Queen of the Damned (2002)

Queen of the Damned (2002), a horror film directed by Michael Rymer and written by Scott Abbott and Michael Petroni, is based on the 1988 novel The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice. This adaptation incorporates elements from its prequel, The Vampire Lestat, published in 1985. A nu metal band’s music awakens the vampire Lestat de Lioncourt from a long slumber, prompting him to join as their lead singer. The ensemble, known as The Vampire Lestat, finds global success and during an interview teases other vampires about their existence. Jesse Reeves, part of a paranormal studies group called Talamasca, becomes fascinated with his lyrics and shares her theory that he is truly a vampire. Her mentor David Talbot confirms this and provides her with Lestat’s journal for further insight, but cautions against approaching him.

In his journal, Lestat recounts his transformation at the hands of Marius de Romanus, a gifted painter and musician whose playing awoke Akasha, the first vampire. Intrigued by the story, Jesse seeks out Lestat at a London vampire club known as The Admiral’s Arms. While there, she is saved by him from three other vampires and confronts him about Marius. Later on in Los Angeles, Marius warns Lestat that his flashy public image may not be accepted by other vampires; he also reveals that Lestat’s music has stirred Akasha awake and unsuccessfully urges him to cancel his upcoming concert. Meanwhile, Akasha herself arrives at the coven in search of Lestat. The other vampires reveal their plan to kill him during his performance, prompting Akasha to set fire to the club and eliminate all the vampires inside.