Few people know what a Dampir is, and they are technically a mortal with the extended life expectancy of a vampire! In Italy, Mauro Boselli and Maurizio Colombo created a Serbian version, and his name is Harlan Draka. This Dampyr needs to find his place in the world, though, and I’m hoping that what’s planned has enough legs to take off since past adaptations of pulp heroes have never done well in this European market.
Here, this hero played by Wade Briggs is trying to figure his life out as the Balkan war plays out. He is completely unaware of his heritage and even passes the belief in as a flight of fancy, what happens next shows they are dangerous! While part of the story involves supernatural factions vying for control amid mortal conflict, not everyone wants to choose a side. Although this reluctant hero gets involved while rediscovering his past, what goes on isn’t all that surprising. He will have to meet his maker.
Gorka, Master of the Night (David Morrissey) needs him alive, and he’s as melodramatic as all hell. His agenda is rather simple, and that’s ruling In the shadows. However, when Tesla (Frida Gustavsson) is causing complications in the human realm, it seems the forces of light and darkness will have to work together in order to deal with her. What’s presented feels like imur Bekmambetov’s Night Watch, and the production certainly looks like one!
Meanwhile, all the mortal militia led by Emil (Stuart Martin) have their own problems. As a result, it’s easy to get confused on what’s worth paying attention to. I had to give the movie several watches to make sense of it all, and sadly, there were moments which slowed the film down. I didn’t feel as invested since the story wasn’t well focussed.
And with no surprise, Bonelli Entertainment has plans to expand this universe. Although I’m guessing the direction will be like the Worlds of Darkness RPG series, it’s tough to say if the war in which most of the tale takes place will still be the focus. I’m curious enough to want to follow this saga. While it’s no doubt different from, and hopefully Sony Pictures will ink an agreement to distribute this new cinematic universe internationally.
3 Stars out of 5
Dampyr Movie Trailer
