Abraham's Boys

Straight white men have made enough vampire movies - let's hand it over to the POCs and ladies, pleeeease. Between this movie, directed by Natasha Kermani, and Ryan Coogler's "Sinners," the genre feels revitalized.

California is not where I would have thought to set a gothic horror, but it works... the arid landscape is suffocating and so is the patriarch of this film, Abraham, who is obsessed with vampires and may or may not be insane. Titus Welliver is a BLAST to watch in this role.

In conclusion: it made me rethink the Dracula myth entirely. This is a slower burn than your typical horror fare, but it's also more thought-provoking.

I'll start by saying that I really wanted to like this film. The location was gorgeous, the cinematography is fantastic, and the story it's based on is an interesting read. The issue? A really bad script that needed a few more revisions, scenes that played zero role in the story, and some really bad acting from half of the cast.

Dollar store Udo Kier just didn't do anything to help the film, and neither did the younger brother. Every scene involving the two felt like a chore to sit through because the acting was just poor. The mother, despite being from Amsterdam, had a very American accent, so it felt unbelievable even though her acting was up to par. The only good casting here was the older brother and the settler girl, the latter was not given much material to work with either, which was a shame as she played her role to the best of her ability. It didn't help matters that the dialog throughout the film was incredibly stilted, for all parties involved.

Another point to be made is that the film is just boring for the majority of it's runtime. Virtually nothing happens until about the last twenty minutes or so. I understand that it's a slow burn story, but the writer/director should have done something to spruce the story up a bit. For instance, it's the reason why Mike Flanagan is able to pull of Stephen King stories so well, he knows when to take chances and when to be faithful. There is a lot that could have been done with this story, and it all just ends up feeling like one big missed opportunity.

The film also neglects to show even a shred of the brothers believing in Abraham's atrocities once revealed. The brothers never buy into the fact that the man's determinations might be true, therefore making at least 20 minutes of the film null and void. It's one of the reasons why the film Frailty worked so well. In that film, the boys were never quite sure of whether or not their father's supposed mission was real, or if he was just a psycho, making us, the audience, rethink the entire thing ourselves. It's something that you can tell was an inspiration for the storyline, but the writer didn't study that film well enough to understand why it was so compelling and apply it to this story here.

Overall, it can wait until streaming. Yes, the location was a nice view and the cinematography steals the majority of the show, but it's really not worth sitting through in a theater, as it was, for the most part, a bore of a film and not compelling enough to make it an interesting viewing experience.

1.5 Frailty knockoffs out of 5.

I read some reviews prior to viewing and went in with mixed expectations, but i was blown away.

This film is a slow burn so it may not be for everyone, but if you enjoy a slow burn that is dialogue heavy then this is the film for you.

The opening was intriguing enough, making you wonder how the film will turn out and it surely was surprising.

The storyline is something that is surely different from any other vampire movie. It's more of a psychological thriller rather than a horror movie.

Overall this is an eerie psychological indie film that certainly has rewatch value.

If you're interested in watching, i definitely recommend catching it in theatres before the window closes.

Alright, folks, let me kick this off by saying that when I sat down to watch "Abraham's Boys: A Dracula Story," I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm a sucker for vampire tales - yeah, pun intended - ever since I first got hooked on the classics like Bram Stoker's original novel or those timeless Hammer Horror flicks. But this one? It's a modern spin that tries to breathe new life into the age-old legend of Dracula, and honestly, I have to give it credit where it's due. The movie was well done, I'll say that upfront. It's got that polished production value that makes you feel like you're in for a treat, even if it doesn't quite hit the mark in every way. While I enjoyed parts of it, I was extremely disappointed overall, and I'll do my best not to spoil anything so you can have your own experience. Who knows, you might walk away enjoying it a little more than I did. Let's dive in, shall we?

First off, let's talk about the creative spin on this timeless story. Dracula has been done to death - pun again, sorry - in every conceivable way: from gothic horror to romantic dramas and even action-packed blockbusters. But "Abraham's Boys" takes a fresh angle that I found intriguing. It plays with the lore in a way that feels innovative without completely abandoning the roots of the original tale. We're talking about exploring the human side of the vampire mythos, delving into themes of legacy, family, and the eternal struggle between darkness and light. It's creative, no doubt about it. The writers clearly put in the effort to twist the narrative into something that could appeal to both die-hard fans of the genre and newcomers who might not have picked up a copy of Stoker's work. I appreciated how it avoided the overdone tropes of endless chases or repetitive bite scenes, opting instead for a more introspective approach. It's like they took the classic elements and gave them a 21st-century makeover, which kept me engaged for the first half or so. If you're tired of the same old vampire schtick, this might just reignite your interest in the undead world.

Now, where this film really shines is in the acting. Oh man, the performances here are top-notch and deserve all the praise. The lead actors bring a level of depth and nuance that elevates the entire production. Take the portrayal of the central characters - I won't name names to avoid spoilers, but let's just say the actor playing the vampire protagonist delivers a performance that's both chilling and heartbreaking. There's this raw vulnerability mixed with predatory intensity that makes you forget you're watching a movie; it feels real, tangible. It's not over-the-top ham acting like in some older horror flicks; instead, it's subtle, layered, and incredibly compelling. The supporting cast holds their own too, creating a dynamic ensemble that feels lived-in and authentic. One scene in particular - again, no details - had me on the edge of my seat because of how convincingly they conveyed emotion and tension. It's performances like these that remind me why I love cinema; they turn a potentially formulaic story into something memorable. If awards season rolls around, I'd be surprised if this cast doesn't get some nods. Great acting can make or break a film, and here, it definitely makes it.

But let's not forget the scenic cinematography, which is another standout element. Wow, the visuals in this movie are stunning - absolutely breathtaking at times. The directors and cinematographers did an phenomenal job capturing the essence of the settings, blending eerie atmospheres with gorgeous landscapes that pull you right into the story. We're talking sweeping shots of foggy moors, ancient castles shrouded in mist, and urban nightscapes that pulse with a modern energy. It's like they took the romanticism of classic vampire lore and amplified it through modern lens techniques, with clever use of lighting and color grading to enhance the mood. The cinematography isn't just pretty for pretty's sake; it serves the narrative, building suspense and immersion. For instance, there are these wide-angle panoramas that make the world feel vast and ominous, contrasting the intimate, close-up moments that heighten the drama. It's reminiscent of films like "Bram Stoker's Dracula" directed by Francis Ford Coppola, where every frame is a work of art. I found myself pausing the movie at points just to appreciate the composition - that's how good it is. In a genre that's often dark and gritty, this film's visual style adds a layer of elegance that sets it apart.

Despite all that praise, I have to be honest: I was extremely disappointed with the overall execution. Don't worry, I'm not going to give anything away - I want you to form your own opinions - but there were elements that just didn't land for me. The story builds up this creative premise so well in the beginning, with its fresh take and strong character foundations, but as it progresses, it starts to falter. It's like the film promises a deep, thought-provoking exploration but then veers into territory that feels unresolved or underdeveloped. I enjoyed the ride for a while, getting swept up in the acting and the visuals, but by the end, I was left with a sense of unmet potential. Maybe it's because I'm a purist when it comes to vampire stories, or perhaps I had higher expectations based on the hype, but something about the way certain plot threads were handled just didn't sit right. It's frustrating because the foundation is so solid - the acting and cinematography carry it far - but the story's payoff didn't deliver the emotional punch I was hoping for. If you're going into this blind, you might not have the same issues; everyone's tastes are different, after all.

In wrapping this up, "Abraham's Boys: A Dracula Story" is a film that's worth your time if you're a fan of the genre, but go in with an open mind. The creative spin on the Dracula legend is refreshing, the acting is stellar, and the cinematography is downright gorgeous. It's well done in so many technical aspects that it's hard not to recommend it. Yet, as someone who enjoyed it initially but ended up disappointed, I'd say it's a mixed bag. Maybe you'll connect with it more than I did - perhaps the scenic beauty and powerful performances will win you over completely. At the very least, it's a reminder that even in a crowded field like vampire movies, there's room for innovation. If you do decide to watch it, make sure you've got a cozy setup, some popcorn, and no distractions. Who knows? You might find yourself enthralled by Abraham's Boys in a way that I wasn't. All in all, it's a solid effort that showcases great talent behind and in front of the camera, even if it doesn't quite stick the landing for everyone.

This movie is a fanfiction sequel of Dracula and therefore requires a solid basis of knowledge of the Dracula canon in order to "work" for its audience.

The characters themselves have their own steady convictions they aren't giving up any time soon: the doubts and questions must live in the viewer instead. The audience knows what happened with Dracula. We were essentially "there" ourselves, witnessing the horror, the terror, and the gore of it through various books, films, and TV shows. We got splashed with the blood and felt the seduction first hand.

But here, under the pleasant California sun and tranquil landscape, and all that darkness far away in another movie/lifetime, it's easy to doubt our memories and wonder: how easy would it be to fool us? Could we have made a mistake? Are we the same as those people in the past who were so certain as they burned witches we now know we're innocent?

The flaws of this movie are that you do need this built in background knowledge of the characters or it's just not going to work. You will be bored and lost and wondering why certain things are big deals and who all these people are.

And while it's fairly well done, it feels like they did a great job using Walmart acrylics, when it could have been a masterpiece in oil grisaille if they'd gotten just slightly better actors/ writers/ directors all around.

A must see for Dracula fans for the very interesting thought experiment, but a pass for everyone else.