Dracula Review – Besson’s Love-Struck Reimagining of the Timeless Gothic Tale is Ridiculous but Watchable

Perhaps there is no great enthusiasm for a fresh take of Dracula from Luc Besson, the filmmaker known for glossiness and bloat. Still, one must admit: his opulently crafted romantic vampire tale boasts bold vision and flair – and in all its Hammer-y cheesiness, I’m not sure I wouldn’t prefer over the recent, stately interpretation by Robert Eggers of Nosferatu. Odd details emerge, like a particular moment that seems to depict a geographic divide between France and Romania.

The Veteran Actor as a Witty Yet Careworn Clergyman Hunting Vampires

Christoph Waltz portrays a clever but beleaguered cleric fighting vampires – it’s surprising he never took on such a part earlier – who arrives in Paris in 1889 for the French Revolution centenary celebrations. So does the malevolent vampire count, played by the body-horror veteran Caleb Landry Jones speaking in a twisted regional dialect evoking Steve Carell’s Gru from the Despicable Me comedies. This is a part that he too was born to take on.

The Narrative: A Saga of Heartbreak

The story is this: Dracula has wandered endlessly the world in torment over four centuries since he became undead, a punishment due to his blasphemous mourning following the loss of his spouse Elisabeta (a first film part for Zoë Bleu, daughter of Rosanna Arquette). Dracula has sought relentlessly for a female who would be the reincarnation of his lost love. Unfortunately, the fortunate female is revealed as Mina (portrayed once more by Bleu), the modest betrothed of the count’s timid estate manager, Jonathan Harker (Ewens Abid), who just traveled to the vampire’s estate to discuss his property portfolio and the small picture of the lovely Mina drew the vampire’s attention.

The Filmmaker’s Approach and Humorous Style

Besson organizes Dracula’s flashback sequence of international journeys sporting extravagant attire confidently, and he doesn’t shy away from offering funny bits reminiscent of Mel Brooks – like the vampire’s constant unsuccessful tries to commit suicide after Elisabeta’s death, along with absurd moments that result after Dracula sprays himself with a specific fragrance during the 1700s in Florence, which causes him to be irresistible to women. Absurd yet engaging.

Dracula is on digital platforms from 1 December and on DVD and Blu-ray from December 22nd. It plays in Australian cinemas starting February 5, 2026.