Vampires of the Velvet Lounge (2026) is a U.S. comedy-horror film blending gothic mythology with modern dating culture.
The film is directed and written by Adam Sherman and mixes grindhouse violence with arthouse style. The cast includes Mena Suvari, Stephen Dorff, Dichen Lachman, Rosa Salazar, Tyrese Gibson, Lochlyn Munro, and India Eisley.
The story follows a coven of modern vampires who lure victims using dating apps and feed inside their decadent absinthe lounge.
Their routine collapses when they unknowingly match with undercover vampire hunters. The film is an original story and not based on a book or franchise. It opens in limited theaters on March 20, 2026, distributed by Strand Releasing.
Vampires of the Velvet Lounge Age Rating
Vampires of the Velvet Lounge is officially rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, language, and brief nudity. This rating reflects frequent graphic horror imagery, adult dialogue, and sexualized situations that make the film unsuitable for younger viewers. The tone is comedic, but the content remains intense and visually explicit throughout.
Violence & Peril
The violence in the film is strong and frequent, with graphic depictions of vampire attacks. Scenes include biting, staking, dismemberment, and explosive vampire deaths with heavy blood spray. Practical creature effects show vampires transforming into bat-like monsters, which may be frightening. Although played with dark humor, the gore is vivid and sustained.
Language
Strong and pervasive profanity is used throughout the film. Characters regularly use harsh insults and explicit sexual language. The dialogue reflects the R rating and adult tone, with no effort made to soften language.
Mature Themes
The film contains brief nudity and sexually suggestive situations linked to the dating-app premise. Seduction, exploitation, and manipulation are recurring themes. Smoking, alcohol use, and club drug references appear in the lounge setting. The overall atmosphere is intentionally decadent and adult-focused.
Is Vampires of the Velvet Lounge Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–15: No. The graphic gore, nudity, and explicit language make this film inappropriate for younger teens.
Ages 16–17: Not Recommended. While some older teens may tolerate the horror, the sexualized tone and intense violence push beyond typical teen suitability.
Adults 18+: Yes. The film is clearly designed for adult horror fans who enjoy stylized violence and dark comedy.
Final Recommendation: Best suited for viewers aged 18 and up.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch the trailer first to assess comfort with graphic, stylized gore.
- Discuss how comedy can sometimes mask extreme violence in horror films.
- Talk about online dating risks and manipulation portrayed in exaggerated form.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Vampires of the Velvet Lounge?
A: The film is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, language, and brief nudity.
Q: Is Vampires of the Velvet Lounge appropriate for kids?
A: No. The film contains explicit violence and adult themes unsuitable for children.
Q: Are there scary or graphic scenes?
A: Yes. The movie features frequent gore, monster transformations, and violent deaths.
Q: Does the film include strong language?
A: Yes. Profanity and explicit sexual language are used throughout.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: Yes. The film includes brief nudity and a sexually charged atmosphere.
Where can I watch Vampires of the Velvet Lounge?
A: The film opens in select theaters on March 20, 2026, with digital release expected later.