Attack of the B's!

Les lèvres rouges (1971), Harry Kümel
Daughters of Darkness

A couple goes to a remote hotel in Belgium to spend their honeymoon. Soon after their arrival two bizarre women, Countess Elisabet Bathory and her 'secretary,' Ilona, show up. As they are the only four patrons of the hotel, it is inevitable that their paths will cross. A string of murders occurs, and it seems as though the Countess and her special friend are to blame. Everything gets a bit fishy from there- no pun intended, really.

This film was recommended to me by one of my great friends. One of his favorite things in life are 1970's lesbian vampire movies. He even plans to get a Daughters of Darkness-inspired tattoo. I have to be honest though, I was very bored by this movie. It's somewhere between art house and grindhouse, I think it can't decide which. For a lesbian vampire movie, the lesbian elements were very, very tame compared to most films of that genre. You don't even technically see any two women kiss, so if you are looking for something graphic, this is not for you. The relationship between the Countess and her long-suffering lover is actually kind of sad.

However, some of the straight sex shown between the married couple is quite disturbing. There is something a little off about Stefan. He is VERY sadistic, possibly even abusive. Also, he has a rather strange aversion to calling his mother to tell her the news of his marriage. When we are finally shown his "mother," it's not actually a woman at all, but a very effeminate, flamboyant man. Possibly his lover? They may share a relationship much like that of the Countess and Ilona. I didn't quite get that part.

The Countess and Ilona work on separating the couple so that they can get rid of Stefan and convince Valerie to join their ranks. This works, however, Stefan ends up accidentally killing Ilona in the process. Once that happens, it's pretty much a done deal. Valerie joins the Countess in her quest for the blood of virgins to maintain eternal health and youthful appearance.

If you really like foreign films that are more arty than they're worth, I say go for it. Otherwise, skip it. This movie is pretty overrated. I just didn't think that the story, or the acting was all that good. (Ok, I take back the acting thing. The woman who played the Countess seemed as though she was born to play that part.) There are too many plotholes and too many unanswered questions. Perhaps my expectations were simply too high. If you are still interested, even after reading this review, then maybe you should check it out.

Grade: C-