Mena Suvari Shares Why Her Vampire Role Is the Most Enjoyable Character She’s Ever Played

Mena Suvari Delves into the Supernatural in Vampires of the Velvet Lounge

Mena Suvari is set to return to the supernatural realm in the upcoming film Vampires of the Velvet Lounge, which will be in theaters on March 20. In this genre-blending movie, Suvari stars alongside India Eisley as part of a seductive female vampire coven that utilizes dating apps to attract and ensnare unsuspecting victims before leading them to a mysterious absinthe bar. The film, written and directed by Adam Sherman, weaves together elements of horror, satire, and neo-noir, offering a playful look at contemporary anxieties surrounding online dating.

Reflecting on her experience, Suvari remarked, “It was absolutely amazing working on it. It kind of came about pretty quickly and a little last-minute for me. I’d worked with two of our producers before on a film with Kevin Lewis called The Accursed, and they thought of me and brought me in. I just fell in love with the script and the character immediately. I really took to the dark humor.”

A longtime fan of the horror genre, Suvari expressed her enthusiasm about portraying a vampire for the first time. “I’ve never played a vampire, but I always wanted to. Everything about it was really, really exciting for me. Also, knowing there would be stunt work involved and things I’d never done in my career before."

She further shared her excitement about the aesthetics of her character, stating, “Aesthetically, I really feel like it’s my favorite character that I’ve played to date. I had such a blast.” Suvari noted the familiarity of the filming crew, mentioning that working alongside friends like Eisley and Sarah Dumont felt like reuniting with family.

The extensive makeup and wardrobe processes contributed to the film’s immersive experience. “It was a lot. We had an incredible team around us. There were hours of hair, makeup, and wardrobe, and really finding those looks,” she said. “Getting to experiment with all of that and find the character was a significant part of what I enjoy about this work.”

Suvari recalled the hectic pace of production, highlighting a whirlwind schedule that had her juggling fittings, filming, and her personal life. “I basically left Los Angeles on a red-eye, landed and went straight into a fitting. Then I had two hours at the hotel to unpack and settle myself, and then I went straight to set to film.”

Despite the challenges of filming in Savannah, where sleep was scarce and demands were high, Suvari found joy in small moments. “One of my favorite memories was getting a latte after I’d found my spot a couple of blocks away. I found a place in the park where I sat and let the sun hit my face,” she reminisced.

As the filming progressed, Suvari faced some physical challenges but remained committed to her role. “I felt like I was turning into a vampire on this project! It was really gnarly. There were a couple of mornings I got physically sick and then would just continue on to go to work,” she shared.

Amid the long hours and demanding conditions, she cherished the camaraderie on set. “It was an adventure. It was a journey, but we had such a great time. Everybody was so lovely and awesome to work with.”

Looking back on a memorable scene where she and Eisley were splattered with blood, Suvari laughed, saying, “I’ve never been more covered in blood in my entire life!” The experience of adapting to the fast-paced filming environment while navigating personal commitments made this project a uniquely challenging yet rewarding endeavor.

As Vampires of the Velvet Lounge prepares for its premiere, Suvari’s journey into the world of vampires offers a blend of excitement, camaraderie, and skillful storytelling.