Following their parents' divorce, Micheal (Jason Patric) and his younger brother Sam (Corey Haim) relocate to the trendy beach town of Santa Carla, California with their mother Lucy (Dianne Wiest). Moving in with Lucy's eccentric father (Barnard Hughes), they quickly discover that Santa Carla, often referred to as the murder capital of the world, is home to a lively boardwalk frequented by a group of intriguing young men led by the enigmatic David (Kiefer Sutherland).
On their first venture to the boardwalk, Lucy stumbles upon a video store managed by the charming Max (Edward Herrmann). After a friendly chat, she secures a job there. Meanwhile, Sam discovers a comic shop where he meets the quirky Frog Brothers, Edgar (Corey Feldman) and Alan (Jamison Newlander), who share a comic detailing the sinister nature of vampires. Hesitant but curious, Sam decides to take home the comic.
As Michael explores the area, he becomes captivated by the alluring Star (Jami Gertz), who is connected to David. It isn’t long before David introduces Michael to their hideout—an abandoned hotel that collapsed during an earthquake. Unbeknownst to Michael, he drinks David's blood, believing it to be wine, leading to a series of unsettling transformations: heightened sensitivity to sound, an unsettling lack of reflection, and even the ability to fly.
In a tense moment, Michael finds himself nearly attacking Sam, only to be interrupted by their loyal dog, Nanook. Suspecting something is amiss, Sam notices Michael's strange reflection and newfound powers, leading him to panic and rush to inform their mother, who is out to dinner with Max. However, Michael successfully reassures Sam, making sure that their mother remains oblivious to any familial chaos.
Returning to confront Star, Michael learns the harsh truth—he has indeed ingested David's blood. Subsequently, a terrifying incident with Max's aggressive dog, Thorn, prompts Sam to consult the Frog Brothers. They propose that Michael's only escape from his half-vampire state is through a stake to the heart, but Sam, determined to save his brother, believes that the actual head vampire—Max—needs to be eliminated first.
Inviting Max over for dinner, the boys concoct a plan to reveal his true nature. With the Frog Brothers at the table, they attempt to expose Max, but their efforts prove futile, leading to the conclusion that he isn’t the head vampire. Undeterred, Michael devises a rescue mission to liberate Star and a small half-vampire boy named Laddie Thompson (Chance Michael Corbitt) from David's control, enlisting Sam and the Frog Brothers for help.
Before long, a chaotic showdown ensues as the Frog Brothers find themselves in the thick of battle against the vampires. Michael confronts David, ultimately defeating him by impaling him on a set of antlers. However, the victory is bittersweet; Michael discovers he hasn't reverted to human form, casting doubt on David's role as the head vampire.
Just as Lucy returns home with Max—a date gone awry—Michael and Star hide in the shadows, witnessing Max's reaction to David’s body. In a shocking twist, Max reveals himself as the head vampire, explaining that he wanted Michael and Sam to join his "family," with Lucy as the mother figure he desperately sought. Max threatens Sam, insisting that he will die unless Lucy agrees to his demands.
Just then, Lucy’s father bursts in, armed with wooden stakes, leading to an explosive confrontation that results in Max's demise and saves the day. As the dust settles, Lucy’s father casually remarks, > "There’s one thing about living in Santa Carla...I never could stomach - all the damn vampires." With the danger behind them, Lucy ensures her sons are safe, marking a dramatic end to their harrowing experience in the town filled with both excitement and terror.
