Seduction of Evil

Review by Nick Peron

Who made the greatest vampire films of all time? Who made the best Dracula? One could argue and debate the nuances of everyone who wore the fangs, and every film company that gave a crack at their own rendition. Let's not argue with semantics, and let's all just acknowledge the fact that one of the most iconic (if not the best) Dracula films of all time were spawned by Hammer films, and the role of Dracula played by none other than Sir Christopher Lee. Be it Dracula , Dracula Prince of Darkness , or (my all time favorite) The Satanic Rites of Dracula (Hey, I'm all about the camp) Lee blew all the others out of the water. Even Bela Lugosi if you ask me. Lee certainly faired better and didn't suffer the indignities that Bela had to endure in his career (You have seen My Son The Vampire right? Right.)

What does this have to do with Seduction of Evil? Well, Seduction is a homage to the above mentioned Hammer Studio Dracula flics. When it comes to in dependant, or small budget films doing a homage to something as epic, or has such a cult standing as the Hammer horror films, I usually cringe. This is because typically these homage's will take something like "Carmilla" and turn it into Vampires Vs. Zombies (which had the very talented Brinke Stevens, and not a whole lot else.) However, this is a fear you can totally bury when watching Seduction of Evil.

The film is written, directed and also stars André Dubois, who also plays the role of David, the films hero. It also stars the absolutely darling Isabelle Stephen (whom you might remember was in Tales From the Crapper ) who plays the role of Valerie. Isabelle also helped produce the film.

When the film starts up it puts it right out to the viewer that they are making a homage to the Hammer horror films, taking a moment to commend Hammer for their ability to make erotic and thrilling vampire films without degrading them to near-pornographic wastes of celluloid (Anyone for Count Dracula's Great Love ?)

The creative team behind this film certainly show that they have a true love for these old Hammer films, and that they've done their home work because this short film has the same feel of any Hammer film that I've seen. It's got tight editing, that utilizes a lot of imagery, takes advantage of unique lighting schemes, and some masterful transition work. The effects in this film, while are on a budget, are still believable, my hat is off some very impressive vampires-turning-into-mist shots that are flawlessly executed.

The story focuses on Valerie, who has been seduced by a woman named Talia (Kerri Taylor) luring her slowly away from her lover David. David however, has gotten wise to what's going on and witnesses as Talia -- really a vampire -- begins to seduce Valerie. David is then attacked and left for dead by none other than Dracula himself (played masterfully by D. Brown) who then goes down and converts Valerie into a vampire.

Some 25 years later, David (still alive, although time has not been kind to him) has spent his time tracking down Valerie after learning that she had survived and became a vampire. Learning all he can about Vampirism, and tracking down Valerie (who has embraced her vampire life-style to a point, as she only feasts on those who deserve to die) who has now spent her nights luring sleazy men back home from the bar and feasting upon them.

David eventually gets himself marked in the hopes of confronting Valerie, but does he want to kill her or join her? What about count Dracula, who operates in the shadows?

Well these are things you're going to have to check out for yourself intrepid reader, and the only way you will find out how this one ends is by going and checking out the movie yourself! (And you can find out more on how to see it by visiting the movies official myspace page)

As I said above, Seduction of Evil, is a great homage to the Hammer films that inspired it, and even putting that aside, it is still a great vampire film. So go out there and check it out, you will be most impressed!