreshing that the narrative isn't based on the two being a lesbian couple. Even though I find it extremely necessary to represent the struggles that the LGBTQ+ community face, it was nice to see a gay relationship that's issues weren't based around their sexuality. I feel this was acceptable due to the nature of the programme being supernatural, but it made watching a lesbian couple on screen less sad and frustrating. I hope to see more programmes show supportive family and societies, to allow a more modern and accepting example in media.
Also the lack of "femme" and "butch" made this programme so supportive to the community, as it very naturally and without commentary has broken the stereotype of there having to be someone who "wears the trousers". It was so effortlessly supportive and inclusive and one of my favourite things about the programme.
Despite all these good pointers, there are obviously some critiques that I must give. This programme did not need 8 episodes. I found myself becoming a little bored of some of the storylines. The conversations between the two families were honestly boring, like we got the point that their families are enemies like Romeo and Juliet's. They kept reminding us by these encounters and constantly banging on about them not being able to be together. When Juliette, Calliope, Ben, Oliver or Elinor were on screen, it was entertaining. But after a while the parents just got a bit tiring, especially because this programme is most definitely aimed at a younger audience, I imagine they will get bored pretty quickly.
Like most programmes, stripping the length down a little would help keep hold of the audience's attention. However, it was a good watch, it draws attention to some great issues, represents communities well and is entertaining to those who like a little bit of the supernatural.