Living in eternal darkness can get anyone down, especially for an undead blood-sucking Count in David Rühm‘s “Therapy for a Vampire.” Following in the footsteps of films such as “What We Do in The Shadows”, “Therapy” is a quirky but fresh take on a subject that normally presents itself as self-serious and macabre.
The story is set in Vienna, 1932. Count von Közsnöm (Tobias Moretti) has lost his thirst for life and the ability of self-reflection. After making a generous donation to the analyst’s society, the Count convinces the acclaimed psychoanalyst, Dr. Sigmund Freud (Karl Fischer), to take him on as a new patient. The Count is bored with a 500-year long marriage to his vicious, blood-thirsty wife, Countess Gräfin Elsa von Közsnöm (Jeanette Hain), whose own vanity drives her obsession to once again see her reflection. To distract his wife, the Count suggests the Countess commissions a portrait of herself by Freud’s assistant Viktor (Dominic Oley). Coincidentally, this aspiring painter’s headstrong girlfriend, Lucy (Cornelia Ivancan) catches the eye of the Count and he becomes convinced that she is a reincarnation of his long lost muse, Nadilla. Although Lucy and Viktor appear to be the solution to their problems, only jealousy and shenanigans ensue for the cursed couple.
The campy theatrics and jabs at familiar vampire lore provide plenty of belly laughs as the characters tumble through this mortal-on-immortal love triangle – er- love hexagon? Writer/Director David Rühm has an imaginative take on the vampire legend, in addition to, crafting his characters as three dimensional and charmingly flawed. A prime example is our leading lady Lucy. She is no damsel in distress or prize to be won. There is a reoccurring theme of the men pining over her and trying to make her conform to their ideal fantasy girl. However, this spunky waitress is having none of it. The story flows smoothly with enough twists and turns to keep the audience wondering what will happen next.
Additionally, did we mention this film is completely in German? Never fear, with the energetic pace and expressive performances by the talented cast, one completely forgets that they are reading subtitles. In fact, the foreign language adds to the delightfully stylized Baz Luhrmann meets Tim Burton aesthetic and vibrant yet gothic tones. The gorgeous costumes, set-pieces, and blood baths completely immerse the viewer into this 1930s Viennese vampire world. “Therapy for a Vampire” proves to be a hilarious and wildly entertaining take on vampire lore and undead love.
“Therapy for a Vampire” is unrated. Playing at the Nuart Theatre Los Angeles on Friday, 6/10.
