The Last Voyage of the Demeter

The Last Voyage of the Demeter is a 2023 American supernatural horror film directed by André Øvredal. Based on a single chapter, "The Captain’s Log," from Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula, the film explores the harrowing events that unfold aboard the merchant ship Demeter as it unknowingly transports the vampire Count Dracula from Transylvania to England. The screenplay was written by Bragi F. Schut Jr. and Zak Olkewicz, with Amblin Partners and Universal Pictures producing.

Plot[]

A merchant ship mysteriously washes ashore in England on August 6, 1897, with no survivors. Among the wreckage, authorities discover the captain’s log, detailing the horrifying events that unfolded during the ship’s journey.

A month earlier, the Demeter docks in Varna, Bulgaria, to take on cargo bound for London—several large wooden crates from Romania. The local workers, fearful and superstitious, refuse to load the shipment after sunset. Before departing, one of them hands the ship’s quartermaster, Wojchek, a sum of money and offers a foreboding farewell.

Clemens, a Cambridge-educated doctor, seeks passage on the ship, arguing that his medical and navigational skills could be useful. Initially turned away, he earns his place after saving the captain’s grandson, Toby, from a falling crate. As the voyage begins, a crate breaks open in the cargo hold, revealing an unconscious woman buried in dirt. Clemens attempts to revive her, believing she is ill.

Strange occurrences plague the Demeter as the ship crosses the Aegean Sea. A shadowy figure is spotted on deck, and soon after, the ship’s animals are slaughtered. The woman, Anna, regains consciousness and warns that a vampire from Transylvania—Dracula—is aboard, feeding on the crew. She reveals she was sent as a "blood slave" to appease the creature.

Dracula begins picking off the crew one by one, turning Olgaren into a thrall. He later attacks Toby, fatally infecting him. In the morning, Olgaren bursts into flames in the sunlight, confirming Dracula’s supernatural nature. During Toby’s sea burial, he reanimates and attempts to attack the crew before being cast into the ocean.

Realizing they must destroy the ship to prevent Dracula from reaching London, the remaining crew members attempt to sink it. However, Dracula slaughters Captain Elliot, Abrams, and Wojchek. During the final confrontation, Clemens and Anna manage to trap Dracula under part of the mast and abandon ship, believing the vampire to be dead. However, before the Demeter fully sinks, it runs aground, allowing Dracula to survive.

Floating on debris, Anna reveals that Dracula’s bite is slowly turning her into a vampire. Unwilling to become a monster, she sacrifices herself at sunrise while Clemens drifts to shore.

Now in London, Clemens sketches Anna’s portrait in a tavern, only to realize Dracula is still alive, now disguised as an aristocrat. Hearing the Demeter’s crew’s signal of "all clear" echo in his mind, Clemens follows Dracula’s shadow into the night, vowing revenge.

Cast[]

Corey Hawkins as Clemens, a doctor who joins the voyage
Aisling Franciosi as Anna, a stowaway with knowledge of Dracula
Liam Cunningham as Captain Eliot, the seasoned leader of the Demeter
David Dastmalchian as Wojchek, the first mate
Javier Botet as Count Dracula
Jon Jon Briones as Joseph
Stefan Kapičić as Olgaren
Nikolai Nikolaeff as Petrofsky

Production[]

Development of the film dates back to 2002, with various directors and writers attached at different stages. In 2019, Norwegian filmmaker André Øvredal was officially brought on board to direct. Principal photography took place in Berlin, Germany, and Malta in 2021, employing practical effects and atmospheric cinematography to create an immersive, claustrophobic horror experience.

Gallery[]

Release and Reception[]

The Last Voyage of the Demeter was released theatrically in the United States on August 11, 2023, by Universal Pictures. Despite a promising premise and strong performances, particularly from Corey Hawkins and Javier Botet, the film received mixed reviews from critics. Praise was directed at its eerie atmosphere and commitment to gothic horror aesthetics, while some critics felt the film struggled to sustain suspense over its runtime. At the box office, the film underperformed, grossing approximately $21 million worldwide against a reported budget of $45 million. Despite its lukewarm commercial performance, the film has garnered a cult following among gothic horror enthusiasts and fans of Dracula adaptations. It has been noted for its unique approach in expanding on a brief but iconic chapter from Stoker’s novel, offering a fresh perspective on the classic vampire mythos.