The Demeter's Final Journey: Must-Watch Movies Before the New Dracula Film

Dracula, Bram Stoker's horror classic published in 1897, has been a source of inspiration for numerous movies, TV shows, books, short stories, and video games. These works have explored various aspects of Stoker's novel, ranging from faithful adaptations to indirect connections with the well-known vampire. Undoubtedly, Dracula stands as one of the most extensively adapted novels in the history of film.

Nevertheless, amidst the myriad of film adaptations, one particular chapter often goes unnoticed. "The Captain's Log," a brief segment within the novel where an unnamed captain documents his horrifying encounter with Dracula on his ship, rarely makes it to the big screen. Fortunately, this lesser-known passage will finally have its moment with the release of The Last Voyage of the Demeter in August 2023. To prepare for the upcoming film, it is time to delve into some of the finest Dracula adaptations, including those that touch upon this obscure aspect of Dracula's legend.

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

Midnight Mass (2021)

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), helmed by Francis Ford Coppola, is widely regarded by fans as the ultimate adaptation of the iconic vampire tale. Gary Oldman's portrayal of Count Dracula not only lives up to the expectations set by the likes of Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee but also surpasses them. This star-studded production, featuring Anthony Hopkins, Winona Ryder, and Keanu Reeves, delivers a faithful and well-executed retelling of the classic story. For those unfamiliar with the central character and plot, Coppola's timeless rendition of Dracula serves as a solid introduction. Before embarking on the Demeter this August, make sure to watch this canonical picture.

The horror miniseries "Flanaverse" on Netflix has gained significant popularity in recent years. This success can be attributed to filmmaker Mike Flanagan's releases, including "The Haunting of Hill House" (2018), "The Haunting of Bly Manor" (2020), and "The Midnight Club" (2022). Although Flanagan is known for his "haunting" themes, his 2021 miniseries "Midnight Mass" offers a refreshing twist. Set on a remote island town, the series revolves around the arrival of Father Paul (Hamish Linklater), an enigmatic and captivating priest who brings both horrors and miracles. While not a direct adaptation of Dracula, "Midnight Mass" incorporates certain design choices and storyline elements that draw inspiration from the world of Dracula media. Fans should definitely watch it on Netflix to catch a glimpse of The Last Voyage of the Demeter's aesthetic choices.

Dracula Untold (2014)

The Strain (2014-2017)

The 2014 film "Dracula Untold," directed by Gary Shore, takes a different approach to the Dracula mythos by combining elements of action and fantasy. The story revolves around Vlad Tepes, who is depicted as a young and noble lord. His main objective is to defend his kingdom against Turkish invaders. In order to achieve this, Vlad makes a risky decision and submits himself to the power of an ancient evil dwelling in a cave. This entity offers him immense power in exchange for his soul. Without hesitation, Vlad embraces the offer and transforms into the iconic vampire that fans are familiar with, but with some differences. He remains altruistic and attractive. Although this reimagining of Dracula's origins diverges from the established canon, it prompts viewers to question the inherent evilness associated with the character. As they move on to the next installment, they may find themselves pondering whether this monstrous being has always lacked a human soul.

The Strain (2014-2017), a television series by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, reimagines vampirism as a parasitic disease. Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, an official from the CDC, is faced with the task of containing its outbreak in New York City, as individuals start undergoing a transformation into mindless creatures known as strigoi, driven by an insatiable thirst for blood. However, this vampire epidemic is not a mere accident; it is orchestrated by an intelligent creature called The Master, who manipulates others through a telepathic hive mind. With similarities to Dracula, The Master's journey from overseas to NYC involves the murder of an entire ship's crew. Fans seeking this particular trope will find it fulfilled in The Strain.

Renfield (2023)

Nicolas Cage's long-cherished dream of portraying Dracula finally came true in 2023 when director Chris McKay brought it to life in the comedy horror film, Renfield. However, this time the spotlight shifts onto Dracula's servant R. M. Renfield, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, who transforms into an almost superhero-like character with astonishing strength and incredible speed. Employing these newfound abilities, Renfield devotes himself to protecting the innocent, much to Dracula's displeasure. Fearing the loss of his target for serial mistreatment, Dracula retaliates by declaring war on humanity. Witness Renfield's fascinating depiction in the untold tales of Dracula, although it must be acknowledged that Cage's performance as Dracula undoubtedly steals the show.

Dracula, the BBC Miniseries (2020)

For a more entertaining take on the Dracula story, fans of shows like Doctor Who and Sherlock should definitely check out the BBC's 2020 miniseries, Dracula. With their trademark sharp storytelling, creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat bring Dracula's life to life in this captivating three-episode series. In preparation for The Last Voyage of the Demeter, viewers will particularly enjoy the second episode, where Dracula mercilessly takes the lives of his fellow passengers on the very same ship.

Dracula (1931)

For those who haven't done so yet, it is essential to watch the original 1931 Dracula, the Universal Pictures monster movie that started it all. Although Gary Oldman portrayed Dracula in the 90s, Bela Lugosi will always be recognized as the face of the golden age of black-and-white horror cinema. However, it is important to adjust expectations due to its age. It should be noted that the 1931 adaptation is not known for its faithfulness to the novel. Nevertheless, Dracula fans still recognize Lugosi as the timeless representation of the legendary bloodsucker, so viewers should not miss it before watching The Last Voyage of the Demeter.

The Last Voyage of the Demeter is scheduled to premiere in theaters on August 11, 2023.