This Shudder original received a UK theatrical release and was a pleasant surprise, offering a fresh take on the vampire myth.
Taking its cue from ‘An American Werewolf in London’, friends Eugene and William take the piss out of tourists keen for a look at the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s famous tale, but things take a darker turn when a road crew realises too late that the legend of Dracula was no myth.
This was good fun from start to finish. The cast are likeable, the story goes to unexpected places, the effects are well realised and it mixes up the vampire lore as well as the horror, humanity and laughs to great effect.
Louisa Harland from the hilarious ‘Derry Girls’ and John Lynch from ‘The Fall’ put in great supporting turns, but it’s the father and son double-act of Eugene and Francie Moffatt played by Jack Rowan and Nigel O’Neill that you’ll be rooting for.
The film is well shot, making use of the gorgeous Irish countryside to get the most out of its modest budget. Equally impressive is the creature design.
‘Boys From County Hell’ has charm, heart and heaps of creativity on display. I was glad to catch it at the cinema but it’s a definite one to watch on Shudder.
- 6
