The Transfiguration

The film opens in a public restroom where a bystander inadvertently witnesses an intimate scene inside a stall. Overwhelmed by embarrassment, the bystander quickly exits, unaware of the darker reality behind the façade.

It is revealed that the scene involved Milo, a self-declared 14-year-old vampire, who has just claimed the body of a restroom patron. This shocking twist sets the tone for the film, highlighting the unsettling juxtaposition of Milo's life within Brooklyn's housing projects.

Milo's obsession with vampire lore is explored through his visual journal, where he meticulously catalogs vampire films and the rules he believes are imperative for his vampire lifestyle. This journal not only reflects his identity but also serves as a creative outlet for his dark fantasies.

Following a traumatic night, Milo becomes violently ill, which exposes the physical toll of his actions. Additionally, persistent harassment from a local gang leaves him feeling powerless and victimized, manifesting in visible scars on his back.

As Milo ventures out one night, he meets Sophie, a new girl in town, just as she is assaulted by a group of drunken teenagers. This encounter leaves Sophie deeply affected, prompting her to resort to self-harm as a coping mechanism for her trauma.

Intrigued by Sophie's struggles, Milo intervenes during her distress but receives a cryptic remark about suicide being 'against the rules'. This strange connection marks the beginning of their complex relationship as they begin to bond over their shared experiences.

Sophie is disturbed by a video of lambs being slaughtered, triggering painful memories. She opens up about her trauma to Milo, allowing him deeper insights into her struggles and further solidifying their connection through shared pain.

In a haunting turn, Milo attacks a homeless man beneath a bridge for sustenance. This grotesque act highlights the internal conflict he faces as he balances his perceived vampire identity with the harsh realities of being a teenager trying to survive.

Milo invites Sophie over for a movie marathon featuring *Nosferatu*, claiming it embodies true vampirism. They discuss their differing views, with Sophie suggesting he also explore *Twilight*, which symbolizes their contrasting perspectives on love and the supernatural.

The bond between Milo and Sophie deepens as they share the pain of their lost parents. Together, they search for Milo's mother's grave, which offers them a moment of closure and hints at hope for their future despite their tragic backgrounds.

Milo's involvement with a wealthy couple leads him to unknowingly betray his own vulnerability when they collide with his gang tormentors. The brutal murder of the boyfriend exposes the dark world Milo inhabits and the life-threatening dangers he faces.

Authorities question Milo about the recent crime, creating a sense of paranoia and dread. They warn him about the repercussions of silence, heightening his fear of the gang and amplifying his feelings of isolation.

While at Coney Island, Sophie and Milo share a deep conversation about life, dreams, and the concept of escape. However, their connection is strained when Sophie discovers Milo’s journal, representing a breach of trust that leads her to distance herself.

Desperate to redeem himself, Milo attempts to make amends but finds himself lost in darkness. He steals valuables from a family, highlighting the moral decay he is experiencing as he grapples with the choices he makes to survive.

In a final twist, Milo’s life ends tragically when he is ambushed by the friends of his earlier victims. In the aftermath, Sophie discovers Milo's letter pondering the complexities of his existence, serving as a poignant reminder of his struggle against fate.