THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER: Out Now on UK DVD, Blu-Ray & 4K- Review
Courtesy of Dazzler Media UK Film fans have the opportunity to support physical media and purchase the latest Horror/Action offering of the Dracula saga “The Last Voyage Of The Demeter” out now on DVD, Blu-Ray and HD. Based on the one chapter 7 in Bram Stoker’s Dracula “Captains Log” tells the story of the cursed ship and it’s passengers who transported the blood thirsty count to Whitby, London. Which is a breath of fresh air, a new story that hasn’t been done before on the screen. I had the opportunity to sit down and watch the film alongside my Horror fan dad and this is what we had to say about it.
The opening of the film shows the aftermath of the shipwreck of the Demeter and the finding of the captains log. The cut to a much brighter second scene is somewhat a surprise taken that there is a dark and sinister story ahead. The Demeter has docked and requires addition men to board the ship on their journey to England. Clemens played by “Corey Hawkins” overhears this news and decides to hedge his bets and try to join the ship’s crew to return to his homeland of England. Unfortunately he doesn’t make the cut. However, after a near death experience for the captain’s grandson Toby played magnificently by “Woody Norman” saved by Clemens he is given a lifeline to board the ship as it’s doctor.
The remainder of the ship’s crew are made up of very colourful characters whom meet the brief of rough and tough sailors who have seen it all, or have they? During the first days on the high seas there is a sense of darkness creeping over the ship which is slowly revealed. The first sign is the discovery of a female who was held in a soil filled wooden crate which broke during a stormy night. Clemens rushes to the woman’s aid and heals her from what seems to be infected blood. The crew are not happy to have this woman on board as it is a bad omen for the ship, they plead for the captain to throw her overboard however he is reticent and instead spares her life.
The first glance of the count is during an encounter on the top deck during a dark night. Creeping in the shadows, director André Øvredal does a great job in reserving the full feature of Dracula to the later part of the film. The first victim to the count is the ships trusted pet dog who seems to be mauled and bitten badly. Found by Clemens his discovery goes further with all the livestock on board for their food have also be mutilated. Again the curse of a female on board comes into question until their stowaway awakens and sheds some light on the recent horrible events.
She speaks of an evil that was bestowed upon her own village for years and now is fleeing to find new land and victims. The talk of this dark creature is nonsense, Clemens seeks a much more scientific and realistic reason. However the change of cinematography from light joyful colours to darker tones we know that is it about to go down!
One by one each night the ship’s crew members are struck off and killed by the beast. One survives only to wreak havoc on an attempt to kill Toby. Once tied up and the sun rises his flesh is burned, true to the legend of the vampires and their weakness to sunlight. Unfortunately Toby’s luck runs out as he is Dracula’s next victim which puts the captain played by the Game Of Thrones actor “Liam Cunningham” into a constant sense of regret. Despite their best efforts his body is tossed overboard after a hideous ordeal. Now there were only three Clemens, Anna “Aisling Franciosi” and the Captain. They plot a plan to take the ship down with the evil count on board taking him to a watery grave.
Their optimism proves a little too premature as he isn’t going down without a fight. The action and flying sequences are done to a high level. What impressed me the most was the CGI Dracula, kudos to the VFX team they have created something of Gollum level, a creature that looks real and terrifying I may add. Overall the conclusion of the film is wrapped up neatly and leaves the door wide open for a continuation of Clemens tracking down the count maybe a new incarnation of Van Helsing? Only time will tell.
Our verdict on this Dracula outing is that the acting was superb and believable , the cinematography was excellent, the grade and VFX really boosted the film and the sound design kept you jumping at times. It stays mostly true to the Bram Stoker tale and presents the blood thirsty character with a new monster style look. As Vampire films go this wasn’t bad at all and that’s coming from someone who isn’t a huge fan of the genre.
We rated the film 4/5 Bats
You can purchase the film now on DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Voyage-Demeter-UHD-Blu-ray/dp/B0DP7RL25V/
