Synopsis: Strange events befall the doomed crew as they attempt to survive the ocean voyage, stalked each night by a merciless presence onboard the ship. When the Demeter finally arrives off the shores of England, it is a charred, derelict wreck. There is no trace of the crew.
We’re all in search of something. More likely than not, it’s answers. We are consciously or unconsciously trying to make sense of the world around us. From why and how we exist to whether there is an afterlife and everything before and between, humans are curious creatures. Unfortunately, curiosity has reared greed, hate, destruction, and death. But on the other hand, it also birthed love, music, seasonings, pizza, the internet, and a multitude of positive things that bring us together. There will always be something to question, so the search for answers will continue on for eternity. Hopefully, you can find a few of yours while you have the time.
“Evil is on board.”
Once evil is unleashed, can it be stopped? The origin of vampires has fascinated us since their inception. And while Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla predates Bram Stoker’s Dracula, it is Stoker’s lore and rules that we abide by and creatively pull from and are inspired by. The story of Dracula has been told on screen many times, but never from this point of view. Directed by André Øvredal, The Last Voyage of the Demeter is a nautical nightmare made for Stoker fans. Based on Chapter 7 of the 27-chapter ghastly yet beloved 1897 novel by Bram Stoker, this origin story of how Dracula came to be in England is unlike the others. In fact, none have chosen to focus on this aspect at all when it is quite possibly the most insidious part of the chilling tale.
The story takes place almost solely in the middle of the sea sailing on the Demeter, a cherished merchant ship carrying ominous cargo to London. Ignoring initial signs that the load could be cursed, evil, and branded with a bad omen, a great sum of money plus the possibility of a bonus makes Captain Eliot played by Liam Cunningham overlook any negatives. Joining them is a brilliant young Black doctor named Clemens played by Corey Hawkins. Clemens is looking to get back to England and also practice medicine as the color of his has made it difficult to find work. As soon as they set sail, it’s not long before things take a grim and bloody turn. With literally nowhere to run and weeks until they reach port, the unsettling death-filled account of what took place is narrated from the captain’s log. Even with the seasoned and hardened Captain Eliot and crew, with a young boy, a wounded woman, and livestock aboard, nothing and no one is safe from the insatiable thirst of evil.
“We are connected, the Devil and I.”
As a fan of the novel, I quite enjoyed this film. From its subtle build of tension, the way Dracula is used, to how close it tries to stay to the source material, it’s a harrowing journey. However, this monster movie mayhem will not be for everyone. This isn’t a sexy, funny, sparkly, ass-kicking, or elegant vampire story. This is cunning, vicious, Satan-spawn, nightmare fuel, bat out of hell Dracula. And knowing ahead of time where the story will eventually go and how the blood will coagulate, you can sit back cozy into carnage. Oh, and if you’re not familiar with why dirt plays such an integral role in Dracula lore, look it up because the film will not explain it. Besides survival, this is the story of two men. One trying to make sense of a beautiful but hateful world and one who plans on peace and retirement.
Nevertheless, the runtime is a bit long and the amount of times Dracula fully appears may frustrate some viewers and I can see how casual moviegoers could find it a bit boring. Also, at times, it is a little difficult to make out what our bloodthirsty friend is saying as he tends to speak in an echoey whisper. Alternatively, the way the film looks, sounds, and unfolds as if the chapter of the novel is being read to you is rather pleasing. It’s intricate, methodical, intense, and at times as saddening as it is scary. And while not feeling quite as horrifying by today’s standards, there are a few jumpscares and shots to get you going. The focus on terror in this story is putting yourself in the shoes of the people. Why you? What do you do? Where can you hide? How do you fight back? How do you survive? These are the questions that will plague you. The score is phenomenal, the performances are solid, and the production and costume design look great. And The Count looks rather gnarly. Again, I enjoyed myself but unfortunately, I don’t think this will be universally loved. What will be interesting is if a sequel is being made because it left the door open for one, and if so, it has the potential to be great. Its rewatchability is high.
Pacing & Pop
The pacing of this film is very similar to reading a book. It starts a little slow as we get acquainted with a few characters, but once it gets moving, it moves pretty steadily. What popped for me was the Clemens character. I really enjoyed how he was able to remain calm and compassionate while holding his own in the most dire of situations.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Corey Hawkins, Aisling Franciosi, Liam Cunningham, David Dastmalchian, Jon Jon Briones, Stefan Kapicic, Nikolai Nikolaeff, Javier Botet
The chemistry of this cast really stuck out. Tension and tempers are high, fear drenches each person like sweat, and trust in each other is all they have. Firstly, Javier Botet does an amazing job as Dracula. This Dracula is in somewhat of a weakened state and that makes him more of a threat. He’s incredibly menacing. Corey Hawkins does an amazing job leading this film as Clemens. He’s nothing short of a badass as he saves lives with his medical knowledge and also unflinchingly faces evil without hesitation. Aisling Franciosi as Anna is the key to it all. Without her surviving would be out of the question. The pairing of Clemens and Anna, as they represent two undervalued groups of people, are dynamite together. Showing that you can overcome circumstances and that sometimes only you can save yourself. You can’t help but feel bad for Captain Eliot (Liam Cunningham) in this film. What he thought would be his last trip may be his last everything. Cunningham does an amazing job of evoking emotion. And lastly, David Dastmalchian as Wojchek plays really well off of Hawkins. At any given moment it seems as if they are going to come to blows.
The Last Voyage of the Demeter releases in theaters on August 11, 2023. Remain safe and protect your neck.
Rated: R
Runtime: 1h 58m
Director: André Øvredal
Writers: Bragi Schut, Jr. and Zak Olkewic
Producers: Bradley J. Fischer p.g.a, Mike Medavoy p.g.a., Arnold Messer
Executive Producers: Matthew Hirsch, Chris Bender, Anne Rodman, Jeb Brody, RJ Bucaria, Mark Spillane and Ken Sheppard
Director of Photography: Tom Stern
Visual Effects Supervisor: David Ligenfelser
Editor: Patrick Larsgaard
Production Designer: Edward Thomas
Costume Designer: Carlo Poggioli
Score: Bear McCreary
The story of Dracula has been told on screen many times, but never from this point of view. Directed by André Øvredal, The Last Voyage of the Demeter is a nautical nightmare made for Stoker fans.
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GVN Rating 7.5
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