Watch The Shiver of the Vampires

The Shiver of the Vampires is a French horror film from 1971, directed by Jean Rollin. The story follows a newlywed couple, Isle and Antoine, as they travel to Isle's family castle on a remote island. However, upon arrival, they discover that Isle's cousins, who inhabit the castle, are not quite what they seem. The film opens with a dream sequence, which sets the eerie and surreal tone for the rest of the movie. From the very beginning, it's clear that this is not your average vampire movie. The visuals are striking, with vivid colors and eerie landscapes, and the haunting soundtrack adds to the overall sense of unease.

Once the newlyweds arrive at the castle, they meet Isle's cousins, who are a strange and enigmatic bunch. Isle's cousin Leopold is particularly unsettling, with his piercing gaze and unsettling demeanor. It soon becomes clear that Leopold and his sister are vampires, and the couple finds themselves caught up in their dark and seductive world.

Throughout the movie, there are a series of surreal and unsettling scenes, such as when Isle is hunted through the castle by ghostly brides, or when Antoine is seduced by a mysterious woman in a graveyard. These scenes add to the dreamlike quality of the movie, making it feel almost like a fever dream.

Despite the surreal and sometimes abstract nature of the film, there are also moments of intense violence and horror. The vampires are portrayed as both alluring and terrifying, and their victims are shown in gruesome detail. This juxtaposition of beauty and violence is a hallmark of Jean Rollin's films, and it's executed particularly well in The Shiver of the Vampires.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of symbolism and metaphor. Many of the images and themes, such as the use of mirrors and the presence of a doppelganger, hint at deeper meanings and interpretations. The film invites the viewer to unravel its mysteries, and its ambiguous ending leaves plenty of room for interpretation.

Overall, The Shiver of the Vampires is a unique and haunting film that defies easy categorization. Its combination of surrealism, horror, and eroticism make it a standout in the vampire genre, and its striking visuals and haunting soundtrack ensure that it will stay with you long after it's over.

The Shiver of the Vampires is a 1970 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.