Watch Subspecies

In the 1991 horror film Subspecies, directed by Ted Nicolaou, three American college students – Michelle (Laura Mae Tate), Lillian (Michelle McBride) and Mara (Irina Movila) – undertake a study trip to Romania, where they encounter unspeakable horror in the form of the vampire Radu (Anders Hove). Soon, the students learn that Radu is not alone, but the youngest member of a powerful vampire family who has been waging a centuries-old battle over the Bloodstone, an enchanted gem that gives the possessor control over all vampire kind.

The film opens up in a desolate underground chamber where a mysterious figure, who is later revealed to be Radu, is carrying out a dark ritual after stealing the legendary Bloodstone from his father. When his father, the powerful vampire king Stefan (Angus Scrimm), catches Radu in the act, he orders him to be destroyed for his transgression, but is ultimately unable to bring himself to do so out of love for his son.

Meanwhile, in Bucharest, Michelle meets Radu's younger half-brother, a charming man named Stefan who is studying folklore at the university. Stefan eventually takes an interest in Michelle and becomes protective of her, much to the chagrin of Radu who is obsessed with turning Michelle into a vampire and keeping her as his eternal bride. As the film progresses, we see Radu's obsession growing stronger as he employs all manner of dark magic to lure her into his web.

The film is notable for its stunning visuals and its ability to create a sense of foreboding, with its shadowy, Gothic architecture and eerie interiors that create a palpable sense of menace. This is heightened by the special effects used to create the vampires, with each of them having a distinctive look and feel that sets them apart from the standard Hollywood version of the vampire.

However, Subspecies is not without its flaws. Some critics have noted that the pacing of the film can be somewhat slow, and that the dialogue can be a little wooden at times. Additionally, while the film's dark, atmospheric qualities are often praised, some viewers may find the film not scary enough or overly predictable in certain moments.

Despite these criticisms, Subspecies remains a cult classic among horror fans, with many touting it as one of the best vampire films of the nineties. As a low budget horror film, it manages to instill a sense of terror and dread that is often missing from Hollywood blockbusters, and is a must-see for fans of the genre.

As the story unfolds, it becomes more and more apparent that Radu's obsession with Michelle is part of a larger battle for control over the Bloodstone. Radu's father, Stefan, leads the opposition to Radu, fighting against him to keep control of the stone and prevent Radu from using it to take control of all vampire kind. There is a sense of urgency to the story, as the characters race against time to prevent Radu from taking control of the Bloodstone, and stopping him from turning Michelle into a vampire.

The film also contains its fair share of gore and violence, with some particularly gruesome scenes involving the vampires feeding on their victims. These moments are often accompanied by haunting, chilling music composed by Richard Kosinski, adding to the overall sense of foreboding and terror that permeates the film.

In conclusion, Subspecies is a chilling, atmospheric horror film that draws on the rich history of vampire folklore to create a unique and unsettling story. With its stunning visuals, unforgettable characters, and palpable sense of terror, it remains a cult classic to this day. Whether you're a fan of vampire movies or just a horror film enthusiast, Subspecies is a must-see that is sure to leave you both terrified and enthralled.

Subspecies is a 1990 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.