The Hidden Message in 'Fright Night' You Probably Missed

At first glance, 1985’s ‘Fright Night’ may seem like a typical cheesy vampire movie filled with over-the-top performances and Chris Sarandon’s seductive vampire in ‘80s attire. However, beneath its campy exterior lies surprising queer themes. The film’s story centres on teenager Charley (William Ragsdale) who suspects his neighbour Jerry is a vampire. This narrative serves as a metaphor for the struggles of LGBTQ+ youth, highlighting their desire for acceptance. Jerry, the vampire, is depicted as being in love with both a woman from his past and his current male companion, Billy Cole.

Director Tom Holland has confirmed that the queer themes in ‘Fright Night’ were intentional. Although not initially recognized by critics and audiences, Holland intended the film to convey these messages. In a 2020 interview on the Halloweenies podcast, Holland discussed the film’s production and affirmed the queer interpretations, particularly the romantic/sexual relationship between Jerry and Billy.

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Holland explained that audiences originally focused on Jerry’s attraction to Charley’s girlfriend, Amy, who is the reincarnation of a woman Jerry once loved. However, the relationship between Jerry and Billy is also significant, as the film often depicts them in close physical proximity and sharing intimate moments. Actor Johnathan Stark, who played Billy, later realized the subtext during a scene where he tended to Jerry’s wound in a way that suggested a deeper relationship.

Another character, Evil Ed (Stephen Geoffreys), represents a bullied outcast, with Holland implying that Ed’s character is queer. The scene where Jerry offers to make Ed a vampire so he won’t be bullied anymore is meant to be queer-coded. Jerry’s words to Ed about understanding what it’s like to be "different" and offering acceptance highlight Ed’s isolation, resonating with the experiences of many LGBTQ+ individuals.

Holland, both the writer and director, was influenced by the growing AIDS crisis of the time. He lost many friends to the epidemic and felt compelled to address the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community through his work. Despite being from the mid-80s, when Hollywood was reluctant to feature LGBTQ+ representation, ‘Fright Night’ stands out for its subtext and its fun mix of practical effects, humour, and scares.

–Farheen Ali