THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER

Dracula!

THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER (2023). Director: Andre Ovredal.

Taking its cue from references in Bram Stoker's classic novel "Dracula," Demeter examines what happens on that ship when Dracula, inside a box filled with Transylvanian dirt, is transported to London, feeding on the crew all the while. This is certainly a neat idea for a movie, but the execution is something else again. What could have worked as a 30 or 60 minute TV show is stretched out to two hours, and the movie is s l o w www. 

Corey Hawkins

This is unfortunate, as Last Voyage of the Demeter boasts impressive scenic design and some excellent performances, especially from lead Corey Hawkins as the black ship's doctor (no, this character does not appear in Stoker's novel), Liam Cunningham as the captain planning on retirement, and little Woody Norman as the ill-fated cabin boy, Toby, although the entire cast is effective. Dracula himself is depicted in his half-human, half-bat stage with wings and grinning maw. He shows up way too late in the game. The film is on occasion illogical and often underlit. The closing theme music by Bear McCreary has the energy that is completely lacking from the movie itself. 

Verdict: Good idea pretty much frittered away. **1/2.