If you are one of those book fanatics (like me), who love reading the original content and then binge watch the adaptation, then Netflix’s upcoming queer fantasy, First Kill should be on your radar.

Granted, it isn’t an upscale production yet (unlike popular vampire romances Twilight or The Vampire Diaries), First Kill should definitely be on your radar. The series is based on a short story of the same name by bestselling author V.E. Schwab (Shades of Magic). The show comes as a surprise package from Netflix, which is already riding high on the success of its recent release “Heartstopper”, which became the seventh most watched English-language television series (garnering a fan following that is fast becoming an obsession). Thai BL drama “The Miracle of Teddy Bear” was another staggering production that received worldwide attention. As such, First Kill will be shouldering the weight of scrupulous comparisons with its successful predecessors.

When it’s time for teenage vampire Juliette to make her first kill so she can take her place among a powerful vampire family, she sets her sights on a new girl in town named Calliope. But much to Juliette’s surprise, Calliope is a vampire hunter, from a family of celebrated slayers. Both find that the other won’t be so easy to kill and, unfortunately, way too easy to fall for…

What happens when a vampire slayer meets a vampire- they either kill each other or kiss and become official?

This pretty much spells the storyline of this angsty young adult romance, that hinges on the age-old enmity between Fairmonts, a vampire family and the Burns, a vampire hunter family. Both are influential clans set in their own rigid ways and hierarchical systems. First Kill is a rite of passage in both clans with seemingly different meanings- teenage vampire are encouraged to make their first kill; the same goes for vampire hunters, albeit with a morbid twist- they need to kill a vampire. Sparks fly when adorable vampire Juliette (Sarah Catherine Hook) meets her supposed arch enemy- the vampire hunter Calliope (Imani Lewis). Destined to be mortal enemies, our young heroines end up falling in love instead. The “Enemies to Lovers” trope might seem overused, but obviously there are reasons to watch this show-

☆ strong undercurrents of sensual chemistry between the main leads, Sarah Catherine Hook and Imani Lewis. The trailer plays subtly on their first meeting as it evokes feelings of intrigue and mystique. It is obvious from their first meeting that things won’t go according to their family motto.

☆ First Kill has an extensive casting with veteran actors like Elizabeth Mitchell, Will Swenson, Aubion Wise, Gracie Dzienny, Dylan McNamara, Dominic Goodman, MK xyz, Jonas Dylan Allen, Roberto Mendez, Phillip Mullings Jr. and Jason Robert Moore playing prominent roles. The dynamics between the two families forms the crux of this romance and it will be interesting to watch if Juliette and Calliope choose their families over their relationship.

Calliope tells Juliette: “If I have to choose, I have to choose my family over you.”

Juliette resolutely asks: “But what about us?”

☆ Alongside author V. E. Schwab who is acting as the executive producer, the drama is helmed by showrunner Felicia D. Henderson (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Moesha, Sister, Sister, Gossip Girl, Fringe and Marvel’s The Punisher). Emma Roberts and Karah Preist are executive producers as well.

In a recent interview, Felicia D Henderson gave a vivid impression of queer representation. As the showrunner, Felicia wants to train her lens on the diffident issue of “Coming Out”, something that most LGBTQ teenagers face.

“First Kill” will be released on June 10 with all eight episodes dropping on Netflix.

Official Trailer & Poster-