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Film Review: Dracula Untold
/ October 6, 2014
Rating: M
Release Date: October 2nd, 2014
Weaving vampire mythology with the true history of Prince Vlad the Impaler, Dracula Untold explores the origins of this conflicted leader.
Having stepped away from his infamous past to become a sound Prince and respected Father, Vlad is confronted by a supernatural evil that threatens his kingdom and family. In order to protect his people Vlad makes a deal with the Devil, acquiring dark powers to strengthen his attack. However, if within 3 days he’s not defeated his enemy and refrained from giving in to evil himself, Vlad will be a monster for all eternity.
Very high stakes I’d say.
Although you go into the film knowing the outcome, Dracula Untold can’t be palmed off as just another ‘vampire flick’.
Luke Evans (The Hobbit, Fast and Furious 6), dials down cries of “I vwant to suck your blood”, instead creating a character deeply challenged by how to overthrow evil.
Going “into the grave to find hope,” Vlad enters the Master Vampire’s ‘Great Game’ between “light verse darkness, hope verse fear, [where] the fate of the world hangs in the balance.”
Mirroring Christ’s’ 3 day sacrifical venture into Hades, he attempts to take the keys of hell and destroy darkness, but flips the coin – what if our victor didn’t defeat evil but instead was overcome by it? What if he allowed himself to become a monster and not a hero?
Vlad’s decisions become a window into the birthplace of evil. He presents an alternative to the idea that only goodness can save us, questioning what kind of power would really be ‘ultimate’.
As fantastical as Dracula Untold may seem, Vlad’s challenges are very human in nature; He’s a Prince trying to do right by his kingdom, a husband trying to do right by his wife, and a Father trying to do right by his son. Seeking authority over the battles that bears, he delves into the belly of the beast and is confronted by the option we all face – do I follow the kingdom of darkness, or of light?
While we may not grow fangs as a consequence of our choice, Dracula Untold’s steady tension gives good pause for thought, reminding us of the Bible’s command to “…not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
6.5/10
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