Subspecies (1991)

I'm surprised this series doesn't have more of a cult following because it has the right amount of campiness and fun to warrant it. It could be because this was released direct-to-video in the '90s when there were a plethora of cheap horror films to choose from on video store shelves, but I think this film warrants a watch. It is by no means exceptional or overly original, but at the same time, I can't think of many films like it that were being released in the '90s. Subspecies is a vampire film set in the 1990s but featuring an old gothic vampire. It's weird, but it kind of works for some reason.

A group of three female college students, Mara, Michelle, and Lillian, arrive in Romania to do a study on culture, explicitly surrounding superstition. As they arrive, they begin to investigate ancient castle ruins, leading to its resident, Radu, a vampire to stalk them. Radu's brother, Stefan, lives among people and aims to help the girls defeat Radu. He falls in love with Michelle, and when Mara and Lillian are captured and turned by Radu, the couple set out to save them. There's also a storyline about Radu wanting control of the bloodstone, which contains the blood of saints.

So the whole bloodstone thing isn't that well explained, and I don't understand why he wants it, but it becomes more of a focus as the series continues, so that could be why they were setting it up. But honestly, this movie is pretty enjoyable. The acting is excellent from most of the cast. Anders Hove kind of hams it up as Radu, but that adds to the campy fun. I like that all the girls seem like actual human beings instead of props. As I stated earlier, the movie about a straight-up gothic vampire set in the 1990s is unique and works pretty well. It's simple but fun. The only big complaint I have is that it does drag at times; it kind of feels like nothing important is happening.

I recommend checking this film, and the entire series, out. The Subspecies franchise manages to be campy while still maintaining darker tones. If I had to describe the viewing experience in one word, it would be "fun." It's a little dated, especially some of the effects on the creatures, but I don't mind that. I think more people should give this underrated series a chance.

Netflix available: No

Hulu available: Yes

Xfinity available: No

Amazon Prime available: Yes

Rating: 3.5/5