10 Great Horror Movies You Definitely Missed In 2023
2. El Conde
Don't expect El Conde (The Count) to be a typical vampire feature. Although the gore is plentiful, this Chilean black comedy is more of a character study.
After undead dictator Augusto Pinochet prepares to end his life, his sycophantic family descend on the estate, hoping to claim their inheritance.
El Conde may be a satire, but this Netflix exclusive takes itself very seriously. Thanks to Edward Lachman's cinematography, El Conde is among the most gorgeous films of 2023. The monochromatic visuals are endlessly captivating, especially when Pinochet soars across the landscape. Watching a newly transformed vampire take her first flight is adorable, beautiful, and heart-warming.
El Conde isn't just a feast for the eyes, but for the soul. Pinochet is surprisingly sympathetic, despite being a bloodsucking monster. It's hard not to feel for the Count while the ancient vampire lumbers around the empty estates he conquered, pining for the glory days.
Being a comedy, El Conde is also incredibly funny. Watching vamps chugging blood smoothies may sound like a sketch from a Leslie Nielsen parody, but whimsical moments like this work well, since they're played dead seriously.
Not only does El Conde have a lot of bite; it proves there are still plenty of new ways to explore the vampire mythos.