The BBC recently unveiled its latest retelling of the classic “Dracula” tale and if you haven’t already seen it you might want to sink your teeth into it. Retelling the “Dracula” legend is quite an endeavor to be sure because we’re talking about one of the greatest cultural horror icons whose depictions have spanned countless movies, TV, iterations ranging from horror to camp; and the BBC has made its own stamp on the wall with this miniseries.
Several changes made to the mythos made left positive impressions as can be seen with the character of Abraham Van Hesling reimagined as a nun, Agatha Van Helsing whose views on faith, science, and the darker corners of the world belie her nun’s habit. Even the way the iconic vampire feeds is altered to reflect his ability to not only draw sustenance but also his victim’s very essence and memories. The real score for viewers is in the brilliant portrayal of “Dracula” himself as played by Danish actor Claes Bang.
Here’s where the show puts their best fangs forward. “Dracula” captures a charm that’s sexy and dangerous with both parts being played perfectly to counterbalance each other as the scene dictates. He also presents an irreverent sense of humor that is pervasive throughout the entirety of the show. Clearly he is being presented as the smartest person in the room and as such his quips come off as more of him entertaining himself, making himself laugh albeit at the expense of other’s mortality, sanity, and general well being.
The first episode sees a familiar Harker mediating the sale of land in London to the Count. A familiar part of the story but one that shifts as we see Harker presented as an intrinsically good man who’s adventures in the castle test his resolve but ultimately proves his undoing as he deteriorates during his time there while “Dracula” is revitalized to his iconic form. This part of the story is told in a flashback from the now physically withered Harker to Agatha Van Helsing in the monastery. After his escape from the castle, he is found and brought to them. The character’s visceral nature is brought to life through the interactions with Harker, so much so that you find yourself looking forward to more screen time between the two. They reveal a the end of the episode proves that “Dracula” feeds to not only strip his victims of their vitality but their very memories, and sense of self. The episode hits a high note as he confronts the nuns protecting Harker with devilish glee and abandon while Agatha Van Helsing provokes him noting which of the vampire legends are true; treating the entire encounter more as scientific study and less and battle between good and evil.
We see the next episode taking place on a ship to London where he comes off like a brilliant predator one-upping the other passengers until it is revealed they each have a connection to him that he is exploiting. Another confrontation with Agatha serves to examine the baser parts of his nature and is led into a trap. With the seafaring voyage at an end the final episode takes him to present-day London having been freed from his underwater confinement and now wreaking havoc in the modern world. The particular episode serves to bring the character of “Dracula” into our modern world and through him, we see a lesser reflection of ourselves and the state of our world and ideals at present. The finale deconstructs the “Dracula” and all that we have come to believe of him in a way that evokes an almost piteous response.
A dreadfully fun retelling of “Dracula” that was certainly worth each episode watched. There was a sense of freedom in watching “Dracula’s scenes and not entirely with fear or loathing. I found it to be a bit of a guilty pleasure enjoying his carnage and relishing in the darkness of the character. Watching the devil dance and play was much more fun, a delight I was happy to gorge myself on.
Bite into the new “Dracula” on BBC or Netflix.
