Thought Blood: The Last Vampire the last vampire was cool? Then heed my advice again and go see Thirst because it promises to be even better. It’s darker, more decadent, titillating and risque- finally an R-rated movie that  in more ways than one will have you at the edge of your seat. Another interesting fact about Thirst being that it is an adaptation of the 1867 novel “Thérèse Raquin” by French author Emile Zola.

Acclaimed Korean director Park Chan-Wook (”Old Boy” -winner of the 2004 Cannes Grand Prix) rendition of vampires is one that is devoid of many of the cliches that characterize Western vampires. Our Roman Catholic protagonist is a priest who accidentally becomes a vampire after volunteering to be a human test subject for a vaccine. Upon receiving an accidental transfusion of vampires blood,  he finds himself a member of the unliving dead.

While conducting his priestly duties, Sang-hang chances upon an ailing but tyrannical childhood friend Kang-woo, his mother and his new bride Tae-joo. Tae-Joo’s stifled existence is comparable to “Raquins” and what ensues is a conflicting relationship between her and Sang-hang leading to tenets of guilt, lust, love and betrayal.

Thirst is beyond a doubt one of the most imaginative and visually stimulating vampire movies that you will see this year. Starring Song Kang-ho, Shin Ha-kyun, Kim Ok Vin and Kim Hae Sook, Thirst opens in select theatres July 30th. I strongly urge you to go slake your blood-lust!