Director André Øvredal has revealed that his latest Dracula film The Last Voyage of Demeter, borrows heavily from Alien.
In a promotional event with Universal Pictures, Øvredal, best known for Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, shared how Ridley Scott's 1979 cult sci-fi horror thriller Alien influenced his latest movie, The Last Voyage of the Demeter. Øvredal described the film as having an "Alien-style" storyline, set in 1897 on the ocean, with Dracula taking the place of the alien monster. The confined setting, reminiscent of Ridley Scott's Alien, combined with the mystery surrounding the crew's encounters with the supernatural, adds depth and tension as the crew faces supernatural encounters.
The filmmaker also praised director Steven Spielberg for his ability to maintain humanity even in the midst of horror, which served as a significant inspiration for The Last Voyage of the Demeter. He acknowledged the impact of Spielberg's work on the film's approach to the portrayal of frightening material. Furthermore, Øvredal highlighted the influence of Alien 3 director David Fincher's visually striking and classical use of camera and light, shaping the film's aesthetics and ambiance.
Producer Mike Medavoy, who previously worked on Alien, also admitted being drawn to the confined setting narrative, similar to Alien, where the characters are trapped and facing an unknown enemy. In The Last Voyage of the Demeter, the ship becomes a capsule for the gripping events that unfold during the voyage, heightening the suspense and horror.
Bram Stoker's Dracula Provided Inspiration
The Last Voyage of the Demeter draws inspiration from Bram Stoker's horror-gothic vampire novel, specifically the single chapter, "The Captain's Log," as the crew embarks on their journey. The film combines elements of suspense and horror, creating a tale of survival and terror on the high seas. While the novel has been adapted numerous times over the years, such as the BBC's recent take on Dracula, the specific chapter remains a comparatively unexplored part of the story.
The upcoming film, directed by André Øvredal and written by Bragi F. Schut Jr. and Zak Olkewicz, features Corey Hawkins, Aisling Franciosi, David Dastmalchian, Javier Botet, Liam Cunningham, and Woody Norman, in various roles. The film's plot revolves around the harrowing journey of the merchant vessel Demeter, sailing from Transylvania to London. Unbeknownst to the crew and passengers, a centuries-old vampire, Dracula, lurks on board, relentlessly preying on its victims.
The Last Voyage of the Demeter will release in theaters on Aug. 11.
Source: Syfy