A newlywed couple take up residence in a classy European hotel, where they encounter the Countess Bathory, who may or may not be the same Countess Bathory who once killed young girls in order to bathe in their blood. Infidelity and tragedy follow, with death being not too far behind.
One doesn't often hear about the Belgian horror scene, or much in the way of European horror outside of England or Italy (although Spain, France and a few others are starting to gain steam). Belgian director Harry Kümel presents us with "Daughters of Darkness", his best-known film in America, and a decent one at that.
The film doesn't stand out as memorable, nor does it break from the formulas of many other films of its time. But it is also rather watchable, which is more than can be said for other movies... too many old horror films are left in the dustbin and with good reason. "Daughters of Darkness" is saved from there. Surely not one of the best vampire films (if this can be called a vampire film), and not as "erotic" as made out to be... but still a piece of history.
Okay, so this review isn't getting you pumped to run out and buy the movie. You may not even be getting the itch to rent it. That's a fair response. And a just one. The film is, as I say, nothing all that special. If you are a serious horror fan, you're going to run into this eventually. Otherwise, you won't. And I wouldn't say you're missing something if you don't ever see it. Fine, I give up. It's just bland... don't bother.
One doesn't often hear about the Belgian horror scene, or much in the way of European horror outside of England or Italy (although Spain, France and a few others are starting to gain steam). Belgian director Harry Kümel presents us with "Daughters of Darkness", his best-known film in America, and a decent one at that.
The film doesn't stand out as memorable, nor does it break from the formulas of many other films of its time. But it is also rather watchable, which is more than can be said for other movies... too many old horror films are left in the dustbin and with good reason. "Daughters of Darkness" is saved from there. Surely not one of the best vampire films (if this can be called a vampire film), and not as "erotic" as made out to be... but still a piece of history.
Okay, so this review isn't getting you pumped to run out and buy the movie. You may not even be getting the itch to rent it. That's a fair response. And a just one. The film is, as I say, nothing all that special. If you are a serious horror fan, you're going to run into this eventually. Otherwise, you won't. And I wouldn't say you're missing something if you don't ever see it. Fine, I give up. It's just bland... don't bother.