In the suburban streets of Houston, Jeremy Capello, portrayed by Robert Sean Leonard, epitomizes the classic American teenager grappling with his place in the social order. He harbors an unreciprocated infatuation for his classmate Darla Blake (Cheryl Pollak), a band enthusiast who unwittingly captivates Jeremy's interest. Unfortunately, his daydreams of winning her heart are disrupted by unsettling nightmares featuring a mysterious woman named Nora (played by Cecilia Peck). These eerie visions take a turn towards reality when Nora unexpectedly enters his life, presenting him with a chance to experience a first intimate encounter.
Encouraged by his friend Ralph (Evan Mirand), Jeremy finds himself tempted, but the resulting meeting spirals into chaos as Nora bites him on the neck. Just as the situation escalates, two intruders crash the scene, forcing Jeremy to escape in terror. In the aftermath, he appears ghostly pale and increasingly troubled, especially when he learns that Nora's residence has mysteriously ignited in flames.
As the day progresses, Jeremy becomes acutely aware of a shadowy figure lurking nearby. This enigmatic stranger, Modoc (played by René Auberjonois), steps in to reveal a shocking truth: Jeremy is now a vampire – though a living one, not one of the undead. Initially dubious, Jeremy's concerns become undeniable as he develops an aversion to garlic, his sensitivity to sunlight amplifies, and he wrestles with an overwhelming thirst for blood.
Caught between his new lifestyle and his desire for normalcy, Jeremy struggles to build a relationship with Darla, who has finally started to take notice of him. His quest for a regular teenage life is complicated by the unique adjustments required for his vampiric condition. Modoc becomes a mentor, providing Jeremy with essential guidance, likening the experience of being a vampire to that of any minority group facing ages of persecution.
Throughout his journey, Jeremy must grapple with his supernatural identity while trying to maintain a facade of normalcy in a world where humans can be unsympathetic. As Jeremy's behavior becomes increasingly peculiar, his parents, played by Kenneth Kimmins and Fannie Flagg, grow concerned about their son's involvement in unusually unconventional relationships.
Their worries mount just as two unexpected visitors arrive: the fervent vampire hunter Professor Leopold McCarthy (David Warner) and his clumsy assistant Grimsdyke (Paul Willson). Driven by a mission to avert a looming "vampire apocalypse," they mistakenly set their sights on Ralph as their prey, showcasing their determination to eradicate the undead while inadvertently complicating Jeremy's already chaotic existence.
One fateful night, as Jeremy finally begins to unlock his latent powers and win back Darla's trust, McCarthy and Grimsdyke seize the moment to abduct Ralph, intending to "liberate his soul" at a local chapel. In a tense standoff, Jeremy and Darla spring into action just in time to prevent the sinister scheme, only to face the alarming realization that Jeremy himself has been misidentified as the vampire.
With the reappearance of Modoc and Nora from the beyond, Jeremy must tap into his newfound hypnotic prowess and rely on his friends' timely intervention to save the day. This electrifying climax not only bridges the gap between those at odds but also sees McCarthy's staunch conviction evolve, turning him into an unexpected ally forged by the very forces he once sought to obliterate.
As the film nears its conclusion, Jeremy's parents express their unconditional love and acceptance of their son, regardless of his altered identity. With Darla now embraced by Jeremy's delighted family, Ralph can only look on in disbelief and amazement at the whirlwind adventure that has enveloped him.
