Blood-soaked Brilliance: Subspecies Review
Subspecies (1991) stands as a hidden treasure, often overlooked but truly remarkable to fans of deep cuts of the genre. Firstly, it holds a significant place in cinematic history as the inaugural American film shot in Romania. Secondly, it redefines the vampire narrative by blending fresh concepts with elements reminiscent of the 1922 classic, Nosferatu. The outcome? A distinctively unromantic yet unforgettable portrayal of the main villain, Radu.
With an intriguing introduction like that, let’s sink our teeth into what Subspecies is all about, and our thoughts.
Plot
The film Subspecies tells the narrative of Michelle and Lillian, two American college students who travel to Romania to investigate the region’s traditions. They are joined by a third student at the station.
Soon after they arrive, they become engaged in a centuries-old feud between two vampire brothers, Radu and Stefan. Radu, the more hideous and jealous of the two, desires to own the Bloodstone, a magical artefact that gives immortality. Meanwhile, Stefan, who has abandoned his vampiric nature, falls in love with Michelle and fights to keep her safe from Radu’s bloodthirsty grasp.
As the students learn the truth about the local legends and the vampire conflict, they find themselves in a desperate fight for survival against Radu’s unrelenting pursuit.
Review
The film captures the awe-inspiring beauty of the Romanian landscape. With its majestic mountains, dense forests, and charming Eastern European villages, every scene oozes with the gothic atmosphere of the vampire genre. Moreover, the authentic castles serving as Radu’s lair provide an immersive backdrop, further enriching the film’s ambience.
I found Radu’s character design particularly striking. The use of shadows around him evokes the eerie presence of Count Orlok from Nosferatu. Additionally, I appreciated the detail of his ability to snap off his long, talon-like fingers, again reminiscent of Count Orlok, to summon blood goblin allies to do his bidding.
Detractors often criticize the flat acting and the practical effects of falling short. I didn’t find the acting to be so poor that it diminished my enjoyment of the film. As for the B-movie standard effects, like many fans of this horror niche, I felt they added a certain charm. While they may have seemed dated, they didn’t come across as overly comical to me. Overall, these aspects weren’t a concern for my viewing experience.
