I really have absolutely no flippin' idea how this one escaped me, but not only had I never seen Lemora before...up until this point I hadn't even remembered ever hearing about it. Eegads! With much hubbub surrounding Synapse Films DVD release, I was eagerly anticipating a viewing of Lemora. Of course I had to hit on Synapse's release of Thriller A Cruel Picture first (review here), simply because I AM an exploitation pervert - after all. Anyway, beyond this I was certainly ready for a childlike, PG rated vampire tale. In the end, despite all of the surrounding hype, Lemora still comes across as a wonderfully crafted, grotesque fairytale that didn't disappoint me even for a moment. The fact that this film was not well received upon its initial release, doesn't surprise me one bit either, as the talents behind this film, were obviously way ahead of their time.

Lila Lee (Cheryl Smith AKA Rainbeaux Smith) is a somewhat respected yet misunderstood child. The daughter of gangster Alvin Lee, who happens to murder her mother and 'lover' in the films' opening moments, (one of the few 'bloody' moments of the film mind you). Lila, unfortunately has her father's reputation to carry around with her through life. Lila currently lives with Reverend Mueller (Director Richard Blackburn himself) and has even made a name for herself singing in the church choir. One day, Lila receives a letter explaining that her father is on his death bed, and he wishes one final opportunity to make amends with his estranged daughter. In order to 'remain a good Christian' Lila heads to town late one evening to vist her father. Along the way Lila meets a series of eccentric characters, at one point even taking what could only be described as a 'lone bus ride to hell.' This is one brave little girl.

Before Lila reaches her destination, she's 'attacked' by some creatures lurking outside, and is eventually locked up by a creepy old woman. Soon after, Lila is introduced to Lemora, her host. Once in Lemora's home, Lila seems to take on a few traits o' the undead (like eating raw meat off of an anonymous plate). Lila also spends some time with Lemora and a group of children (who don't look quite right mind you) dancing and singing in the parlor and eventually, Lemora has even more run ins with the bizarre creatures that lurk about. Of course, Lila's ultimate destination is a reunion with her father, but not a typical reunion by any stretch of the imagination.

There are a lot of things about Lemora that make it so special. Most importantly, its uniqueness and not so standard approach to the vampire sub genre. Guaranteed, you've never seen a vampire film quite like Lemora, and despite its PG rating and childlike innocence, is still not a film I'd recommend to children in its uncut form. Undertones are very adult throughout, and laced with sometimes not so subtle sexual references (like the 'bath' Lemora gives Lila and its 'playful' aftermath). The film is after all, a journey of self discovery for young Lila, and is so brilliant in its execution, it's difficult to tell how much of what we are seeing is 'real' or just coming from Lila's mind. More so than that, a lot of the over the top characters and visuals could be just that, versions of these characters as Lila sees them (through a child's eye), and then ultimately, presented to us as such.

Also of note is the exquisite attention to detail that Blackburn & Company have provided throughout. Despite the obvious limitations such an ambitious independent film would have to face, it's evident that a lot of time and scare went into the actual look of the film. In layman's terms, every dollar spent is obviously up on the screen. No doubt about it. Everything from the detailed sets and locations to the lighting and costumes, even hair and make up and the films' unnerving score all fit so well together. It's a visual and audio feast with plenty to back it up. Lemora doesn't just rely on its slick look to get by. I wouldn't go so far as to say the film is ever 'scary' but there is a definite, high creep factor here.

Video quality is knock your socks off outrageous on this one. Since I've never seen the film before I can't comment on previous editions, but I'd imagine they did NOT look this good. Print damage is minimal and colors literally leap off of the screen, I'm talking Argento-esque Suspiria style colors, very cool for such a low budget film. It's great to see a film like this treated with such respect. The mono audio is crisp as well, with no distortion whatsoever.

Extras include an audio commentary with Richard Blackburn, Actress Lesley Gilb (Lemora) and Producer Robert Fern. An all around great listen and fine addition to the package. A still gallery with some 'rare continuity stills,' Synapse trailers, the original script in PDF format, and some interesting liner notes round off an already impressive package. Obviously, this release comes highly recommended. Get it.

Visit Synapse Film online here.