Dracula

This movie could have been a masterpiece, the story, while well known, is solid, great actors, seasoned director ... however it felt pretty flat. Some bits are extremely good, while some feel almost goofy, you ask yourself Why ???? But why ????

Quite disappointing because a few logic changes, this movie would have been epic.

It takes real nerve to tackle Bram Stoker's most-filmed anti-hero in 2025. First, the role has already been immortalised by everyone from Bela Lugosi to Gary Oldman, so comparisons are savage. Second, gothic horror sits miles away from Luc Besson's usual playground of kinetic sci-fi (The Fifth Element) and neon crime capers (Léon). Walking in, I honestly wasn't sure whether we'd get an idiosyncratic triumph or a beautiful train wreck.

Happily, it's closer to the former. Visually, the film is a feast: swirling Carpathian blizzards bleed into candle-lit castle corridors, while Besson's trademark flair for colour and movement gives the vampire myth a fresh, almost operatic sheen. The cast meet the challenge head-on-Dracula himself is equal parts seductively reptilian and heartbreakingly lonely, and the supporting ensemble never drops the ball. I found myself grinning at several sly nods to past adaptations yet never felt trapped in pastiche.

Where the film stumbles is in the marrow of its story. The plot beats are solid but seldom surprising, and a mid-act detour about Dracula's centuries-old heartbreak lingers a few crimson drops too long. Trim twenty minutes, sharpen a couple of character arcs, and we might be talking instant classic. As it stands, Dracula is a very good film-bold, stylistically sumptuous, thoroughly entertaining-but not quite the genre-redefining masterpiece its ambition hints at.

Verdict: 7.5 / 10. Worth the ticket for the imagery and performances alone; just don't expect it to eclipse Coppola's fang-print on the legend.

Before giving me a thumbs down. Read at least what I have to say :)

Luc Besson's Dracula is a visually arresting, emotionally charged, and hauntingly original take on the iconic legend. From the very first frame, it's clear that this is not just another vampire film-this is Besson in full command of his craft, blending gothic horror, art-house style, and deeply human storytelling into something truly unforgettable.

The cinematography is stunning-moody shadows, rich textures, and bold color contrasts create a dreamlike atmosphere that pulls you into Dracula's cursed world. The pacing is masterful, slowly building tension while allowing the characters to breathe and evolve. And the music? A hypnotic blend of classical and modern that adds a visceral pulse to every scene.

The performances are outstanding. The lead actor's portrayal of Dracula is both terrifying and tragic, capturing the eternal conflict between monstrous hunger and lost humanity. The supporting cast adds layers of depth, especially the heroine, whose chemistry with Dracula gives the film a beating heart.

What sets this Dracula apart is its ambition. Besson doesn't just retell the story-he reimagines it, fusing romance, philosophy, and horror into a mythic, poetic experience. There are echoes of The Fifth Element in its stylization, but this is darker, more mature, and grounded in emotional truth.

This is a Dracula for the 21st century-mysterious, seductive, and deeply cinematic. Highly recommended for fans of intelligent horror and visionary filmmaking.

Verdict: A modern gothic masterpiece.

I had pretty much no prior knowledge of this movie before watching it and I did not even know the cast or any of the people involved. The only thing I knew was that it is obviously a movie about Dracula, and therefore I was pleasantly surprised to see some familiar faces here. I have never read the novel by Bram Stoker, but I have seen a few movie adaptations that try to portray Dracula, with the version by Francis Ford Coppola being my favorite. One drawback this movie really has is that there is no way to avoid comparing it to the 1992 adaptation, and with the recent release of Nosferatu by Robert Eggers, there is now another great and distinct adaptation that is flawlessly executed. This movie cannot quite hold up against those other contenders, although I still think there was a lot to enjoy here.

First of all, this movie was visually very pleasing, with some great shots and overall cinematography that was probably the strongest aspect it had to offer. Besides that, the acting was also quite convincing. Caleb Landry Jones is a talented actor who proved again that he is still underrated. Christoph Waltz is one of my favorite actors and he also delivered a strong performance as expected. The rest of the cast was good as well, but in my opinion these two were the standout performers.

The movie definitely had some interesting twists and ideas for the story. I thoroughly enjoyed some of them, while others felt like rather poor choices. I also really appreciated the costumes and makeup, which created a believable depiction of nineteenth-century London. Some of the digital effects were a bit wonky at times, but nothing too distracting. The movie also included a few scenes that could have been left out, which would have helped bring the runtime below two hours, as it started to drag at certain points.

Overall, I think this is an enjoyable film, but nothing particularly remarkable or destined to become a future classic. It offers some strong elements and delivers a few memorable moments, and if you enjoy movies featuring the character of Dracula, this one will likely do its job just fine.

[6,1/10]

Luc Besson's Dracula is not a traditional horror film. Instead, it's a dark romantic epic that reimagines the Dracula legend through a poetic and psychological lens. Set in a brooding, visually stunning atmosphere, the film explores eternal longing, forbidden love, and the isolation of immortality.

Rather than focusing on gore or action, Besson's take is intimate and character-driven. Dracula is portrayed as a tragic, timeless figure, torn between his monstrous nature and a deep, lingering humanity. The story unfolds with elegance, blending gothic elements, haunting visuals, and emotional depth - all wrapped in Besson's signature cinematic flair.