‘The Last Voyage of the Demeter’ Blu-ray Review
Stars: Corey Hawkins, Aisling Franciosi, Liam Cunningham, David Dastmalchian, Chris Walley, Jon Jon Briones, Stefan Kapicic, Martin Furulund, Nikolai Nikolaeff, Javier Botet | Written by Bragi F. Schut, Zak Olkewicz | Directed by André Øvredal
The Last Voyage of the Demeter is a chilling horror film that delivers a uniquely atmospheric take on the classic Dracula mythos. Directed by André Øvredal, the movie adapts a single chapter from Bram Stoker’s Dracula—the doomed voyage of the Demeter, a Russian schooner transporting a mysterious cargo from Carpathia to England. This narrative decision to focus on a small portion of the novel allows the film to dive deep into the slow-building dread and claustrophobia of being trapped at sea with an unspeakable horror.
The film begins with the Demeter’s crew discovering that they have been tasked with transporting a set of crates, each filled with soil from Transylvania. They are unaware that one of these crates contains a deadly passenger: Count Dracula himself. The decision to anchor the narrative on this fateful voyage creates a sense of impending doom from the very beginning. The film is anchored by a strong cast, led by Corey Hawkins as Clemens, a doctor who joins the ship’s crew. Hawkins brings depth and vulnerability to his role, serving as the audience’s primary point of connection as the situation on board deteriorates.
One of the most striking aspects of The Last Voyage of the Demeter is its setting. The film’s cinematography effectively transforms the ship into a character of its own, with creaking boards, shadowy corners, and an overwhelming sense of isolation. The claustrophobic atmosphere is enhanced by the vastness of the sea surrounding the ship, which becomes a symbol of the crew’s inescapable fate. The film’s production design and attention to detail in recreating the 19th-century ship contribute to the authenticity of the setting, further immersing the audience in the world of the film.
Øvredal, known for his work on films like Trollhunter and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, expertly builds tension throughout the movie. The slow burn of the narrative is punctuated by moments of shocking violence, which are all the more effective because of the careful pacing leading up to them. The film doesn’t rely on jump scares but instead creates a mounting sense of dread as the crew realizes the true nature of their predicament. This tension is amplified by an eerie score by Bear McCreary, which complements the visuals without overwhelming them.
The depiction of Dracula in The Last Voyage of the Demeter is another standout element. Unlike many other portrayals of the vampire, this Dracula is more monstrous and animalistic. He is less of a charming aristocrat and more of a primal force of nature, driven by an insatiable thirst for blood. This portrayal aligns with the horror-centric tone of the film and makes Dracula a genuinely terrifying presence. The makeup and special effects used to bring this version of Dracula to life are top-notch, adding to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
However, the film is not without its flaws. At over two hours, the pacing may feel slow to some viewers, particularly in the first half. While the slow buildup is effective in creating tension, there are moments where the narrative could have been tightened to maintain momentum. Additionally, while the crew is well-acted, some characters are underdeveloped, making it difficult to become fully invested in their fates.
Despite these minor issues, The Last Voyage of the Demeter succeeds as a horror film that brings something new to the Dracula mythos. Its focus on atmosphere, tension, and a more monstrous portrayal of the vampire sets it apart from other adaptations of the story. The film’s commitment to its setting and tone results in a genuinely unsettling experience that lingers with the viewer long after the credits roll.
Ultimately, The Last Voyage of the Demeter is a film that thrives on its atmosphere and tension, offering a fresh and frightening take on one of literature’s most enduring monsters. While it may not be perfect, it is a compelling and well-crafted horror film that deserves to be seen, especially by those who appreciate the slow-burn terror of classic “gothic” horror.
Special Features:
- Audio Commentary with Director Andre Ovredal and Producer Bradley J. Fischer
- Deleted Scenes
- From The Pits of Hell: Dracula Reimagined
- Evil is Aboard: The Making of The Last Voyage Of The Demeter
- Dracula and the Digital Age: Featurette
***½ 3.5/5
The Last Voyage of the Demeter is out now on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD from Dazzler Media.