Friday, October 25, 2024

THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER (2023)


 

Directed By: Andre Ovredal

Written By: Bragi Schut Jr. And Zack Olkewicz

Based on Log Of The Demeter “DRACULA” By Bram Stoker

Cinematography: Tom Stern 

Editor: Julian Clarke, Patrick Larsgaard and Christian Wagner 


Cast: Corey Hawkins, Liam Cunningham, David Dastmalchain, Aisling Franciosi, Chris Walley, Jon jon Briones, Stefan Kepicic, Martin Furland 


A crew sailing from Varna (Bulgaria) by the Black Sea to England finds that they are carrying very dangerous cargo.


This is not a bad film, but it does feel like a lost opportunity where the audience keeps thinking how much better it could be if it used practical effects so there wasn’t so much CGI. Also if the movie was filmed on actual film and not digital, it wouldn’t look so dark and feel more of the period. And if it had been made in the 1980s, it would feel more like either an adaptation or a surprise filled with more imagination, and a studio would maybe Mohr put its full weight behind it either in theaters or even if it was a movie that was faded to end up straight to home video.


As it stands now, it feels too slick and not quite sincere enough to be a success which it should be. 


This is another film, directed by Andre Ovredal. Who adds a black lead to a supernatural historical tale. Which does add excitement and some color to the proceedings. Though here The film remains predictable.


I have seen some audience members attack the film because of the beginning And readers of Bram Stoker's Dracula, the novel, which lets us know what happens or the fate of the crew and characters, but truthfully, that is what most slasher and horror films are guilty of we watch for the how wise and who’s we most likely what will happen? We just come to see how it happens, though. The same can be true of action films and sequels. Especially with stars and specialized starring in those types of films and playing virtually the same character or the same type. So picking on this film for the same reason feels like low-hanging fruit that you know coming in what it would be like and most likely that would be predictable. 


At least the screenwriters and filmmakers offer to flash out that chapter of the book and use their own imagination to ramp up, not only the characters and suspense but, ultimately their fates also try to create a claustrophobic atmosphere on the ship.


Stay entertaining, filled with characters that could have easily failed as this film obviously has passion and quality behind it.


Unfortunately, it comes off as a well-intentioned B-movie. With competing and battling accents among the actors to see who can be the most authentic to a certain rogue or region.


The film has a cast, and Cory Hawkins deserves more leading roles. As well as Aisling Franciosi who always seems to play characters who are surviving in pain.


Though the film seems to be trying to offer an origin to a franchise. we know unfortunately isn’t coming or the beginning of a fruitless search for justice. It’s a shame as the film has all the right ingredients. It’s just that the meal or main course isn’t as tasty as it should be. 


Grade: C

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