Why ‘The Vourdalak’ is the Vampire Film You’ve Been Missing!

by

In 2024, Robert Eggers’ reimagining of the classic horror tale “Nosferatu” was one of the most eagerly awaited films in the genre. Living up to expectations, this director known for his historically grounded and visually rich narratives such as “The Witch”, “The Lighthouse”, and “The Northman”, brought his signature style to one of cinema’s oldest vampire stories. The outcome was a stunning and captivating portrayal that met fan expectations, though it leaned more towards creating an immersive atmosphere rather than delivering outright scares.

However, whereas Nosferatu has garnered accolades and even Oscar nominations, another historical vampire film that premiered in 2023, The Vourdalak, directed by French filmmaker Adrien Beau, has largely flown under the radar since its release. Despite receiving critical acclaim (with a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), its limited scope and art-house distribution prevented it from reaching many cinema audiences compared to Nosferatu’s extensive release. Fortunately, the horror enthusiasts at Shudder have recently made it available for streaming, which may help this remarkable vampire story finally receive the recognition it deserves.

‘The Vourdalak’s Take on Historical Horror

The creature known as the Vourdalak, commonly spelled Wurdulac in some versions, originates from a distinct vampire folklore unlike that portrayed in the character Nosferatu. This entity is rooted in Slavic folklore and possesses its own unique set of legends. Over time, the Vourdalak has been sometimes categorized as a vampire but more often than not, it differs significantly. Unlike traditional vampires who indiscriminately feed on any victim they can bite, a Wurdulak is said to focus on preying upon specific family units rather than individuals. This characteristic was introduced in Aleksey K. Tolstoy’s 1839 novella “The Family of the Vourdalak,” which served as the basis for Beau’s film adaptation.

Look what transpires: At precisely six o’clock, he’s found, and Jegor disregards the warning and invites him in. From then on, Gorcha devours his family member by member, while Sdenka (Ariane Labed) strives to exterminate the beast within their house, aided by Jacques who is in way over his head.

What Makes ‘The Vourdalak’ So Special?

In a creative and distinctive approach, the movie “Vourdalak” adopts a style reminiscent of European horror films from the 60s and 70s, with an exaggerated sense of unreality. One captivating aspect of director Beau’s vision is to depict the Vourdalak as a marionette puppet rather than a live actor, a choice that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of practical effects. The skeletal structure and chilling grin of the puppet, combined with Beau’s expressive, theatrical voice performance, give the creature an eerie, alien quality that makes Jegor’s denial of his father’s transformation even more striking. Although the illusion may not be perfectly convincing, it aligns beautifully with the film’s dreamlike atmosphere, and the charm of the puppet is hard to resist.

A compelling narrative element arises from the struggle between adhering to tradition and embracing modernity, as well as balancing family duties with personal safety. In the story, Jegor’s submissiveness towards his father unintentionally provides a platform for the monster to exploit the family, yet it is his initial disobedience of his father’s advice that sets everything into motion. Sdenka and her brother Piotr (Vassili Schneider) recognize the truth, but their insights are undermined by Jegor who acts as the de facto leader within the household. Jacques, an outsider to the situation, lacks the power to help Jegor understand the chaos unfolding in his own home.

The movie titled “The Vourdalak” is less grandiose than “Nosferatu,” boasting a compact cast and limited settings. Yet, it carries an enchanting uniqueness that sets it apart. Unlike Eggers’ film, which is visually stunning and meticulously constructed, it bears the feeling of retelling a well-known tale. However, “The Vourdalak” cleverly reimagines one of cinema’s classic monsters in a refreshing way. It’s an impressive first feature by Beau and signals him as a promising new talent in horror worth following. For horror enthusiasts with subscriptions to both Peacock and Shudder, it would make an excellent double bill alongside “Nosferatu.

Read More

2025-05-18 05:02