A Modern Dracula Retelling That Found Box Office Success Despite Critical Disdain
In short: The 2022 horror thriller The Invitation reimagines Bram Stoker’s classic vampire lore through a contemporary lens. While critics panned its predictable screenplay and repetitive scares, the film became a profitable venture for Sony, grossing $38 million worldwide and finding a significant second life on streaming platforms after its theatrical run.
Directed by Jessica M. Thompson, the film follows Evie, a struggling artist who discovers a long-lost aristocratic family in England after taking a DNA test. The narrative draws inspiration from Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, Dracula, transplanting the gothic horror to a modern setting. Evie is lured to a wedding at New Carfax Abbey, only to realize that she is the latest in a line of women offered to the vampire Walter De Ville in exchange for wealth and protection.
The production history was marked by significant shifts. Originally titled The Bride, the project saw the departure of producers Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert due to scheduling conflicts. Filming took place in Budapest in 2021, with Nathalie Emmanuel starring as Evie and Thomas Doherty as De Ville. By the time of its August 2022 release, the film had been rebranded as The Invitation, reflecting a shift in focus toward the central premise of the protagonist's perilous social entry into the Alexander family.
Commercially, the film performed well against its $10 million budget, turning a profit for the studio. However, critical reception was largely negative, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 29% approval rating. Reviewers like Joe Leydon noted that while the film attempted to address themes of race, class, and privilege, it ultimately felt hackneyed. Despite this, the film maintained momentum, reaching 12.2 million hours viewed on Netflix during the week ending January 1, 2023, proving that audience interest in vampire tropes remains resilient even when critics remain unimpressed.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Invitation (2022 film)
- Also: Art Institute of Chicago — Invitation · CC0 (data); description CC BY 4.0
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