Released in French theaters on January 7, 2009, Twilight - Chapter 1: Fascination (original title: Twilight) was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, with a screenplay by Melissa Rosenberg, based on the novel by Stephenie Meyer. Led by Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner, this first installment introduces the romantic and supernatural universe that became a pop culture staple of the 2000s. The film will be available for streaming on HBO Max starting March 29, 2026.
Seventeen-year-old Isabella Swan leaves Arizona behind and moves to Forks, a damp, rain-soaked town in Washington State, to live with her father. Surrounded by the town’s gloomy, isolated atmosphere, she struggles to find her footing at high school, convinced her days will soon settle into a dull routine. Her world turns upside down when she notices a quiet yet mysterious family, whose reactions always seem just a little off-kilter.
One of them immediately catches Edward Cullen’s attention: aloof, mysterious, at times seemingly hostile without cause. Despite this, Bella is drawn closer to him, to the point of entering into a relationship that is as passionate as it is perilous. The attraction becomes dizzying when she learns that Edward isn’t human and that he belongs to a world governed by entirely different rules.
Without revealing major plot details, Twilight builds its suspense around the delicate balance between desire and danger, weaving a tale where teenage love clashes with an uncontrollable supernatural world. The film also lays the groundwork for a broader universe, set to expand in the upcoming installments.
The series sets itself apart from traditional vampire tales by using vampirism as a metaphor for desire and control, rather than relying solely on horror. Under Catherine Hardwicke’s direction, the mood of Forks becomes as important as the story itself: Stephenie Meyer chose the rainy climate of one of the wettest regions in the United States to enhance the mysterious aura around the Cullens, while the production team recreated Forks on a set in Oregon.
Various creative decisions contribute to this distinctive identity: the vampires are designed in contrast to traditional depictions (no fangs, no coffins, and a more everyday appearance), with their fashion emphasizing light tones and understated elegance. On the filming side, the stunt team used a rig called the “magic carpet ride” (a sled pulled by cables) to simulate some of the rapid, almost superhuman accelerations.
Twilight - Chapter 1: Fever initially appeals to fans of teenage romantic films and fantasy stories that focus on emotion and atmosphere. With its blend of high school life, secrecy, and rising tension, it also resonates with viewers who enjoy worlds of “hidden” mysteries, reminiscent of franchises like Harry Potter. However, here, the narrative mainly emphasizes relationships and the slow build-up of danger.
Twilight - Chapter 1: Fascination
Film | 2009
Release date in theaters: January 7, 2009
Available on HBO Max starting March 29, 2026
Fantasy, romance | Duration: 2h10
Directed by Catherine Hardwicke | Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner
Original title: Twilight
Country: United States
The first installment of a franchise that turned into a global sensation, Twilight - Chapter 1: Fascination lays the groundwork for a supernatural romance built on mood, secrecy, and the delicate balance between attraction and danger. This film became a defining moment of an era when young adult adaptations reshaped the landscape of mainstream cinema.
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