[Fantasia 2026] FILM REVIEW: Los Vampires

Los Vampires - Fantasia World Premiere Review

Director: Craig Mitchell

Starring: Henry Ian Cusick, Thomas Kretschmann, Daniela Couso, Jorge Diaz, Oscar Nuñez

Written by: Craig Mitchell

Produced by: Ty Donaldson

Cinematography by: Simon Coull

Original Score by: Josh Mancell

Synopsis:

Follows the fictionalized account of the making of George Melford's 1931 Spanish Dracula.

Thoughts:

As a huge fan of everything Dracula, this was a standout from the line-up when the first wave of films were announced. What a premise. The story about how and why two almost identical versions (English and Spanish) of Bram Stoker's classic novel were filmed together on the same set using the same equipment, one during the day the other during the night, is legendary. I also love movies about the production of films so that was another reason. But this is less about the actual filming of 'Dracula' and more about the relationship between the two lead actors playing the Count in their respective film versions. Will they out do each other?

Henry Ian Cusick stars as Luis De Ossario, a Spanish actor who has just been cast as Count Vlad in a big time feature film adaptation of the famous gothic horror story. Being the consummate professional, De Ossario has perfected the script and even purchased his own set of fangs to give more depth and personality to the character. However, upon arrival at the studio, De Ossario becomes aware that his role will be limited and he must adhere to certain rules. The main one being that he must replicate everything Kürt Orlav, his English speaking counterpart, is doing on set and leave his naive idea that he can actually bring something unique and fresh to the role behind him.

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Understandably shocked and upset, De Ossario has a decision to make and his job becomes even more difficult when he eventually meets Orlav (Thomas Kretschmann) during shoots, who tells him exactly how it is and how it's going to be, whether he likes it or not.

Cusick is, as expected, wonderful in the role. I was always such a huge fan of him in 'Lost' and he brought so much anger, sympathy, desperation and humanity to Desmond during his time on the show. I was very eager to see what he would bring to this role and I wasn't disappointed. Kretshcmann is solid too as the Lugosi-like actor. The film doesn't mess about in the beginning with both De Ossario and Orlav meeting quite early on. It's established that a rivalry between the two is unavoidable.

But then everything slows down. We're introduced to some other characters like Sister Aubrey (Carol Abney) and Gasper Lazano (Oscar Nunez) but for the most part the film really focusses on the meeting between De Ossario and Orlav, during the dailies rewatch, with Orlav usually coming out on top. The pacing of the film isn't great even after the inclusion of Vianca Sugura (Danielle Couso) who sort of acts like an anchor, at least to begin with, between the two feuding men.

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Craig Mitchell is clearly doing his own thing here entirely and it sort of does give off 'Shadow of the Vampire' vibes, without the sardonic humour. It's beautiful to look at, especially when it falls into black and white "shooting" mode. I loved seeing the sets, which are obviously attempting to recreate the original sets from the 1931 film. It definitely had an "old Hollywood" dreamlike aesthetic which won me over instantly. Sadly it does lose its way a little bit towards the end before we finally reveal the "winner" of the two actors. It would work really well as a stage play as it has a fantastic atmosphere and both Cusick and Kretschmann have solid chemistry.

'Los Vampires' is a fantastic premise and intriguing exploration into the depths that a person may allow themselves to drift to under the duress of bitter competition. It's outrageous but held together nicely by two impressive leads.

Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

-Gavin Logan

'Los Vampires' received its World Premiere at Fantasia 2026 on July 21st