Subferatu

Subferatu is a 2020 comedy-horror film that combines the suspense and dread of classic vampire narratives with the biting humor and absurdity of spoof comedies. The masterminds behind this unique amalgamation are directors Patrick Penta and Patrick Robert Young. The film features the talents of Mike Dooly, Martyn G. Krouse, and Michael Reed, whose comic timing and expressive performances inject a sense of joy and silliness into the spooky plot.

Subferatu borrows plot elements from the mythos associated with Count Dracula, the legendary vampire. Instead of a traditional setting in Transylvania, the film takes viewers on a journey like they've never seen before: a voyage beneath the ocean's waves aboard a Nazi submarine in the thick of World War II. The submarine is filled with a number of peculiar characters, and the voyage takes a turn for the terrifying when crew members realize they're sharing the cramped quarters with a bloodthirsty vampire.

Mike Dooly plays the leading character Captain Malloy, a robust, confident but slightly eccentric submarine commander who is thrown into this chaos along with his bewildered crew. However, despite their hysterics and the dire situation, they are far from helpless, showing resilience in the face of adversity. Dooly's captain is engaging, charismatic, and competent, and while he might be leading his crew on an unusual journey, he is determined to make it through. Dooly's performance, from his detailed character quirks to his earnest line delivery, anchors the film, adding a semblance of stability to the rollicking plot.

Martyn G. Krouse and Michael Reed are among the members of the ill-fated submarine crew grappling with the supernatural horror unfolding among them. Both actors exhibit their comedic prowess throughout the film. Krouse, with his irreverent humor and distinctive screen presence, and Reed, who uses his expressive facial expressions and impeccable comic timing to win over the audience, elevate this horror-comedy to a new level of hilarity.

Subferatu is not your typical vampire movie. It exchanges the eerie creaking castles and moonlit graveyards for drab military uniforms, clattering machines, and confined submarine corridors. The movie breaks new ground in its juxtaposition of a historic war setting and mythic folk horror, instigating a fresh way of perceiving these two distinct genres.

The film delves into the incomprehensible plane of humor where illogical sequences generate the most laughter. The submarine's cramped setting generates many comedic opportunities, with numerous gags woven into the claustrophobic setting. The frightful and simultaneously amusing vampire, along with other amusing characters, delivers a humorous rendition of iconic vampire lore in a Nazi sub setting. The makers of Subferatu succeed in maintaining a delicate balance between homage and parody, respecting the source material while simultaneously poking fun at the conventions of the genre.

Additionally, the movie’s visual aesthetic is noteworthy as it retains the low-light, grainy texture of classic horror films, adding authenticity to the retro backdrop. Achievements in make-up and sound design lend to the story’s credibility and contribute to the overall feel of the film.

Packed with bizarre situations, hilarious characters, unlikely heroes and spiced up with a healthy dose of parody, Subferatu is a wild and entertaining ride, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys either or both horror and comedy. It challenges the norms of the traditional vampire-spook tale, integrating it with a Nazi submarine and a crew knee-deep into crazy shenanigans.

Overall, Subferatu offers a celebration of eccentricity – a blend of horror and comedy that keeps your stomach clenched in suspense and face aching from laughter, as it takes you through the entertaining journey of this unlikely band of submarine crew and their uncanny adventures with a vampire.