The Last Voyage of the Demeter: A Haunting and Captivating Thrill Ride – IGN Review

The Last Voyage of the Demeter: A Haunting and Captivating Thrill Ride

The Adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Novel

From a handful of pages by Bram Stoker, Director André Øvredal brings to life The Last Voyage of the Demeter, a moody and atmospheric chronicle of Count Dracula’s journey from Transylvania to England. Expanding upon a single chapter in Stoker’s pioneering novel, Øvredal imagines how the titular vampire satisfies his hunger during the treacherous sea voyage.

The film takes journal entries about missing crewmen and translates them into a rain-soaked nightmare, with bad sailor’s luck, torn open necks, and a sense of waterlogged isolation. Øvredal, known for his storytelling abilities, excels in creating a throwback to brooding horror films reminiscent of Hammer Studios, with dread as thick as the fog over the moors. Although the film’s nearly two-hour runtime feels slightly stretched, it offers a compelling addition to Dracula lore, especially within the dimly lit decks and cargo hold of the Demeter.

Developing Sympathetic Characters

The writers, Bragi F. Schut, Stefan Ruzowitzky, and Zak Olkewicz, introduce protagonists such as Clemens, played by Corey Hawkins, a Cambridge graduate, and Wojchek, played by David Dastmalchian, a gruff and hard-nosed second mate. These characters help to create a sense of empathy for individuals who are otherwise faceless cannon fodder in the source material.

The ensemble cast, led by Liam Cunningham as Captain Eliot and Aisling Franciosi as the mysterious stowaway Anna, thrives under Øvredal’s direction, capturing the essence of fear under a doomy, gloomy moonlight. The gangly figure played by famed creature actor Javier Botet, known for his roles in “It,” “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” and “Mama,” brings “The Evil,” as Dracula is referred to by his unwitting shipmates, to life in a manner reminiscent of F.W. Murnau’s “Nosferatu” and Tobe Hooper’s “Salem’s Lot” miniseries. Botet’s portrayal emphasizes the animalistic nature of Dracula, setting him apart from the dreamy vampires popularized by actors like Brad Pitt and Robert Pattinson.

A Sea-Sickening Claustrophobic Nightmare

The Last Voyage of the Demeter effectively captures the claustrophobic and terrifying nature of life at sea. The waters churn around the Demeter, symbolizing the continued distress and danger faced by those onboard, even without the presence of a murderous vampire. Øvredal skillfully pays homage to the classics of 20th-century Universal Monster movies, using lightning bolts to illuminate scenes of prolonged dread and drawing fear from the hopelessness of being adrift with one of horror’s most formidable creatures.

While the narration by Cunningham’s stoic and resigned Captain Eliot adds to the eerie atmosphere, the film’s structure becomes somewhat repetitive as seamen fall victim to Dracula’s fangs each night. Sustaining the crew’s paranoia for the film’s 110-minute runtime becomes an uphill battle. However, the script remains loyal to Stoker’s original work, including even the smallest details, while the performances convey a sense of survival urgency. There are moments, though, when the slow-burn torment could benefit from a spark to reignite the suspense.

A Familiar Path with Minor Quibbles

The Last Voyage of the Demeter is a film that knows its destination and the outcome that awaits. Øvredal tells a tale that Stoker confined to punchy entries in a captain’s log, resulting in a second act that withholds Dracula’s full potential. The introduction of an underage livestock handler and Clemens’ experiences with Victorian-era racism attempt to heighten the stakes and explore societal monsters. However, beyond these elements, the film adheres to the predator-prey conventions established in vampire lore.

While familiarity often works in the film’s favor, there are instances when the cast tries to generate suspense in scenes where the presence of a vampire onboard the Demeter is all too obvious. Additionally, the use of computer animation to replace practical craftsmanship occasionally detracts from the film’s overall visual impact. These minor quibbles, however, do not diminish the overall quality of The Last Voyage of the Demeter.

A Horror Time Capsule

Øvredal masterfully embraces the horror genre’s rich history, showcasing his talent for transporting his cast and audiences to a time when scary stories were shared around lanterns on dark nights. The film pays homage to the more theatrical genre films that relied on performances to supplement their visual trickery, providing actors like Dastmalchian and Hawkins with opportunities to showcase their skills.

In The Last Voyage of the Demeter, Øvredal resurrects buried treasures of Old English verbiage and vampire mythology. While excitement may lurk in the shadows for longer than anticipated, the director ultimately unleashes his creature of the night in a way that would make Tod Browning, the director of the 1931 film adaptation of “Dracula,” proud.

Conclusion

The Last Voyage of the Demeter is a treat for horror fans, particularly those raised on Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi classics. With its R-rated bite of vampiric brutality and an emphasis on violent feeding sessions, the film caters to genre fans with a strong bloodlust. Although the film’s moodiness may dissipate due to its protracted runtime and the inevitable conclusion of Dracula’s landfall, Øvredal’s direction maintains the basics of a haunting and captivating thrill ride.

Overall, The Last Voyage of the Demeter demonstrates Øvredal’s skill in crafting a film that pays homage to vampire lore while adding its own unique elements. Although it may not be the best vampire movie ever made, it undoubtedly contributes to the rich tapestry of Dracula’s legacy.