Tubi FrightFest Review – Dracula: The Night Surrounding Us (2026)

      **Dracula: The Night Around Us (2026)**

      **Written and Directed by Chris Schwab.**

      **Starring Eric Toms, Marlene Mc’Cohen, Spencer Weitzel, Raelan Mackiewicz, Brenton Jones**

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      A disillusioned physician finds renewed faith in humanity through a mother and daughter, only to be pursued by an evil force that feeds on destruction.

      Chris Schwab takes a bold approach by including Dracula in the film's title and drawing heavily from Bram Stoker's original novel while relegating the vampire to the background of the narrative. In this reimagining of certain peripheral elements of the tale, it proves effective. Here, Dracula embodies an evil presence, a malevolent undercurrent that cannot be easily identified or defined. This depiction leans more towards that of a mythic demon than a flamboyant villain strolling through town in a lavish suit and cloak.

      The story primarily revolves around one of the lesser-known yet crucial figures in Dracula's universe, Dr. John Seward, the administrator of the asylum, portrayed with conviction by Eric Toms. We encounter Seward as he grapples with stress, feeling overwhelmed by his demanding job in the mental health facility and longing for human connection. Isolated and drinking too much, he feels betrayed by nearly everything around him.

      A chance meeting with young Lucy (Raelan Mackiewicz), a neighbor from his apartment complex, and her mother, Mina (Marlene Mc’Cohen), brings hope into their lives. Yet, the ominous presence of Dracula lingers nearby.

      Rather than presenting a typical horror film filled with vampire scares, this narrative delves into the psychological dynamics among the characters. An essential figure at the mental health center where Dr. Seward works is the unhinged Renfield, who has a habit of consuming live creatures like insects and rodents, believing he can capture their life force. This character, played with intensity by Spencer Weitzel, has a recurring connection to Dracula and continuously taunts Seward with the claim that “he” is coming.

      Dracula is undeniably drawn to both Mina and Lucy, leading Seward to feel an increasing sense of duty to protect them. The narrative concentrates on his struggle to keep them safe from this overwhelmingly destructive force.

      I found this film quite impressive. It successfully conveys a gothic sense of melancholy within its concise 70-minute runtime. It adeptly captures the banality of Seward’s work life while maintaining a constant awareness of his fragile state of mind. The added pressure of safeguarding his newfound friends heightens his paranoia and stress levels. The resulting depiction is both tense and impactful. While adaptations of Dracula are likely to continue, this film stands out for its unique perspective and skillful portrayal of human emotions.

      The gradual build-up in *Dracula: The Night Around Us* allows the characters to generate much of the tension and fear surrounding them. The contemporary setting lends a dreamlike quality that is often deeply unsettling, highlighted by sudden eruptions of violence and horror. I considered it a well-crafted, compact film that provides a fresh examination of some characters within Dracula's realm.

      **Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★**

      **Robert W Monk**