Dracula: The Night Around Us

It hardly needs saying that the Dracula legend, book and everything else that goes with it has been exploited to the fullest extent. That said with a property like this there’s always space for something new or at least a different take/angle.

Here the story or part of it is transplanted to America and concentrates on a very specific element of the novel.
Dr Seward (Eric Toms) works as a doctor in an asylum for the criminally insane. He’s depressed with the job and in particular one guest Renfield (Spencer Weitzel). His illness eludes Seward muttering as he does about a master and eating flies.

Seward’s home life doesn’t lift him much until by accident he meets new resident Mina (Marlene Mc'Cohen) and her daughter Lucy (Raelan Mackiewicz). After initial difficulties the hit it off. The trouble is Lucy has attracted the interest of Dracula (Brenton Jones).

So far so familiar however writer and director Chris Schwab makes some important changes. The characters are condensed down to Mina, Lucy, Seward and Renfield. In the book and films Lucy is an older teenager, here she’s barely post puberty. Suggesting that Dracula’s evil has no boundaries.

The other is Renfield with a larger role as Dracula is used sparingly. This then allows Seward to direct his anger and fear at him when Dracula makes his move on Lucy. It’s here that the age change of the character tells and it’s easy to understand Sewards actions.

The film overall has a seedy look being set mostly at night and in what looks like rundown neighbourhoods. This too indicates a paucity of budget but that doesn’t detract from the film. The cast are altogether excellent with Weitzel creating a vile creature that wallows in the perverse actions of his master rather than the usual madness.

Dracula: The Night Around Us had its International Premiere at Tubi London FrighFest 2026.