Key Highlights
- The latest Dracula adaptation by filmmaker Luc Besson fails to offer many new surprises.
- Besson’s film stretches the story over four centuries, focusing on Dracula’s transformation and his interactions with various historical figures.
- The film is criticized for rehashing well-trodden horror tropes without adding much originality.
- Expert reviewers argue that Besson’s work lacks the intensity of earlier adaptations like “Nosferatu” or Gary Oldman’s portrayal in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 version.
A New Chapter in Dracula Adaptations
In a latest addition to the storied history of vampire tales, French filmmaker Luc Besson takes on Bram Stoker’s iconic character in his movie “Dracula – Die Auferstehung”. Released in 2025, this film aims to bring new life to one of the most recognizable figures in horror literature. However, critics argue that it falls short of expectations.
Besson’s Take on Dracula
Set against a backdrop of historical transformation, the film follows Graf Dracula (played by Caleb Landry Jones) through four centuries, from his tumultuous relationship with Elizabeta to his eventual confrontation with modern society. While Besson’s opulent production design and detailed costumes are praised for their historical accuracy, some critics find these elements overwhelming and detract from the core narrative.
Rehashing Old Themes
“Dracula – Die Auferstehung” is criticized for recycling familiar themes without offering new insights. Reviewers point out that Besson’s approach to Dracula’s character development and his interactions with other characters, such as the recurring figure of Christoph Waltz as Van Helsing, feel derivative. The film’s emphasis on historical accuracy, while impressive, is seen as a double-edged sword by some viewers who are looking for more engaging storytelling.
Comparisons to Previous Adaptations
Despite Besson’s efforts to create a visually stunning and historically rich narrative, the film faces tough competition from earlier adaptations. Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Dracula in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 version is cited as an example of how modern cinema can bring new life to classic characters without relying on extensive historical context. Similarly, the 1922 silent horror film “Nosferatu” by F.W.
Murnau is noted for its raw intensity and psychological depth.
Overall, while “Dracula – Die Auferstehung” offers a visually rich and historically informed take on the vampire legend, it may not satisfy those seeking innovative storytelling or a return to the core horror elements that made Bram Stoker’s original novel so compelling. As Besson himself said during the film’s premiere, “There is nothing left to suck from this Dracula.”
