French director Luc Besson is best known for his action films like “The Fifth Element” and “La Femme Nikita,” but this more a dramatic romance with a few moments of violence. It starts in the 15th-century when a prince (Caleb Landry Jones) denounces God after his wife is killed. Somehow, this turns him into an immortal bloodsucker. The story also travels forward 400 years as he goes to Paris to find her reincarnation. Jones creates a creepy and compelling character in both a young and ancient iteration. First off, this is more about the inconsolable love that drives his quest than the typical horror approach. There are some fun weird moments, esp. the gargoyles that serve as his minions (see one in lower right corner of the picture with this review). It also features glossy production design and lush cinematography. What the film lacks is pace. Every scene goes on too long and it’s a tedious wait between the spurts of evil. Besson has taken a new angle with the sad lost soul approach, but the slow development keeps it from being a memorable addition to the legend. 
(2 / 5)
