Dampyr

Dampyr (2022) – War, Vampires, and the Birth of a Reluctant Hero

Dampyr, released in 2022, is a supernatural action-horror film directed by Riccardo Chemello. Based on the popular Italian comic book series of the same name created by Mauro Boselli and Maurizio Colombo, the film marks the first installment of the Bonelli Cinematic Universe. It introduces audiences to a gritty world where vampiric forces lurk in the shadows of real-world conflict, and a reluctant half-vampire becomes humanity’s unlikely defender.

Set in the Balkans during the early 1990s, amid the backdrop of the Yugoslav Wars, the story follows Harlan Draka, a mysterious drifter and con man who travels from village to village performing fake exorcisms. He’s a fraud, but also a survivor—grifting his way through a land torn by chaos and bloodshed. However, when soldiers from a local military unit request his help after a horrific supernatural massacre, Harlan is forced to confront the truth about himself.

As events unfold, Harlan learns that the terrors they face are no mere legends: real vampires are behind the slaughter. Even more shocking, Harlan discovers he is a dhampir—the offspring of a vampire and a human. This revelation changes everything. No longer just a grifter, Harlan realizes he may be the only one capable of fighting back against these ancient, monstrous beings.

Joining him on his journey are Emil Kurjak, a rugged war veteran and commander of a local squad, and Tesla Dubcek, a vampire who has rejected her bloodthirsty kind and now aids humans. Together, this unlikely trio battles against Gorka, a cruel and powerful Master of the Night who seeks to spread vampiric domination across the war-torn region.

The film excels in creating a brooding and atmospheric tone. The cinematography is washed in grey and muted tones, highlighting the bleakness of both the war and the supernatural threat. Crumbling buildings, misty forests, and fog-covered villages create an eerie backdrop, blending real historical trauma with gothic horror elements. The decision to set the film during the Yugoslav Wars grounds the story in a uniquely grim reality that enhances the horror.

Wade Briggs portrays Harlan with a mix of vulnerability and restrained rage, delivering a compelling performance as a man forced to face not only external monsters but also the darkness within himself. Stuart Martin, as Emil, brings grit and loyalty, while Frida Gustavsson, as Tesla, adds depth as a conflicted vampire seeking redemption.

While the film struggles at times with pacing and exposition, it succeeds in capturing the spirit of the source material. Its practical effects, action scenes, and creature designs are commendable, especially given its modest budget. The climax, involving a brutal confrontation between Harlan and Gorka, solidifies his transformation from scam artist to supernatural warrior.

In conclusion, Dampyr is a bold and ambitious start to a new cinematic universe. It blends Balkan war history with vampire mythology, crafting a unique origin story for a new kind of hero. Though not without flaws, it lays a solid foundation for future stories in a world where monsters wear both human and supernatural faces.