Writer-director Luc Besson (The Fifth Element) ventures into the realm of eternal night with Dracula (previously titled Dracula: A Love Tale). This sweeping gothic romance eschews pure horror in favor of exploring the profound, centuries-long tragedy of its titular anti-hero.
The narrative pivots away from the typical monster narrative. It instead focuses on Prince Vladimir, a man whose devotion to his wife, Elisabeta, leads him to an eternal damnation. Upon the devastating loss of his beloved, Vladimir renounces his faith. Vladimir is transformed into a vampire, an immortal creature bound by unending grief.
The core of the film follows this quest across the ages. Centuries later, within the fog-shrouded streets of 19th-century London, Vladimir encounters a woman who bears a striking resemblance to his long-lost Elisabeta. This fateful encounter ignites a passionate, yet deeply tragic pursuit that ultimately seals his immortal fate. Besson’s adaptation emphasizes this romantic imperative, portraying Dracula not merely as a bloodthirsty fiend, but as a tormented soul searching for his lost love across more than 400 years.
The visual splendor is matched by its distinguished ensemble. It stars Caleb Landry Jones (Harvest), Zoë Bleu (The Institute), and the always impressive Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Bastards).
The film boasts lavish production and costume design, meticulously crafted to enhance the dramatic, sweeping narrative. The intent is to recapture the intense, sweeping melodrama characteristic of classic vampire literature, while simultaneously plumbing deeper emotional currents concerning enduring love and irreparable loss.
While the film premiered in France on July 30, 2025, international viewers have had to wait. However, it won’t be much longer. There is finally a US theatrical release date, scheduled for February 6, 2026.
This unique fusion of Gothic grandeur and heart-wrenching romance promises a highly anticipated cinematic experience. This positions Dracula (Dracula: A Love Tale) as a unique counterpoint in the crowded landscape of vampire cinema.
