THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER
***
Directed by André Øvredal.
Starring Corey Hawkins, Aisling Franciosi, Liam Cunningham.
Horror, US, Certificate TBC
Reviewed as part of Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2024
Denied a release of any kind in the UK, THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER, André Øvredal’s take on Dracula’s holiday cruise was finally granted a showing on the big screen over here thanks to FrightFest giving the film its UK Premiere, over a year after its less than spectacular US showing. While it still languishes in distribution limbo this was a rare chance to see Øvredal’s handsomely mounted take on one of the most intriguing passages from Bram Stoker’s keystone text in its widescreen glory.
Chapter seven of the original novel has usually been treated as little more than a montage or transitory scene in the majority of adaptations over the years. This particular section could be considered a nineteenth century example of mixed media as it consists of newspaper clippings and the journal of the captain of the Demeter, a vessel run aground on the coast of England with no survivors aboard, only the captain’s corpse tied to the ship's wheel. It is one of the most innovative, sinister and exciting chapters in the classic novel so it really does feel overdue for an adaptation of its own. Bragi Schut Jr’s long in development spec screenplay, at one point having Neil Marshall then David Slade attached to direct, has finally been brought to the screen by TROLL HUNTER director Andrè Øvredal.
A large number of additions have been made here, most notably a sizable cast filling out the doomed ships crew, the most notable being the character of Clemens, an English doctor looking to return home from Romania. Played by Corey Hawkins, the character adds an extra dimension to proceedings due to his race, a socio-political aspect that has rarely been included in the majority of adaptations. Clemens has to face the prejudices of his fellow crew mates, including the always welcome David Dastmalchian as the ship's quartermaster. When the ship's livestock becomes mysteriously depleted, the crew’s suspicions, and superstitions, are raised further by the discovery of a female stowaway who tries to warn them of the danger they find themselves in from the mysterious cargo in the ship's lower decks.
Of course we all know where this is heading so there is a certain sense of inevitability involving the rest of the journey. What keeps the viewers interest is not who will fall prey to the great vampire, but how and when. Also of interest is that this is that rare thing; a big budget horror from a major studio. After his work with the underrated SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK, Øvredal continues to prove his worth here, although it could be said that this could be his least involving work yet. He commands a doom laden tone that the material requires, and is unafraid to delve into the darker aspects of the tale especially in regards to the body count. The performances for the most part also impress, especially from Dastmalchian and Cunningham, while Corey Hawkins makes for an engaging lead and makes a decent fist of his English accent.
Whilst nowhere near being a lost cult classic, the film is entertaining enough fare that does not deserve the fate it currently languishes in. Dracula aficionados will find much to appreciate, especially the ghoulish and merciless characterisation on display here that forgoes the more romantic and seductive aspects that seemed to have captured filmmakers and viewers imaginations since Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 adaptation. Bloodthirsty and always entertaining, this will do nicely until Robert Egger’s spin on NOSFERATU arrives at year’s end.
Iain MacLeod
