Lights amidst the darkness by Jennie Kermode
There are films that simply adapt a story, and then there are films that reinterpret it, injecting fresh life and startling new perspectives. Chris Schwab’s Dracula: The Night Around Us falls firmly into the latter category. This isn’t just a retelling of Bram Stoker’s classic; it’s a reimagining that transplants the gothic horror into the bustling reality of a present-day US city, trading sprawling action for something infinitely more unsettling: pure, potent atmosphere.
While the film is relatively light on explosive action, its true power lies in the deeply realized mood it creates. It shifts the focus away from the grand spectacle and zeroes in on the often-overlooked heart of the narrative: Dr. John Seward. Played by Eric Toms, Seward emerges not merely as a doctor, but as a deeply complex point of view character whose internal landscape becomes the central focus of the story.
Seward, in this iteration, possesses a remarkable potential that deserves far more screen time. The narrative unfolds within the context of a psychiatric clinic, where the lines between sanity and the supernatural begin to blur. Seward navigates this strange world, forging unexpected bonds with Mina and her daughter, Lucy, as they move into an adjacent apartment. It is these intimate, often fragile connections that provide the essential emotional anchor amidst the encroaching dread.
The film expertly uses this framework to explore how isolation and friendship can coexist with the lurking presence of the monstrous. By placing the horror within a clinical setting, Schwab creates a unique tension—one where the fear is not just external, but deeply personal and psychological.
This intriguing cinematic offering is set to premiere as part of the Frightfest 2026 celebration. The context of the festival adds another layer to the viewing experience, hinting that this story of shadowed relationships is ripe for exploration.
I had the opportunity to meet Chris Schwab shortly before the festival began to discuss the project. Our conversation quickly centered on the potential of Dr. Seward, affirming the idea that he is a character with extraordinary depth waiting to be fully illuminated.
The conversation highlighted how Seward’s internal perspective—his struggle and his relationships—becomes the engine for the story, ensuring that the audience is immersed in the psychological tension rather than merely reacting to jump scares. It is a subtle, yet profound, take on classic horror, proving that sometimes the most terrifying monsters are the ones we see reflected in the minds of those closest to us.
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