The Enigmatic Allure of The Vourdalak: A Delightfully Campy Journey

Adrien Beau’s directorial debut, The Vourdalak, offers an enchanting return to the folklore-infused horror of yesteryear, channeling the spirit of classic 1960s and 1970s Hammer Horror films. This delightful piece takes us deep into the heart of a perilous Serbian forest, where danger lurks behind every shadow and where the line between seduction and horror becomes utterly blurred.

An eerie moment from The Vourdalak. Enchantment meets danger.

A Cinematic Dream of Folklore

Based on Aleksey Tolstoy’s timeless story The Family of the Vourdalak, the film offers a unique lens through which we explore a world steeped in myth and superstition. As a fan of classic vampire tales, I felt a rush of nostalgia as I watched Marquis Jacques Antoine Saturnin d’Urfé, played by Kacey Mottet Klein, stumble into the home of a bizarre family during an era of unending war between the Turks and Serbians.

The film is emphasized by a sense of campy comedy intertwined with genuine horror. There’s something uniquely thrilling about watching a foppish courtier confront ancient fears—a striking contrast that tickles the imagination. The film invites us to ponder: how would a cultured nobleman fare against creatures whose existence challenges Enlightenment ideals? By evoking a chuckle and a shiver simultaneously, The Vourdalak cleverly leads us into its enchanting trap.

Characters in a Folk Ballet

The characters in Beau’s film are as captivating as the story itself. From the stunning beauty Sdenka (Ariane Labad), who becomes the object of affection for the hapless Marquis, to Jegor (Grégoire Colin), a skeptical son grappling with familial and supernatural pressures, the rich tapestry of relationships adds layers to the narrative. Anja, his wife, played by Claire Duburcq, captures the audience’s empathy, showcasing the delicate balance between hysteria and perseverance.

As Sdenka and the Marquis dance around each other with flirtation and intrigue, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my own experiences with unrequited love—the thrill of wooing someone who feels completely out of reach. Sdenka’s retort to the Marquis encapsulates the core of their dynamic:

“I do not believe in fate.”
It’s a moment that resonates deeply; how many times have I found myself entwined in a situation that felt destined yet evaded any conclusion?

The haunting forest that frames The Vourdalak’s chilling tale.

An Undead Masterpiece

The film cleverly introduces Old Gorcha back into the fold after he goes hunting, establishing the central conflict of the narrative. The presentation of Gorcha as an undead creature yet performance of his living personality is a fascinating twist that I found irresistible. Though his monstrous nature is evident, he embodies traits that feel disturbingly familiar yet grotesque. This paradox offered a unique commentary on familial bonds and expectations, as his relationship with his sons oscillates between camaraderie and dominance.

The consequences of his arrival soar into darkness, laid bare through the tension-building techniques that Beau employs throughout the film. Taking cues from cinematic masters such as Konstantin Yershov and Jean Rollin, Beau crafts an experience tinged with both horror and a dark whimsy. The deaths that unfold are both inevitable and riveting, a testament to the director’s capabilities in creating unease and fascination.

Cinematography: A Love Letter to Horror

Filmed on super 16mm, The Vourdalak successfully captures the aesthetics of bygone cinema while infusing it with a modern sensibility. Some scenes reflect the luscious color palettes and rich textures that brought vintage horror to life. The film delights in the absurdity of its premise, while it holds our hand through the tale’s darker alleys. When Sdenka’s modest attire sways against her skin, I felt a rush of nostalgia for the suggestive elegance that characterizes classic horror films.

As audience members, we are treated to both the visually stunning and the grotesque, aspects that can be challenging to balance but essential for a film rooted in folklore and desire. Watching The Vourdalak felt like a rite of passage through not just horror, but also the exploration of the subconscious.

Conclusion: An Excursion into Enchantment

In The Vourdalak, Adrien Beau fuses enchantment with the grotesque, crafting a film that acts as a homage to classic horror while providing a robust, unique experience. The narrative twists and character arcs enchant us, persuading us to surrender ourselves to the immersive world he has built. It’s a film that invites discussion—a perfect addition to any horror lover’s collection.

With a sprinkle of irony and a flair for the dramatic, The Vourdalak may well become a classic in its own right. In my view, it encapsulates a new vision for vampire cinema, persuading us that the allure of darkness is a double-edged sword—one that we are both drawn to and terrified by.

Grade: A

The eerie ambiance of the Vourdalak world illustrates the film’s atmosphere.

Tags

• Horror
• Vampire Films
• Adrien Beau
• Classic Horror
• Folklore

About the Movie

The Vourdalak is deeply entrenched in rich storytelling and evokes the best of gothic horror— a must-watch for enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.