From the unforgettable Heather in American Pie to Angela Hayes in American Beauty and the free-spirited Dora in Loser, Mena Suvari has built a career filled with memorable performances. Now, she’s sinking her teeth into something completely different with the horror comedy Vampires of the Velvet Lounge.
Joining us in the Movieland Spotlight, Suvari opened up about her love of horror, the unexpected emotional importance of American Pie, her friendships with former co-stars and why playing a vampire has become one of her favourite experiences in front of the camera.
Written and directed by Adam Sherman, Vampires of the Velvet Lounge introduces audiences to a modern-day vampire coven that has discovered a rather convenient way of finding its next meal: dating apps. Suvari plays Elizabeth, the group’s commanding leader, a character inspired by the historical figure Elizabeth Báthory, whose notorious legend involves bathing in human blood.
“My character Elizabeth is more of the ringleader. It’s ultimately about survival,” Suvari explained.
The film explores what happens when centuries-old vampires find themselves navigating modern technology, including smartphones, dating apps and the complications of contemporary relationships.
“There’s really dark, dry, witty humour. There’s really crazy stunts and effects. I’ve always loved horror. I’ve always wanted to play a vampire.”
For Suvari, however, the film offers something more substantial than bloodshed and outrageous comedy.
“I think it’s really important to say that you really need to pay attention to the dialogue. It’s so visually interesting and captivating, but there’s so much more to it if you really pay attention to the dialogue throughout and the storyline.”
Her character shares a particularly interesting relationship with Joan, played by India Eisley, with their conversations exploring the changing world around them and the challenges of existing as vampires.
Suvari also appreciated that the film maintains traditional vampire mythology while finding new ways to have fun with the genre.
When asked whether other vampire films had influenced her performance, Suvari revealed that she frequently revisited one of cinema’s earliest horror masterpieces.
“I actually watched the original Nosferatu quite a bit throughout filming because I just thought it was so fascinating. I really wanted to go back to the origins of all of it.”
She also mentioned What We Do in the Shadows, particularly its ability to incorporate dark, dry humour into the supernatural.
“I think when this came to me, I understood it right away, and I understood her right away, and I loved it.”
The film also features Stephen Dorff, famously known to horror fans as Deacon Frost in the 1998 Marvel action classic Blade. During our conversation, we couldn’t resist mentioning Dorff’s return to vampire territory.
“He is such a great character in this,” Suvari said, carefully avoiding spoilers. She particularly enjoyed how his storyline connects with Joan and develops throughout the film.
Another highlight was the opportunity to tackle more physical action than she had previously experienced. “I’d never really gotten to do stunt work in the way that I did with this film, and that was awesome. That was really cool.”
Filming took place in Savannah, Georgia, where the historic surroundings provided the perfect atmosphere for a vampire story. With much of the production taking place overnight, Suvari joked that the experience almost turned her into a vampire herself. The experience left a lasting impression.
“She’s one of my favourite characters that I’ve ever played.”
American Pie
Of course, we couldn’t speak with Mena Suvari without revisiting one of the most beloved teen comedies of the late 1990s. Released in 1999, American Pie became a pop culture phenomenon, introducing audiences to a collection of characters who would eventually return across several sequels.
Suvari portrayed Heather, the kind-hearted choir singer who develops a relationship with Chris ‘Oz’ Ostreicher, played by Chris Klein. When asked whether she had any idea the film would become such a massive success, her answer was immediate.
“No, not at all. I was like 18. I had no idea.”
It was her first studio film, and at the time, Suvari was simply grateful for the opportunity to work. But behind the outrageous comedy and characters, making American Pie carried a much deeper personal meaning for the young actress. Suvari spoke candidly about the difficult circumstances she was experiencing during that period of her life, something she later explored in her memoir, The Great Peace.
She recalled travelling from a difficult living situation in Los Angeles to rehearsals with Chris Klein, where the atmosphere couldn’t have been more different.
“It was like night and day. It was really beautiful to be around people that were so bright, talented, and just welcoming and fun.”
Could There Be Another American Pie?
With American Reunion bringing the original cast back together in 2012, we asked whether audiences might ever see Heather, Oz, Jim, Stifler and the gang return for another adventure. “That’s like the $20 million question,” Suvari laughed. Although she doesn’t know whether another instalment will happen, she’s certainly open to the possibility.
“I wish I knew more, and I feel like that would be awesome. I think there’s space for it. Unfortunately, I’m not the deciding factor on that.”
Interestingly, Suvari considers American Reunion potentially the most rewarding experience of the franchise. By that point, the cast had experienced considerably more of life, giving their reunion an emotional significance beyond simply returning to familiar characters.
She particularly enjoyed Heather’s development, including the confidence and inner strength the character had discovered over the years.
“I would love it. I think it would be great. People ask me all the time.”
Naturally, we couldn’t resist throwing in a slightly ridiculous question. What’s more terrifying: being chased by vampires or spending a weekend with Stifler? After a laugh, Suvari made her choice. “I would have to say being chased by vampires because Seann William Scott is just awesome, and I would love to spend a week with him.”
So there you have it. Vampires are officially more frightening than Stifler!
Reuniting with Jason Biggs for Loser
Another personal favourite we discussed was the 2000 romantic comedy Loser, which reunited Suvari with her American Pie co-star Jason Biggs. The film gave audiences a very different pairing from their previous collaboration, with Suvari portraying Dora and Biggs playing the awkward but lovable Paul. For Suvari, working with Biggs again so soon after American Pie was a wonderful experience.
“That was really great. That was very special and just a wonderful opportunity.”
Production took place primarily in Toronto, with additional filming in New York. Having already established a friendship and working relationship, the pair were comfortable collaborating again. Suvari was particularly complimentary of Biggs, explaining that their friendship has continued long after the cameras stopped rolling. After spending decades in the entertainment industry, Suvari has come to appreciate how rare and valuable those lasting relationships can be.
More than 25 years after American Pie first introduced her to a generation of moviegoers, Mena Suvari continues to explore new characters, genres and creative challenges. Her enthusiasm for Vampires of the Velvet Lounge was infectious, But perhaps the most memorable part of our conversation was hearing how much her earlier films continue to mean to her personally.
And as for her latest film? Well, this Halloween, perhaps it’s worth remembering one important piece of dating advice.
Swipe right for a bite!
Vampires of the Velvet Lounge is available to watch at home on digital and DVD.