Universal Pictures brings the legend of Dracula back in a new and intriguing way. Based this time on the captain’s logs in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this unique telling takes place on board a ship. A ship named the Demeter that is hauling unique crates of cargo from Romania to England, except one has something more deadly inside.
From the start, the film does capture audiences attention, though none other than the unique actors cast. In The Height‘s, Corey Hawkins stars as Clemens, an African American doctor struggling to make a name for himself, despite the color of his skin. He tries to enlist as crew for the Demeter, but of course is turned away for his skin color. It isn’t until he rescues the Captain’s only son though an ironic twist of fate that Clemen’s is welcomed aboard. Throughout the journey, Hawkins does a great job of portraying Clemen’s as he rises to that of a hero, especially toward the end.
Similarly, the film also stars, Game of Throne’s Liam Cunningham as well as Aisling Franciosi who each carrie their own agenda while on board the Demeter. Franciosi, as the stowaway, we find out has a deeper connection to the beast called Dracula. That being said, she does an exceptional job of transforming from helpless damsel to heroic character who ultimately joins Clemen’s as he attempts to destroy it before reaching England. Additionally, Cunningham, as the fearless captain, does a fair job of maintaining that captain duty, especially when all hope is lost for the Demeter. Cunningham also excels in the fatherly figure he portrays on young actor, Woody Norman, who will instantly still your heart with his witty humor and cunning ideas even at a very young age.
That being said, The Voyage of the Last Demeter, is a must see for any fan of Dracula. though it may not be for the faint of heart, it’s a tale that holds true to the Dracula legend. The film came out in theaters, August 9, and is currently playing in on near you.