Truly Dreadful Film

Disturbing yet enthralling

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

I've read the original J.S LeFanu novella written in 1872 and putting it in a modern setting doesn't seem like a bad idea (the key word being "seem") and the castle they rented out as the location looks amazing even when measured against other, higher budgeted versions of Carmilla. My problem with it is that it seems a little disjointed in terms of what works and what doesn't.Being that Dracula was the 19th Century vampire book that caught on I'll assume that you don't know the plot. Lara (or Laura as she's known in the book) stops a car accident (or carriage) from killing a woman named Carmilla. Friendship blossoms between them, with lesbian subtext (although in the movie it's shot in a way which there's no mistake) but soon young girls start dying and a general tries to stop Carmilla from killing more people.Here's what I didn't like. Stephen Rea being the most bankable star looks like he's sleepwalking through the entire movie. Kind of like a "I'm clueless about my daughter in this movie. Okay, Where's my paycheck?". Being that the emotional core of the novella and this movie is Carmilla and Lara's relationship as she's forced to kill a lover thanks to her being a vampire (I assume it was written with a different mindset in the 1870's but that's definitely an interpretation) and it's rushed. It's kind of like "BAM! They've just met and now they're having a romantic night under the stars!" and I mean the day they meet! Elanor Tomlinson as Lara doesn't do well either and it half-translates the novel to a 1989 setting. Meaning half of it has moments that would have worked better in the 1800's. Parts like the townspeople referring to Carmilla as a "gypsy girl" and The General saying something like Lara is of the devil due to her dodging questions and making her uncomfortable. Oh and making Lara a 1980's emo just doesn't work.Onto what I liked. The cinematography and the locations make this seem like it was shot on a much higher budget then it is. The castle especially looks brilliant even by the standards of other adaptations. Then there's Julie Pietrucha as Carmilla, she is brilliant in the role and I do like how this movie portrays vampirism. I also don't mind the change of having The General know and help Carmilla to stop from killing people and it also managed to throw in themes of feminism and it actually blends seamlessly with the story.So is this the Carmilla adaptation I wanted? No. But it's a damn shame considering how close this was to being a good movie for me. So far, if you want a good Vampire movie with lesbian subtext and themes of feminism, I'd suggest something like We Are The Night. This however is worth a look but it just doesn't do it for me as a fan of the book.

For shame!!! I can honestly say that if it wasn't for those two suspicious film "reviews" (who both seem to coincidentally promote Hulu) that were heaping unending words of praise and wonderment for this "film", I would have let this snooze-fest pass me by without allowing it to steal any more time from me than it already has; however, every time I see a fake review, I get so angry so as to allow that emotion to motivate to write my own. At least this way, people have access to at least one review not promulgated by a shill or anyone else with a pecuniary interest in promoting a film.So I felt as though the story was lacking in any substance which kept my interest. Characters underdeveloped, nothing in the plot which got me to care what happens next. In fact, the only redeeming part of this endeavour was Stephen Rea, although methinks that he is the type of actor who always shines no matter where he's put. Long story short, I quit watching about halfway through. So to be fair, it is possible that the last half of the film could have been the greatest cinematographic event of a lifetime, but I wasn't in the mood to stick around and find out.

Styria should have been called "Her-styria". Bad joke but then Styria is a badly made movie. Styria is confused, much like its target audience, clumsily mixing 60's style cinematography, teen angst, awkward psychological elements and vague references to vampire mythology. Its gruesome fare for all the wrong reasons. There are hysterical daddy complexes on offer, issues with mum, rejection of adult authority (surprise, surprise) and a lot more emotional baggage besides. This icky mess is all topped off with a with a bit of fake blood and a beautiful teen vampire temptress. Simply put, Styria is codswallop, that can only appeal to snotty teen girls who wear dark clothes and make up. Three out of ten from me.

Styria (Aka Angels of Darkness) is a superbly made independent Gothic thriller. I noticed one of the reviewers was thoroughly confused. I guess some people like movies like their chain restaurants. Not me. I was excited to let go and experience something unique and unexpected. The title of Angels of Darkness doesn't do this film justice. It's way to generic and unsubtle. This film is more like a classic supernatural tale. It's very dreamlike and beautifully shot. The acting is wonderful as well. I think the key to watching this film is letting go of expectations about what a supernatural movie or a vampire story should be about. There are lots of ideas and well explored themes. But I think the the thing that I loved the most was the overall MOOD! I can't wait to watch it again!