Combining different kinds of movies can be difficult, particularly when the elements don’t quite fit together. However, writer-director Pablo Larraín has managed to create a strikingly original mix, and he does so remarkably well. This symbolic depiction of the life of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet (1915-2006) (Jaime Vadell) presents him as a vampire reminiscent of Dracula – which explains both the title and his nickname, “the Count” – using the visual style of F.W. Murnau’s classic silent film “Nosferatu” (1922). The story follows the character's life from his birth as orphaned royalist Claude Pinoche in late 18th Century France through a series of military campaigns where he suppressed rebellions before ultimately seizing power as Chile’s right-wing dictator during the 1973 coup that overthrew left-wing President Salvador Allende. A significant portion of the story takes place after Pinochet left office, living in seclusion and pretending to be dead. During this time, he is being pursued by various individuals hoping to get their hands on his illegally obtained wealth, including his wife (Gloria Münchmeyer), his longtime butler (Alfredo Castro), a nun/exorcist disguised as an accountant reviewing his finances (Paula Luchsinger) and his five grown children. Simultaneously, Pinochet himself is experiencing boredom and struggling with the decision of whether or not to continue living. Numerous plot threads emerge and become interwoven, offering satirical commentary on dictatorship, greed, power, desire, immortality, and religion. Adding to this, there’s a sophisticated, unseen narrator with a distinct British accent who recounts the story and makes an unexpected appearance later in the film, leading things down a completely new path with surprisingly twisted developments. The film also boasts beautiful black-and-white cinematography, impressive production design, excellent acting, and a clever screenplay, along with just enough restrained quirkiness in the dialogue and special effects to elicit amusement without becoming absurd. While the rhythm does slow down slightly later on, this is easily overlooked considering how well everything else comes together. It’s worth noting that the film contains some graphic scenes, so viewers who are easily disturbed should probably avoid it. However, if you enjoy darker subject matter, this Netflix exclusive is worth watching. Pablo Larraín's films continue to improve with each release, and this one solidifies his reputation as a leading filmmaker today. Give it a try and see for yourself.

Source on TMDB