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DRACULA

Luc Besson's new film, Dracula creeped me out. I'm not sure if that makes it a good movie or not, but it's certainly memorable.

The story follows a 15th century prince named Prince Vladimir (Caleb Landry Jones) as he accidently kills his wife Elisabeta (Zoe Blue) while trying to save her from assassins. He renounces God and kills the priest who promised he'd pray for his wife's life. Cursed with immortality, he becomes Dracula, a vampire who is dead set on reuniting with his reincarnated wife. There is only one man, a priest from Bavaria (Christoph Waltz), who knows how to stop him.

The film is written and directed by Luc Besson, based on the 1897 novel Dracula by Bram Stoker. I love the cinematography of this film. It has a way of bringing you into the story and making you feel like you're really living the story together with the characters. The sets, designed by Hugues Tissandier, and costume designs by Corine Bruand are impeccable. They are both whimsical and realistic at the same time. I also enjoyed the Oscar-worthy performances of the actors. They take us to another level of immersion and emotion in ways which will be appreciated by audiences with a keen eye. My personal favorite character is Dracula's accomplice, Maria (Matilda De Angelis). Seeing her act so energetically made me feel more alive. However, I feel a couple of things are lacking in the film. It has a heavy focus on romance. It's a love story about a man who waits for 400 years to be reunited with his wife. That is handled quite well, but I feel the film lacks good world-building. The film doesn't really give us any background on the nature of the Dracula magic. Did Vladimir become a vampire immediately or did he slowly turn into one? Was it painful? Were there other vampires or mythical creatures that he formed relationships with? Also, there is a lack of chemistry between Mina (Elisabeta's reincarnation) and Dracula. While the actors excel in conveying their passion; it feels all too sudden. The film doesn't give us enough time to understand the extent of their affection for one another and the grief that ensues. As a result, I couldn't really empathize with Dracula.

The film's message is that if you really love someone, you will do what's best for them. Sometimes, that means just letting them go. Note that there is a lot of biting, blood, illusions of death and murder as well as suggestive content.

I give Dracula 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Dracula releases in theaters on February 6, 2026.

By Valeria M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

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When a 15th-century prince denounces God after the loss of his wife he inherits an eternal curse: he becomes Dracula. Condemned to wander the centuries, he defies fate and death, guided by a single hope - to be reunited with his lost love.