My quick rating - 6,3/10. Looks great (typed while watching.) This flick takes you on a spine-chilling journey aboard the ill-fated merchant ship Demeter as it carries the ominous cargo of Count Dracula's coffin from Transylvania to England. This film, directed by André Øvredal, delivers a bone-chilling, suspenseful experience that leaves you gripping the edge of your seat. From the moment the film opens, it immerses you in a world of foreboding darkness. The cinematography and set design excel in creating a claustrophobic and eerie atmosphere that grabs you straight away. The ship itself is a hauntingly beautiful creation, with its dimly lit corridors, creaking floorboards, and flickering lanterns, all contributing to an oppressive sense of impending doom. The strength lies in its meticulous attention to detail. The film captures the essence of a Transylvanian Gothic horror tale, invoking a sense of dread that slowly tightens its grip on both the characters and the audience. The narrative unfolds primarily through the eyes of the ship's crew, each member a unique and fascinating character who adds depth to the story. The performances in this film are top-notch and I felt no one had to stand out. The ensemble cast effectively portrays the growing paranoia and fear that pervades the ship as they begin to realize the true nature of their cargo. Liam Cunningham as the captain does all he can to hold them together while the gradual breakdown of the crew's sanity and camaraderie is portrayed with genuine emotion, and you can't help but feel their terror. As the plot unfolds, the tension steadily builds, and I am left in a state of constant unease. The film contains some notable jump scares along with some superb transformations creating an unsettling atmosphere that will linger long after the credits roll. The kill scenes were intense containing a perfect mix of gore to accompany their brutality. One minor criticism could be that the pacing occasionally slows down in the middle, but this provides valuable character development and context for the crew's descent into madness. The deliberate pace allows the suspense to simmer, making the final act all the more explosive even if it wasn't fully satisfying. Some may complain that as a whole it did drag on too long, although I was enjoying the ship too much to really notice. The film uses darkness as both a visual and thematic motif. It symbolizes the darkness within us and the darkness that lurks in the unknown. As the crew members confront their worst fears, the film forces viewers to contemplate the fragility of the human psyche when faced with unimaginable horrors. I am sure Bram Stoker intended these attributes I took away from it and far more that I may have missed. I would have to say this is a must-see for fans of classic horror. It pays homage to the original Dracula tale while adding its own unique and haunting dimension. With its stunning visuals, outstanding performances, and relentless tension, it's a voyage into darkness that will linger in your mind after the credits have rolled.
