André Øvredals The last journey of Demeter has had a turbulent journey to the UK. Although the film has already been released in the US and other parts of the world in 2023, it has yet to be officially released in the UK. This was due to the sale of eOne, the film’s original distributor for the UK and Ireland, which meant that all upcoming releases, including The last journey of Demeter, were put on hold. The company was acquired by Lionsgate, and now that the dust has settled, the film has finally set sail with a screening at the Pigeon Shrine FrightFest.

While many who were excited, The last journey of Demeter have probably already looked for it in other ways, but those who have waited patiently will at least be able to experience the film as it was intended – on the big screen. Based on a chapter from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, The last journey of Demeter tells the story of the fate of those aboard the ship that brought Count Dracula to England. In Stoker’s novel, the chapter is a short sequence of logs from the ship’s captain; writers Bragi F. Schut and Zak Olkewicz have done a good job of expanding the world and the story. Whether that’s enough to carry the film’s nearly two-hour running time is questionable, but they have filled the script with an interesting gallery of villainous characters.

Leading The last journey of Demeter is Corey Hawkins’ Clemens, a trained doctor who struggles to find work because of the color of his skin. After inadvertently saving the life of the grandson of the captain of the Demeter (Liam Cunnigham), Clemens is granted passage on a ship. The stranger gets into trouble with some of the crew, but things get worse. At night, the ship’s members begin to dwindle, and as suspicion turns to paranoia, the true identity of the cause is revealed. Trapped at sea with a hungry devil on board, Clemens and the others must put aside their differences to survive.

Those familiar with Stoker’s source material may wonder why The last journey of Demeter is worth your time. The short chapter has a definitive ending, but Øvredal’s incarnation offers plenty of additional material. A far more action-packed account of the hardships the ill-fated crew endured, The last journey of Demeter has so much in common with people like Master and Commander like horror. The scenes at sea are well done, but when they are set at night it can be difficult to work out details. Likewise, with so many crew members it can be difficult (at least at first) to remember who is who. It is a similar story to Aliens 3 in which all the inmates looked the same. Aside from the recognizable faces of Hawkins, Cunningham, Aisling Franciosi and David Dastmalchian, the faces blur and it is difficult to follow the various characters, especially when they are under the cloak of darkness.

Dracula himself is played by usual creature actor Javier Botet, but instead of the typical count form, here he is in beast mode. This changes expectations and allows Øvredal to push the horror elements further. Unfortunately, it never reaches the heights of his own impeccable scarefest. The autopsy of Jane DoeØvredal manages to include some funny scary moments. Although overall The last journey of Demeter is one of Øvredal’s weakest films, but it’s still entertaining. It’s best seen on the big screen to experience the full scope of the world he’s created. Fingers crossed The last journey of Demeter will be in theaters soon, if only for one night.

The last journey of Demeter was checked at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2024.