Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sex and violence in elaborate but uneven adaptation.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
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Dracula
What's the Story?
DRACULA begins in Eastern Europe in the 15th century, where Prince Vlad (Caleb Landry Jones) has just renounced God after the death of his beloved wife, Elisabeta (Zoë Bleu). As punishment, he's doomed to walk the Earth as vampire Dracula, unable to find eternal rest. Over the centuries, he may take pleasure in feeding on high society, but his love remains strong, and he has faith that he'll find Elisabeta reincarnated. Enter solicitor Jonathan Harker (Ewens Abid) at Dracula's imposing castle, who has a photo of his own beloved, Nina (also Zoë Bleu), that looks strikingly familiar.
Is It Any Good?
Romance novel visuals—think flower petals, pillow fights, a couple feeding each other (not blood)—and moments of dark humor, bring something new to this retelling of the classic tale. Dracula (also known as Dracula: A Love Tale in some territories) reimagines the Gothic horror as a centuries-old romance between a man and his beloved wife, who he hopes to discover reincarnated at some point during his eternal life. The movie announces its start in 1480AD "Eastern Europe"—a location vague enough to match the accents—and toys in the debauchery of the French courts of the 18th century before settling in Victorian England, where Dracula's wife's doppelgänger finally emerges. Landry Jones is well cast as the brooding vampire, Bleu is captivating enough as his great love, and Christoph Waltz makes a typically scene-chewing appearance as an unnamed priest. But the movie surprisingly lacks atmosphere, despite its striking visuals and lively editing. The tone never quite settles and there's a clumsiness in places. Luckily director Luc Besson's characteristic flair is still alive, and the film sticks closely enough to the source material to maintain the original's allure.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Dracula. Did it feel excessive or just right for the tone of the movie? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
How did the movie portray the idea of love? How was Vlad shown to suffer because of his love? What did he ultimately have to do to prove it? Why do you think vampires are often associated with romance?
The movie is an adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic 1897 novel, Dracula. Have you read the book? If so, how does it compare? Discuss other portrayals of Dracula and vampires in pop culture.
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 6, 2026
- On DVD or streaming : March 10, 2026
- Cast : Caleb Landry Jones , Christoph Waltz , Zoë Bleu Sidel
- Director : Luc Besson
- Studio : Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Book Characters , Fantasy ( Vampires )
- Run time : 129 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, some gore and sexuality
- Last updated : March 3, 2026
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