Carmilla is a British romantic horror movie that was released in 2019, directed by Emily Harris. The movie is based on the Gothic novella of the same name by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, which was published in the 19th century. Starring Hannah Rae, Devrim Lingnau, and Jessica Raine, Carmilla follows the story of a teenage girl who falls in love with a mysterious woman who comes to live at her family's estate.
The movie is set in 1780 and takes place in a remote countryside estate in Styria, Austria. The main character, Lara (Hannah Rae), is a sheltered and lonely teenage girl who lives with her father and nanny. Lara's father is absent for most of the movie, leaving the care of Lara to Miss Fontaine (Jessica Raine), the family's governess. One day, a carriage crashes near the estate, and a young woman named Carmilla (Devrim Lingnau) is brought into the family's home to recuperate. Lara is immediately fascinated by Carmilla, who is both beautiful and mysterious. As Lara and Carmilla spend more time together, they begin to develop a deep and intense romantic relationship.
The movie is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of love, discovery, and identity. Lara is portrayed as a curious and intelligent young woman who is starting to question the world around her. She is fascinated by Carmilla's stories and experiences and is eager to learn more about her. As Lara spends more time with Carmilla, she begins to question her own sexuality and realizes that she has feelings for her. Carmilla, on the other hand, is portrayed as a charismatic and enigmatic character. She is at once captivating and mysterious, and Lara is drawn to her in a way that she cannot explain.
Despite the romantic plotline, the movie also has elements of horror and suspense. There are several scenes in the movie where the characters are in danger or are being pursued by unknown forces. These scenes are well-executed and add to the tension and atmosphere of the movie. The movie also makes use of Gothic tropes such as eerie landscapes, dark forests, and abandoned ruins to create a sense of foreboding.
The performances in the movie are outstanding, especially those of Hannah Rae and Devrim Lingnau. Hannah Rae does an excellent job of portraying the complex emotions of Lara, who is torn between her love for Carmilla and her fear of the unknown. Devrim Lingnau is equally impressive as Carmilla, who is both alluring and menacing. Jessica Raine is also excellent as Miss Fontaine, who is a more traditional figure of authority but is not without her own secrets.
The cinematography and production design in the movie are also noteworthy. The movie was shot on location in the UK and Ireland, and the landscapes and settings are stunning. The use of natural lighting and muted colors gives the movie a dreamlike quality, which adds to the overall atmosphere. The costumes and sets are also well-designed and add to the authenticity of the movie's period setting.
In conclusion, Carmilla is a beautifully shot and well-acted movie that combines elements of horror, romance, and coming-of-age. It is a faithful adaptation of Le Fanu's classic novella and adds new layers of complexity to the characters and their relationships. The movie is also a feminist retelling of a Gothic tale that centers on strong and complex female characters. Despite its period setting, the movie feels fresh and relevant and is sure to appeal to a wide audience.
Carmilla is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.
