Dracula: The Count’s Kin, a film written and directed by Eric Pascarelli and co-written by Mage Lanz, approaches the undead with a clinical eye. The title is a nod to the exploration of the vampire mythos and its connection to the protagonist. While that may sound dry, it’s most apt as the movie is a police procedural. But a new spin does not guarantee a good finished product, so can the filmmakers deliver excitement and intrigue?
Monika (Daisy Paroczy Hickey) is looking for a job using her criminology degree, but a 10-year hiatus as her mom’s caretaker is making that quite tough. However, private investigator Walter (James Tackett) takes her on, in part because Monika was the only applicant. However, her timing couldn’t be better, as Walter has a new assignment that’s tough to crack. Now, Monika is looking into a missing persons case as the man’s mother is convinced the police are not taking her seriously.
But eerie things begin to happen all around Monika as she looks further and further into matters. She hears voices calling to her that others cannot. Even worse is that this case seems to tie into a rash of unsolved murders that no one can explain. As bodies continue to pile up, Monika becomes convinced that the murderer is Elizabeth (Leanne Johnson), who just so happens to be a vampire. Elizabeth targeting Monika means she has to figure out her ancestry and its connection to the daughter of darkness before it is too late.
“…Monika becomes convinced that the murderer is Elizabeth, who just so happens to be a vampire.”
Dracula: The Count’s Kin delves into the mystery of Monika’s identity, a narrative choice that is both intriguing and engaging. The use of dramatic irony, where the audience knows more than the characters, particularly the law enforcement, P.I., and his assistant, adds to the intrigue. The involving mystery, which extends beyond the dead bodies, keeps the audience invested in the characters and their development.
Hickey excels as the in-over-her-head lead. She’s easy to root for and sells the horror believably. Johnson is charming yet despicable as the undead being who knows more about Monika than Monika knows about herself. It is a fun performance that still feels menacing. Tackett, on the other hand, brings a goofball sincerity to the role of the private eye, balancing his serious investigative skills with a lighthearted and humorous approach. Holly Anspaugh portrays a friend of Monika’s and makes her concern over everything happening to and around her feel genuine. Some of the more minor roles are not well acted, but the core cast is good and the small supporting parts don’t distract too much.
Dracula: The Count’s Kin is an engaging mystery wrapped up in horror clothing. While it is true there are only a handful of really spooky scenes, Monika’s true nature is riveting and the reveals of such are laid out nicely. The main players shine, though some of the actors in brief roles don’t come across as so hot. Overall, this is a fun, engaging motion picture that will appeal to people who love vampires and mysteries.
For more information on Dracula: The Count’s Kin, visit the Pascarelli Pictures site.
"…an engaging mystery wrapped up in horror clothing."
