El Conde: the Netflix alt.history vampire movie you never knew you needed (trailer).
In the ever-evolving world of cinema, filmmakers often use their craft to comment on historical events, political climates, and societal issues. Pablo Larraín, a renowned Chilean director, is no stranger to this approach. His latest venture, “El Conde,” co-written with Guillermo Calderón, is a testament to this very ethos.
“El Conde,” translated as “The Count,” is a black horror comedy that promises to be as intriguing as it is controversial. The film reimagines Chile’s former dictator, Augusto Pinochet, not as the military leader the world remembers but as a 250-year-old vampire. This undead version of Pinochet isn’t just seeking blood; he’s seeking an end to his immortal existence. Amidst a backdrop of familial complications and the tarnishing of his legacy, this ancient vampire desires nothing more than to find death.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble, with Jaime Vadell taking on the challenging role of the vampire Pinochet. Joining him are the talents of Gloria Münchmeyer, Alfredo Castro, Paula Luchsinger, Catalina Guerra, Marcial Tagle, Amparo Noguera, Diego Muñoz, and Antonia Zegers. Each actor brings a unique flavor to this satirical narrative, ensuring that “El Conde” will be a cinematic experience to remember.
The release date of “El Conde” is symbolic in its own right. Premiering at the 80th Venice International Film Festival in September 2023, the film will subsequently be available for streaming on Netflix on September 15, 2023. This date is just four days after the 50th anniversary of the 1973 coup d’etat, marking the moment when Pinochet seized power in Chile.
As audiences around the world await its release on Netflix, one thing is certain: “El Conde” is set to spark conversations, debates, and reflections on the intersections of history, politics, and art.
