Transylvanie gets off to a creepy start. A child whispers to her master that she is looking for someone to turn into a vampire so they can rule together. It is powerful in its subtlety and boldness. The camera eventually reveals the speaker and… it is a ten year old girl (Katell Varvat) complete with black hoodie and a Dracula cape perfect for any child’s costume.
Therein lies the premise for the short film playing at the Fantasia International Film Festival as part of the Small Gauge Trauma block of short films. Is Ewa just a little kid with an overactive imagination or is she truly a creature of the night? It is an entertaining setup that mixes well-known folklore with an emotional story that takes audiences on quite a ride in its near fifteen minute runtime.
The majority of Transylvanie centers around Ewa and Varvat does a fantastic job of keeping anyone watching engaged. The childhood innocence she still possesses is seen in her character. She may have sinister intentions, but it is impossible to ignore that she is just a kid.
But it is in the delivery of her dialogue that is the highlight. Ewa is mesmerizing in her demeanor and attitude. She quotes passages and makes statements that are both eloquent and evil. There is a sincerity in her performance that will keep people guessing up until the final tense moments.
Transylvanie | Teaser | Court métrage from Rodrigue Huart on Vimeo.
The Fantasia International Film Festival takes place from July 20 – August 9. Fantasia, news, tickets, and films can be found HERE
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