Watch Daughters of Darkness

Daughters of Darkness is a 1971 horror film directed by Harry Kümel, starring Delphine Seyrig, John Karlen, and Danielle Ouimet. The movie is a homage to classic horror films and is a story about three people who meet and are caught up in a haunting and erotic vampire tale. The film opens with a young couple, Stefan and Valerie, arriving at a luxurious hotel in Ostend, Belgium. They planned to spend their honeymoon there but get caught up in an unexpected encounter with Countess Bathory, played by Delphine Seyrig, a beautiful and mysterious woman traveling with her secretary, Ilona, played by Andrea Rau. The couple soon finds themselves drawn into the Countess's dangerous world as she slowly reveals herself to be a master vampire who preys on young women.

There, they meet John Karlen's character, a gay writer named Laszlo, who is staying at the hotel. Laszlo is fascinated with the Countess and starts to investigate who she is and why she is staying at the hotel. As the night wears on and darkness falls, horrifying events unfold, and Laszlo starts to realize that the Countess and Ilona are not what they seem.

The movie is famous for its beautiful cinematography and its haunting soundtrack, which perfectly captures the erotic and chilling atmosphere of the story. The film is set mostly in the hotel, which is a beautiful old building with a rich history, providing an excellent location for the supernatural events that unfold. The set design perfectly captures the eerie vibe of the film, with its ornate interiors and dark corners where danger lurks.

The acting is exceptional, with Delphine Seyrig delivering a mesmerizing performance as the Countess, who seems to seduce everyone around her with her beauty and charm. John Karlen is brilliant as the gay writer, who brings a sense of detachment and humor to the story. Meanwhile, Danielle Ouimet, who plays Valerie, delivers a naive and innocent portrayal, which contrasts perfectly with the dark and sensual world the Countess inhabits.

The film features several erotic and sensual scenes, but they are always tasteful and never gratuitous. The sex scenes serve a purpose within the story, highlighting the Countess's seductive powers and how she uses them to manipulate those around her.

Overall, Daughters of Darkness is a beautiful and haunting film that delivers on both the horror and erotic fronts. It is a must-see for anyone who enjoys classic horror movies and is looking for something different from the modern-day jump scares and gore-fests. The film's beautiful production design, riveting performances, and superb soundtrack make it one of the most memorable horror movies of the 1970s.

In conclusion, Daughters of Darkness is a horror masterpiece, blending sensuality and horror to create a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. It is a film that has stood the test of time and is rightfully regarded as a classic in the horror genre.

Daughters of Darkness is a 1971 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 74.