Think of it as “The Captain’s Log,” a chapter from the 1897 novel “Dracula” by Bram Stoker. Now, Corey Hawkins, Aisling Franciosi, Liam Cunningham, and David Dastmalchian lead the cast of “The Last Voyage of the Demeter.” Our JP has his thoughts.
The Last Voyage of the Demeter
Universal Pictures
- Directed by André Øvredal
- Screenplay by Bragi Schut Jr., Zak Olkewicz
- Story by Bragi Schut Jr.
- Based on “The Captain’s Log” from Dracula by Bram Stoker
- Produced by Bradley J. Fischer, Mike Medavoy, Arnold W. Messner
- Starring Corey Hawkins, Aisling Franciosi, Liam Cunningham, David Dastmalchian
Studio Synopsis:
Based on a single chilling chapter from Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula, The Last Voyage of the Demeter tells the terrifying story of the merchant ship Demeter, which was chartered to carry private cargo—fifty unmarked wooden crates—from Carpathia to London. Strange events befall the doomed crew as they attempt to survive the ocean voyage, stalked each night by a merciless presence onboard the ship. When the Demeter finally arrives off the shores of England, it is a charred, derelict wreck. There is no trace of the crew.
J.P.’s Take:
Brom Stoker’s “Dracula” is the epitome of classic, fireside ghost storytelling. It is an age-old story that horror enthusiasts have garnered for its attention to wrought tension and chilling horror.
“The Last Voyage of the Demeter,” featuring Spanish actor Javier Botet as Dracula and directed by Norwegian film director André Øvredal, is a horror flick that isn’t just about the creep factor; it is the psychological effect the antagonist’s tale has on its audience.
Dracula’s sinister presence has been the running lore for almost 130 years. To this day, it is still one of the most cited works of horror/fiction in both cinematic and novelistic history. So what better to continue the tradition than with a prequel to the 1931 film “Dracula,” that starred Bela Lugosi, with an adaptation of the chapter titled, “The Captain’s Log.”
Those of you who grew up reading Dracula or watching the 1922 German film “Nasforatu,” or even the Lugosi-helmed 1931 American version will sink their fangs into this somewhat tame, yet no less chilling spin tingler. Everything Dracula represents is that of pure evil, as Dracula’s reign of terror spreads like a disease throughout many nations.
The true purpose of this follow-up is to bring forth the story of how Dracula began his journey to becoming the most feared entity on the planet. The story is crafted in the same spirit as the novel, with dreary atmospherics.
Thank goodness this film didn’t become a simple-minded slasher film. It presents its tale with honest lore-building and tautness. After all, this is the tale of the world’s most detested man-creature. There are no gimmicks, no silly plot fillers, but just honest storytelling. The crew of the merchant ship, The Demeter, is confined at sea, with the most suspect cargo aboard yet. If you think back to Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi/horror classic “Alien,” therein lies the mood of this film.
If “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” appears tame in its presentation, unfortunately, you’d be correct. It also drags on unnecessarily in some areas. Yet, in my humble opinion, this would be its only drawback for those expecting nightmare-fueled imagery. At last, that wasn’t the point here. The idea was to shed light on the mystery of Dracula’s emergence: to demystify his legacy and allow us to come along for his journey.
Casting in the film includes Corey Hawkins (“Straight Outta Compton,” “BlacKkKlansman”) as Clemens, a doctor who joins the Demeter; Liam Cunningham (TV’s “Game of Thrones”) as Captain Elliot, the captain of the Demeter; Aisling Franciosi (“The Nightingale”) as Anna, a stowaway; and David Dastmalchian (“The Suicide Squad”) as Wojchek, the Demeter’s first mate.
The cliffhanger ending left us wanting more, as it gave us a glimpse and things to come. You know there’s more to the story.
I enjoyed this traditionally styled tale weaving. I’ve placed “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” on my horror movie marathon for this year.
Official Site: The Last Voyage of the Demeter
