Subspecies (1991)
Written By: DMG
Edited By: Grave Reviews Staff
Film Information
Director: Ted Nicolaou
Producer: Ion Ionescu, Vlad Panescu, et. al.
Screenplay: Charles Band
Date Released: August 8, 1991
Cast:
Angus Scrimm as King Vladislas
Anders Hove as Radu Vladislas
Michael Watsom as Stefan Valesu Vladislas
Laura Tate as Michelle Morgan
Irina Movila as Mara
Michelle McBride as Lillian
Mara Grigore as Rosa
Rating = 2/5 Graves
***May contain some spoilers***
Synopsis
Three women stay in the town of Prejmer in Transylvania where it is said vampires use to inhabit in the 14th century. There to study the history and folklore of the Romanian region, they come across an old castle, Vladislas, where they try to enter it. Meanwhile, they meet another man named Stefan who he alleges is there to study animals. With mysterious figures lurking in the dark, the women soon find themselves in harm’s way and the target of the Vampire, Radu,
Gore Factor
There are few scenes that have any blood or gore scenes considering this is a vampire film. The most grotesque gore would be seeing the vampire, Radu, salivate blood which actually doesn’t look like blood.
The Grave Review
“Don’t worry we’ll take a short cut through the woods” proclaimed Mara. You gotta love 90s horror films and the terrible decisions the characters make in order to keep the story going.
Subspecies is vampire horror film that takes an overly done plot and bases it’s story on that. Three women are terrorized by a vampire who has a lust for power and blood, particularly from a powerful relic called the blood stone. The story is not necessarily a bad one but one which you may feel bored with.
The Vampire, Radu, looks like a cross between a vampire from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and has the hands of Nosferafu. The specials effects and make up were well done. The problem is, the film also incorporated dated CGI animation which certainly does not hold up in the times.
One positive aspect was the scenery and locations. The film location was very beautiful. The castle props we’re also very fitting and added to the theme of the film very well.
The acting was subpar but worked. Overall, Subspecies is a mediocre vampire flick and unfortunately doesn’t keep up with other films of the same caliber.
For the foregoing reasons, Grave Reviews gives Subspecies (1991) two out of five graves.
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