“The Last Voyage of the Demeter” (2023)

Horror

Running Time: 119 minutes

Written by: Bragi Schut Jr. and Zak Olkewicz

Directed by: André Øvredal

Featuring: Corey Hawkins, Aisling Franciosi, Liam Cunningham and David Dastmalchian

Captain Eliot: “The Demeter on charter from Romania to London. Shipping private crates, contents unknown. Out to sea with no land in sight.”

“The Last Voyage of the Demeter” is a 2023 horror film directed by André Øvredal and written by Zak Olkewicz. It is based on the 1927 short story of the same name by Bram Stoker, which tells the story of the ship Demeter, which is transporting a coffin containing Dracula to London. The film stars Corey Hawkins, David Dastmalchian, Liam Cunningham, and Aisling Franciosi.

The film is a slow-burning, atmospheric horror film that builds suspense and dread in a masterful way. The film’s visuals are stunning, with the ship Demeter looking both majestic and menacing. The performances are all excellent, with Hawkins giving a standout performance as the captain of the Demeter.

The film’s biggest strength is its atmosphere. The film is constantly bathed in darkness and fog, creating a sense of claustrophobia and unease. The film also does a great job of building suspense, with each scene feeling like it could be the one where Dracula strikes.

The film’s biggest weakness is its lack of scares. While there are a few moments that will make you jump, the film never quite reaches the level of terror that it could have. This is likely due to the film’s slow pacing and lack of action.

“The Last Voyage of the Demeter” is a well-made and atmospheric horror film that is sure to please fans of the genre. However, it is not a film for everyone, as it is slow-paced and lacks the traditional scares of many horror films.

The film is visually stunning, with the ship Demeter looking both majestic and menacing. The cinematography is excellent, and the film makes great use of shadows and darkness to create a sense of unease. The cast all give excellent performances, with Corey Hawkins giving a standout performance as the captain of the Demeter. David Dastmalchian is also great as the ship’s cook, and Liam Cunningham and Aisling Franciosi are both solid in their supporting roles. The film does a great job of building suspense and dread, with each scene feeling like it could be the one where Dracula strikes. The film’s slow pacing actually works in its favour, as it allows the tension to build slowly and steadily. The film is atmospheric and creepy, with the constant fog and darkness creating a sense of claustrophobia and unease. The film also does a great job of using sound to create a sense of dread, with the creaking of the ship’s hull and the howling of the wind adding to the overall atmosphere.

While there are a few moments that will make you jump, the film never quite reaches the level of terror that it could have. This is likely due to the film’s slow pacing and lack of action. The film is slow-paced, which may not be to everyone’s taste. The film’s slow pacing can make it feel a bit tedious at times, and it can be difficult to maintain interest throughout the film. The film’s plot is fairly predictable, and it’s not hard to figure out who the vampire is. This predictability can take away from the suspense and dread that the film builds up.

The film is a faithful adaptation of Bram Stoker’s short story, but it also adds its own unique elements. For example, the film expands on the backstory of the ship’s crew, and it gives Dracula a more physical presence. The film is a departure from many modern horror films, which are often fast-paced and action-packed. “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” is a slower, more atmospheric film that relies on suspense and dread to create its scares.

The film is not for everyone, but it is a well-made and atmospheric horror film that is sure to please fans of the genre. If you are looking for a slow-burning, creepy horror film, then “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” is definitely worth checking out.

Here are some other films that you may enjoy if you liked The Last Voyage of the Demeter:

“Nosferatu” (1922): This silent German horror film is considered to be one of the greatest vampire films ever made. It is a slow-paced, atmospheric film that is sure to creep you out. 

“The Shining” (1980): This Stanley Kubrick classic is a psychological horror film that is set in a remote hotel. The film is full of suspense and dread, and it features some of the most iconic scenes in horror movie history. 

“Let the Right One In” (2008): This Swedish vampire film is a slow-burning, atmospheric film that is both creepy and heartbreaking. The film features excellent performances from its two young stars, and it is a must-see for fans of the vampire genre.

The film is a faithful adaptation of Bram Stoker’s short story, but it also adds its own unique elements. For example, the film expands on the backstory of the ship’s crew, and it gives Dracula a more physical presence.  The film is a departure from many modern horror films, which are often fast-paced and action-packed. “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” is a slower, more atmospheric film that relies on suspense and dread to create its scares. The film is not for everyone, but it is a well-made and atmospheric horror film that is sure to please fans of the genre. If you are looking for a slow-burning, creepy horror film, then “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” is definitely worth checking out.

I would recommend “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” to fans of slow-burning, atmospheric horror films. However, if you are looking for a film with more action and scares, you may be disappointed.