Daybreakers (2008)

Humans are the hunted minority in a near-future world populated by vampires in this intriguingly weird sci-fi/horror hybrid from the Spierig brothers. Principled vampire scientist Ethan Hawke creates a synthetic plasma substitute to ensure mankind's survival, although his boss (Sam Neill) is making a fortune out of harvesting blood at inflated prices. A pointed allegory on corporate greed, this clever revitalisation of the genre shows that the co-writer/directors have coolly and confidently delivered on the raw talent displayed in their debut zombie feature Undead. With beautiful Blade Runner-style cityscapes, smartly conceived takes on the vampire mythos (sun-proofed cars and video mirrors), inventively engineered shocks and copious blood loss, this is an engagingly skilful blend of John Carpenter, Bram Stoker and Philip K Dick. Hawke is terrific - Before Sunrise now takes on a whole new meaning - while Willem Dafoe ramps up the fun factor as a Van Helsing-type with a big secret.