Overview
The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023) is a harrowing visual of a film that portrays a chilling chapter in Bram Stoker’s Dracula; the ship logbook of the ill-fated vessel, Demeter, which transported Count Dracula from Transylvania to England in a most unknowing manner. Unlike many adaptations of Dracula which have focused on his time spent in London, this film attempts to focus on the perspective of the crew who tragically became prey to Dracula, with a horror-survival twist.
The vice of Setsuko Oikawa follows the work of André Øvredal in The Autopsy of Jane Doe and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. She adds a creature-feature and dark atmospheric aesthetic to vampire horror.
Plot summary
The film also follows the merchant boat named Demeter that has been registered in London and is now sailing towards the eastern part of Europe in the year 1897, as the film begins. The ship has been chartered from Carpathia with mysterious cargo that includes 24 wooden crates with no labels on them. The ship is setting course towards London.
During the journey, the crew begins to notice some peculiar happenings. Animals are discovered to be slaughtered, crew members start to vanish, and there is a presence that seems to be following them during the night. Aboard the ship, the doctor feels that some unnatural force is hiding within and begins to notice more and more signs that lead him to suspect something sinister.
What they do not know is that one of the crates on the ship contains Count Dracula himself. The crew is being killed off one by one, summers approaching. The remaining members have to figure out a way to escape or kill the ancient vampire before he reaches his destination.
This particular adaptation elaborates on the “Captain’s Log” chapter in Dracula by detailing the horrifying events that caused the Demeter to float into England as a ghost ship with no crew on it.
Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton, Kong: Skull Island) as Clemens, the ship’s doctor and the leading figure of the tale.
Aisling Franciosi (The Nightingale, Game of Thrones) as Anna, a stowaway who has information on Dracula’s character.
Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones) as Captain Eliot, the unfortunate, skillful leader of the Demeter.
David Dastmalchian (The Suicide Squad, Dune) as Wojchek, the first officer.
Javier Botet (It, Mama, Crimson Peak) as Dracula, monstrous and inhuman.
Dracula’s Presentation
Rather than portraying Dracula in the modern light of a charming nobleman, this film depicts him as a savage bat-like beast; a true predator rather, instead of a romanticized version of himself. Javier Botet who is famously known for portraying horrifying creatures in ‘It’ and ‘Mama’ has showcased Dracula as an unnatural, lean, and grotesque monster, more aligned with Nosferatu than a pop culture celebrity vampire.
“Behind the Cameras Production”
Director: André Øvredal (The Autopsy of Jane Doe, Trollhunter, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.)
Writers: Bragi F. Schut, Zak Olkewicz (Bullet Train.)
Production Company: DreamWorks Pictures, Amblin Partners,
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Øvredal, who is famous for his folk horror and supernatural thriller work, has pointed out that unlike other vampire films, the story is set in a creature-feature survival horror case, comparable to Alien (1979) – except Dracula is the xenomorph. The film was in development for nearly two decades with a series of directors before Øvredal took charge. The filming was in Germany and Malta and the set was built on the Practical Demeter set of the doomed voyage.
What Distinguishes This Film from the Rest?
A Unique Perspective for Dracula
This film diverges from the plethora of Dracula films that spotlight his reign in London or Transylvania by stitching together a single haunting episode from the original novel and transforming it into a thrilling survival horror film.
The Close Setting of the Seas
Within the isolated premise of the ship, the crew is set to battle against an incomprehensible monster, creating a terrifying tale filled with angst where they have to struggle against a beast that defies understanding.
A More Monstrous Depiction of Dracula
Foremost, the characterization of Dracula is that of an avaricious and old stalker that hides and hunts like an apex predator rather than a suave and charming man.
Cinematography That Is Dark, Explosive and More
The dimly lit scenes, foggy visuals, and stormy seas portray modern techniques and gothic visuals which the film heavily relies in more.
Compre Movies To Demeter’s Last Voyage
Here are some other movies you will likely like if you’d love The Last Voyage of the Demeter.
- Nosferatu 1922 & 1979
An adaptation featuring a ratlike and vampire were creature that is virtually similar in appearance to Demeter’s iteration of Dracula.
- Alien (1979)
While a science fiction horror movie, this film has a similar twist in horror Survival where the relentless monster stalks the ship and captures them one by one.
- The Thing (1982)
Unlike any other, dread and loneliness emerge when one is is surrounded by an alien threat. This is the case in John Carpenter’s horror film where deeper explorations of one’s internal feelings are used as a base, something that The Last Voyage of the Demeter also employs.
- 30 Days of Night (2007)
A remote setting that features terrifying bloodsucking creatures, the film is a true embodiment of a gory horror motion picture with intense vampires.
- The Terror (TV Series, 2018)
A combination of a true life survival tale and supernatural horror. Done with spine chilling atmosphere, the series walks through a doomed Arctic expedition that faces a supernatural threat. The series is reminiscent of the haunted voyages within Demeter.
Box Office & Reception
After the release of the film on August 11, 2023, the demeter experienced an ocean of mixed / positive reviews. It was heavily critiqued for lacking pace, yet it was adored for having an engaging story and incredible creatures.
In terms of financial success, the film faced difficulties. Wth a budget of 45 million, the film earned only 21 million and was considered a failure wrought a strong following aiming towards horror.
Even with the failure of the film, hardcore fans of the genre praised its practicality and novel approaches to telling the classic Dracula tale. The film seems to rest alongside other pieces like The Thing and gain a large following after a weak initial reception.
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch The Last Voyage of the Demeter?
If you enjoy the classic styles of gothic horror, survival horror, or monster movies, then The Last Voyage of the Demeter should be included in your watch list. Although it doesn’t feature non-stop action horror, the film does generate suspense and dread in ways which pay tribute to pacing of storytelling in older horror movies.
The film delivers:
✅ A dark, moody, and atmospheric horror setting.
✅ A terrifying, monstrous take on Dracula.
✅ Alien-style survival horror.
✅ Tense, claustrophobic horror sequences.
But if your looking for a bit more action or a faster paced vampire movie, this film may not suit your expectations.
Would you want to see more horror films set within the Dracula universe? Perhaps a sequel in the style of Nosferatu?