Before he became Dracula, Vlad Tepes (Luke Evans) was a mortal. But to save his family, the loving husband and father makes the ultimate sacrifice: this is the untold story of the man behind the legend.
As a child, Vlad was taken from his home and forced to serve as a soldier in the Turkish Army, where his ferocity on the battlefields earned him the nickname “Vlad the Impaler”. Many years later, he returns to his homeland to reign over a peaceful and prosperous kingdom – until the day an old enemy arrives at his door.
The Turkish Army is once again preparing for battle and the Sultan Mehmed wants 1000 boys, including Vlad’s only son Ingeras, to replenish his ranks. Knowing that his refusal will trigger a war, the desperate Vlad reaches out to the only one with the power to save his people: a supernatural being so feared that few dare to speak its name. But great power comes at a price, and this deal could cost Vlad his soul.
Despite its name, Dracula Untold is less of a vampire movie and more of a prelude to the legend. Directed by Gary Shore, the film focusses on Vlad’s slow descent into darkness. Vampires make little more than cameo appearances, although fans of Bram Stoker’s classic tale will appreciate the subtle character references.
With his strong, chiselled features, Evans shines as Vlad Tepes, delivering an emotionally charged, action-packed performance which enables audiences to see one of history’s greatest monsters in a new light. Dominic Cooper (of Mamma Mia fame) is convincing as the film’s human villain, Mehmed, while Charles Dance makes an eerie Master Vampire.
Cleverly crafted special effects create hideous creatures worthy of Bram Stoker, while also adding an extra layer of gore to the violent battle scenes. They also allow the audience to experience Vlad’s world through his newfound (and extremely heightened) vampire senses, and it’s a shame the film isn’t shown in 3D.
Filmed on location in Northern Ireland, Dracula Untold features breathtaking shots of rugged mountain ranges, lush forests and barren fields – the perfect setting for an epic battle.
Despite the film’s lack of fangs, there are enough bloody battle scenes to keep audiences entertained, and the exploration of Dracula’s human past offers an interesting perspective. A new spin on an old classic, Dracula Untold is a tale you can really sink your teeth into.
