The Wasteland Reviewer

Dracula (2026) Written Review

How many ways can you tell the tale of Dracula? There have been so many adaptations of Bram Stoker’s classic tale but that is not stopping Luc Besson (Leon: The Professional & The Fifth Element director) from giving audiences his own twist on this iconic character and vampiric story. Vampires have always been sexual in nature with the vampiric acts channeling pseudo-sexual energy and motifs. Besson takes a bit of a different twist with his new Dracula. This is not about bloodlust…this is about love. This love story twist on Dracula is most certainly an unexpected twist on the source material as Besson goes full blown gothic romance across the centuries. 

What type of approach does Besson bring to the film from behind the camera? Besson has always had a distinct style and vision for his films and that is certainly the case with Dracula. There is a gothic romance vibe that permeates the film as there is a rich, deep, melodramatic essence of romance and love while also presenting this with a darker edge. The technical elements are quite impressive with plenty of big, bold elements. The castles. The wigs. The make-up. The attire. Luscious and impactful, these technical elements elevate the film even when the occasional computer-generated elements feel a little flat. Looking at you, the gang of strange gargoyle minions that Dracula has. There are some strange moments throughout with some of them laying down some strange and unique vibes. There is a dancing montage throughout history that is so quirky and fun but a scene you would never expect from a Dracula film. But this film is certainly a romance first with the tragic love affair of Dracula and his wife is the anchor to it all. 

Does Dracula’s screenplay match its unique vibes? Writing is by far the shakiest element of the film. This film is all over the place and the structure truly lacks rhyme or reason. The film starts out at the beginning and has quite the effective backstory that has weight and meaning as we see the moment that Dracula turns his back on God. From there, the story bounces all over the place as it weaves in modern beats of the story (what we expect from the book) and the different eras that Dracula has experienced. But it is so inconsistent that it is hard to nail down the growth and progression of the narrative. There are also elements of the story that the screenplay omits or skirts that feel like the audience should see to feel the whole experience to the fullest. For all the bouncing around the narrative does, the fact that Dracula avoids the vampiric origins of the titular character feels like a choice. Many of the characters also lack depth or layers and service is just their main motivation. The richness of the experience is certainly reflected in the themes with romance and faith becoming the heart and soul of the film.

What is the biggest standout element of the film? One of the biggest selling points of Dracula is Caleb Landry Jones. This actor is one of the strangest and most unique actors today. His commitment to the bit here with Dracula is awe-inspiring. The accent is wild and campy. His physicality sells all the rage and lust pent up in this vampire. The way he embodies the wild make-up and costumes of the character is quite delightful. This is Dracula’s love story and Jones brings all the passion and connection that that film needs. The rest of the cast are not on the same level as Jones but having a veteran actor like Christoph Waltz as his priest antagonist brings good weight to the film. The women at the core of the film are quite alluring and entrancing (shouting out Zoe Bleu and Matilda De Angelis). There are some other fun and committed performances along the way, but this is certainly Jones’ film through and through. 

Is Besson’s Dracula a worthwhile remake of Stoker’s novel? This is a truly unique and fascinating film. Besson brings all his offbeat vibes to the experience that makes it feel campy and rich in gothic romance. There is plenty of blood to represent its vampiric horror roots. Jones is an amazing performer who leans hard into this wild performance. The experience is certainly messy and strange but there are strong scenes throughout and an engaging atmosphere.