Chances are you’ve seen the Robert Rodriguez / Quentin Tarantino movie From Dusk till Dawn which was released almost 20 years ago. Feeling old? Yes me too. Now forget about all that. They’ve only gone and turned it into a bloody TV show.
I had no idea this was going on until I randomly discovered it on Netflix (it’s a Netflix original ). It’s got the selling names of RR and QT all over it, but closer inspection shows it’s BASED on Tarantino’s work (the original film script I guess) and Rodriguez is executive producer – financing the project basically. Hardly a surprising investment as he has recently started his own TV network – the beautifully named El Ray. And RR has always been a man with many fingers in Mexican & Texan pies.
Anyway, back to the show.
Is it good? I’ve only seen two episodes so far, but yes, it’s good. It’s certainly watchable. It’s difficult because as a fan of the film, you do occasionally wish George Clooney would turn up and ‘be cool’ but you just have to remember it’s not the film. It’s different, but – and certainly when compared to a lot of TV shows – it’s still good.
So is it like the film? Yes and no. The story is the same, albeit a few necessary changes to make it adaptable for TV (and perhaps to make it slightly less 1996 as well).
What’s similar and what’s different? The characters are all familiar from the film and it’s easy to see why D.J Cotrona and Zane Holtz were chosen for the roles Seth and Richie Gecko (respectively). But whilst the characters have the same names and personality traits, the dynamics and relationships between them are written in a slightly different way.
Earl McGraw makes an appearance in episode one (exciting!!) and in the second episode we’re introduced to the Fuller family – Jacob, Scott and Kate. See, it really IS From Dusk till Dawn. and the script is literally identical at times – really fun if you’re a huge fan like me!
Where it differs is that vampires seem to exist in the whole world, not just the glorious, fucked up Titty Twister. Richie appears to be some kind of mystic, receiving strange visions and warnings. This also serves to make his character easier to empathise with (and not just be seen as a psychotic rapist like he was in the film).
These changes are not only necessary to give it a television show edge (and running time), but also to bring into 2014 and make it viably competitive with the outlandish and popular television we’re used to at the moment. The Walking Dead, American Horror Story, even Eli Roth has a show out.
But why should you watch it? Because it’s something decent to watch! If you already have a Netflix account then really you’d be foolish not to. Unless you hate action scenes, beautiful vampire temptresses and a pretty decent script. Of course the comparisons to the film (especially if you’re a fan) will keep creeping into your mind, especially scenes with the infamous Gecko brothers. Both young actors are great in their roles (and easy on the eye too in passing) but of course, no-one will ever be George and Quentin. And that’s no slur on anyone, just praise on the original boys.
So watch it, enjoy it. I don’t really see anything not to enjoy . I’ve only seen two episodes, but I will certainly keep watching more.
Netflix Original Series – From Dusk till Dawn (2014)
Oh, and listen out for the theme music – a version of “After Dark” from the original film soundtrack.
emmakwall (explains it all) 
Oh man, I didn’t know there was a TV show of this! I loved the movie. I wonder if it’s still on Netflix. I’ll have to check it out.
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Here I am in the future, and I still haven’t seen the TV series. Loved the film though…
As ever, Pete. XXX
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Nice review! I didn’t even know there was a TV remake of the film. AND IT WAS OVER TWENTY YEARS OLD!!Oh good god, I’ve been classing that as a recent Tarantino film for years… whoops… You have some really cool reviews on here I look forward to seeing more 😀
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Thanks Matt! Are you a fellow Tarantino/Rodriguez fan? God I love that movie. SO MUCH!!!!
The TV show isn’t a favourite like the film but really if you have Netflix you’d be a fool not to watch it!
I know….I feel SO old! Haha 🙂
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I am a massive Tarantino fan, I like Rodriguez as well but I haven’t seen a lot of his work. I do love Desparado though! My up coming Film Friday is on Kill Bill and I go into my unhealthy obsession for Tarantino a bit there.
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I had forgotten about this programme. I watched the first five episodes and it was quite good, as I remember. I think my attention was diverted by the tv series V on amazon prime. V was excellent. However, I got to the end of series 2 only to discover that they stopped making it.
Thanks for the reminder, Im going back to watch the rest of Dusk till Dawn.
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Hello Paul! How are you? Long time no speak 🙂
Yes my thoughts exactly, I thought this was pretty good too! I’m a huge (HUGE!) fan of the film but when compared to a lot of TV shows, this was still pretty damn good. It was just updated for television and ‘modern times’ really!
I haven’t seen “V” I will check that out 🙂
Though I ended my Lovefilm when it became Amazon prime.
I’ve been watching Better Call Saul on Netflix recently!! Do you like that / Breaking Bad at all?
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Hi Emma. Amazon prime is pretty good. However, I tend to watch Netflix and Sky Now a lot more.
Loved Breaking Bad and I am watching Better Call Saul. Love it. Saul is a great character and one of my favourites from Breaking Bad. Are you enjoying it?
I watched the movie about Capote. Wow, it was fantastic. Great performance and intriguing story.
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I use one of my friend’s logins for Amazon prime occasionally, if there’s something specific I want to watch. I have a few people who use my Netflix haha so it’s all swings and roundabouts!!
I’m so glad you watched Capote and enjoyed it! If you ever read the book In Cold Blood that is what the movie was based on, Truman writing that book.
It’s a great film isn’t it! It made me think about life and people and the things we all go through.
I LOVE SAUL GOODMAN!!!!!!!!!! Luckily for me he was always my favourite character in Breaking Bad anyway so I knew I’d like the show. It really has passed all expectations though, it’s so brilliant!! Are you enjoying it? 🙂
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That’s a great deal you have going with the streaming services. Yes, Capote was an excellent film and made me want to read the book.
Saul was probably the most interesting character in breaking bad and I am finding the series intriguing. Just watched the latest episode and it’s very good.
I think the writers are in the this for the long term as its a slow burner but really keeps me guessing in more ways than one. I’m aching to see what other characters appear.
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Read the book! I loved it 🙂
Yes definitely, he makes me laugh so much, I just love him!!! It’s great seeing his past in Better Call Saul, it’s brilliant!
Breaking Bad was written in a similar way wasn’t it, three-dimensional characters and lots of effort to make a good story. It really feels so much like Breaking Bad when I’m watching it!
I’ve read that it will cross over with the Breaking Bad story, I doubt we’ll see Walt or Jessie (would seem a bit cheap?) but maybe some others..!
I’d LOVE to see Gus again!!!!!!
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Seeing Gus would be cool. We were all discussing Mikes role and who he actually worked for in Breaking Bad, so it’s all ready sparked debate in my family. My grandson is called Jesse and yes, my daughter is a huge BB fan. Yes, it’s very well written indeed.
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That sounds fab!!!!!! I loved Gus, he was such a cool mofo. When he walked out into that hail of bullets with his arms in the air I thought HE is the coolest guy EVER. And Jesse afterwards haha “what was with the terminator shit?”
Off the top of my head I’d say Mike worked for Saul but probably he had fingers in pies.
Jesse is my boyfriend’s favourite character so he’d like that name…………..BITCH!
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No one says BITCH quite like Jesse 👍
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or “YO!”
🙂
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As you know, I feel the exact same way about the comparisons between the film and television show. I loved the movie, and while the series did start out mirroring the events that took place in the film, it eventually veered off into new territory.
I enjoyed learning more about existing characters, thanks to the expanded back stories, and the new characters that were added only helped to enhance the overall quality of the show. I especially liked how they made Santanico so much more than just an exotic dancer.
I also liked the fact that the vampires, like those on “True Blood,” weren’t just relegated to having to stay in one location, but could turn up anywhere. The point you make about Richie, is also very valid. I like how the show delves into his visions, thereby letting the viewer see where his psychosis stems from.
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I didn’t know they made a tv series of this! That is so awesome! I was on Netflix yesterday and I didn’t see it though. I’m going to search for it now. Thanks for the great review Emma!
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Hello! Thank you for reading it 🙂 I didn’t realise either until I happened to see it on Netflix!! I was like WHAT! I really, really love the film and have done for years so it made quite an impact for me. It is good though. I mean it’s not the movie, but it’s good 🙂 I prefer it to the Fargo TV show but I may be in a minority. And to watch ‘for free’ on Netflix, why not eh?! 🙂
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I love Netflix. Have you watched Hemlock?
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Not yet but I must do!! That’s the Eli Roth show isn’t it. Have you?
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Yep. I do like it. It’s very different. I’ll be interested in what you think.
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