Carmilla

Based on J Sheridan Le Fanu's 1872 vampire novella, Carmilla is a Gothic coming-of-age drama that boasts a refreshingly contemporary spirit. In rural England during the late-1700s, the secluded existence of 15-year-old Lara (Hannah Rae) is interrupted by the arrival of the mysterious Carmilla (Devrim Lingnau), much to the disdain of puritanical governess Miss Fontaine (Jessica Raine). As a peculiar illness takes hold of local women, Lara becomes increasingly enamoured of Carmilla, whose presence kindles unexpected new feelings. Writer/director Emily Harris strips away the more supernatural elements of the source material to show how superstition allowed prejudice to flourish in bygone days. A searing score from Radiohead's Phil Selway complements the ethereal visuals, which are accentuated by some gruesome dream sequences and extreme close-ups of nature. Raine is the standout among the cast, delivering a piercing performance as the repressed governess, but her bright-eyed young co-stars struggle to make this love story truly blaze with passion