The Carmilla Movie (2017) User Reviews

Pretty stupid.

[invisibleunicornninja · 5/10 · 22 November 2018]

This movie is listed as a comedy, a horror, and a romance. The romance aspect is ok. It's not scary at all. The funniest gag is in the credits. Overall, the whole movie is incredibly stupid, and not worth watching, except maybe if you're a diehard fan of the web series.

The script is absolutely terrible. There are a lot of concepts that sound cool, but when you try to think about them and how they fit into the abstract plot they don't work. This feels like a first draft of something that could've been good. Nothing interesting happens over the course of the movie. It's not quite boring, but it is pretty cringeworthy at times. There's nothing that entertaining about characters being stupid. The story is kind of predictable as well, and there is very little tension.

The acting is also pretty bad. While Laura isn't quite as annoying as she is in the webseries (mostly thanks to the movie dropping the gimmick of her talking to the audience all the time (she is relegated to an exposition dump at the beginning)) she's still not good. Barely anyone's acting is good in this. There are so many scenes where it could've been somewhat dramatic if it didn't feel like the actors were just reading their lines. Anything potentially impactful is ruined by terrible performances. Not that there is much to ruin.

Probably the best thing about this movie is the visuals, and that is only because I'm comparing it to the web series. In the series, the whole story is told through Laura's webcam, making the visual experience so bland that it might as well just be an audiobook or something. Having the camera move around a bit makes it look better, but nothing too interesting or impressive is done with the visuals. Everything - not just the effects - looks really cheap. I wouldn't have minded that much but pretty much everything about this movie is unprofessional.

Overall this is a really, really stupid movie. The only people who will call it good are those starved for representation. Honestly I wish that more time had been spent on doing more than one take for each seen or maybe on rewriting some dialogue to make it more interesting or entertaining. It could've been good. If you really want to see the story of Carmilla, then watch the webseries on YouTube. Or watch any other adaptation. Or read the book.

Not the tv show then

[kosmasp · 6/10 · 25 May 2022]

I had no idea there was a tv show that this is based on. I guess the title should have been a give away, yes? Well I did not think that far ahead. So as you can tell, I am not familiar with the tv show (yet). I watched a movie before a show a while ago and I seem to be drawn to do that in 2022. Ah well, there are worse things than that, right? Rhetorical question of course and no pun intended.

The movie is quite nice and has a nice flow to it. The actors are good, it looks good and it has a few elements that fit into the horror genre. It also has an after credits scene that suggest this is not the end of the story. Not that I was there for the beginning ... just saying.

I might somedays watch the tv show when I get the chance. It seems to be better - don't think I'll revisit the movie though.

Entertaining, but not what I'd hoped...

[softpineswhisperinthebreeze · 30 October 2017]

There were a few laughs in this and the intimacy between Laura and Carmilla was the most realistic and tasteful I've ever seen. But, this just didn't feel like a movie to me. It felt more like a long webisode. I say this for several reasons. First of all, with the exception of Dominique Provost- Chalkley, the acting was the same light, quirky acting that I remembered from the web series. It was entertaining, but not crafted enough for me to consider it movie material. The cinematography also suffered a bit. It felt like the camera work was rough at the start (e.g. the scene with Laura, Carmilla, and the cake at the start felt a bit clumsy). At the end, it was much better, particularly in reference to Dominique Provost-Chalkley. However, if one is going to make a feature-length film, the quality really should be more consistent. The story was interesting and a bit elaborate, but it didn't draw me in. I found myself bored quite a bit throughout the movie. I realized that this might be because the tasteful use of description in the web series that I found so stimulating, was much less relied upon here. I've heard that Hitchcock relied upon the hinting at ideas, using the mind to form more powerful imagery than the camera is capable of producing. The web series — as quirky as it was — accomplished this well through the use of descriptions. It seemed as if they used this to compensate for the stationary camera, but it felt like a mistake to leave it behind. — That brings to mind another thing which was lacking here: literary references. We had quotes from Camus in the web series, but here there was largely just referencing to the original novella by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu. It was appropriate, but not stimulating or intriguing in the same way that the web series was.

My sincere compliments to Negovanlis and Bauman for their truly realistic and tasteful portrayal of intimacy. Dominique Provost-Chalkley really elevated this movie with her acting skill (I was only previously familiar with her work Wynonna Earp, but I really enjoyed her here). Finally, to whomever thought up that scene where Dominique Provost-Chalkley came up behind Bauman — wow. What a truly fantastic bit of imagery! It bordered on the surreal in presentation. Truly impressive!

Overall, I'd say that if one enjoyed the web series, this should be entertaining. But, don't expect the same ambiance. It gives more in some places, but unfortunately suffers in others. It's worth a watch for the sake of completing one's viewing experience, though I find myself content with my choice not to pre-purchase the movie. It doesn't have the charisma it would need for me to rewatch it again and again. Thankfully, the web series does. I hope that if they decide to do another film or to add episodes to the web series, that they return to that charming and stimulating dynamic that they previously had. It may have relied upon less, technologically, perhaps even financially, but its substance felt superior.

Acting & script like bargain basement rejects

[rustgold · 1/10 · 31 December 2021]

There's only one reason to like this movie, and that's because it's got a lesbian theme.

Sorry, but that doesn't make a good movie. If you're with a group of mates getting drunk one Sunday & suddenly decide that you can make a movie, then just hodgepodge a few ideas together & go for it. Don't worry about a lack of acting talent, or nothing matching together, just get a few more drinks into you and it'll be right. All you'll need is a sex theme hook and nobody will care that a primary school's play production is of better quality.

If you want to watch anything because it's got a lesbian theme, then sure, go ahead, however if you want to watch a movie with some degree of quality in either acting or its script, then keep hunting.

The greatest movie in queer history

[caroldanverswho · 10/10 · 26 October 2017]

Honestly this movie is the greatest film in queer cinema history. It has everything from romance to action to spooky ghosts and vampires. Elise Bauman and Natasha Negovanlis shine as respectively Laura and Carmilla and their romance develops and continues to thrive despite the many obstacles they face. The creators have done a fantastic job in avoiding LGBT+ tropes and the movie does a great job of being just that, an amazing movie that just happens to be hella gay. The representation in this film makes up for any past mistakes done by the media (and that is saying something!). Whether you have been a fan since the beginning, started watching more recently or have never even seen the Carmilla series. This film can be enjoyed by everyone from all walks of life.

Not what I hoped

[ilancolli · 2/10 · 25 July 2022]

I was hoping for either a modern setting adaptation of Carmilla or a version of the book where lesbianism isn't the big evil. I mean, it ticked one box. Lesbianism wasn't portrayed in a negative light. That being said, the acting is on par with a high school play and this isn't the story of Carmilla. It's the story of a web series based off of Carmilla and this movie is a sequel to the web series. I'm glad we're getting lesbian and enby representation and I know some of the issues could be solved with a bigger budget or a different mindset coming into it, but it's hard to watch.

The little web series that did.

[yeveran · 8/10 · 26 October 2017]

The staff of the Carmilla web series and movie have turned the original novella into something much bigger. This movie will no doubt have an impact on the LGBTQ community and the direction of LGBTQ film.

For fans of the series, you know the story; you know the characters; you know the themes. For those who are new to the series, I would recommend watching the web series on YouTube first. The story is simple: 19-year old Laura Hollis (Elise Bauman) wants to find her missing roommate. Using the perfect amount of comedy and seriousness, we see the characters develop relationships with each other, and later on, they become so much more than just characters on the screen. Because all queer aspects in the show were normalized, the characters become relatable, especially for the LGBTQ community. They become human like us-imperfections and all. The fixed camera angle had limitations, but the staff did well to develop these characters and their stories. The main relationship is between Laura and Carmilla (Natasha Negovanlis).

Although the movie moves away from the fixed camera angle, many things are the same: the humor, the seriousness, the characters and their quirks. It was a delight seeing these characters again in a different setting.

Bauman and Negovanlis are phenomenal as Laura and Carmilla. In every scene together, their love for each other is palpable. Their lines were spoken with strong, vivid emotions. They are truly the heart of the series and gave amazing performances.

What I appreciate the most about the characters' relationship is that it avoids the common tropes found in the mainstream media's representation of lesbian relationships. This is reflected in the sex scene which is one of the best that I have seen thus far in an LGBTQ movie. By avoiding the objectification of the characters and their actresses, it avoided being pornographic. It avoided common lesbian sex tropes such as scissoring. The scene had so much intimacy and emotion. It was a realistic portrayal of two women who love each other. Most importantly, it was so normal--a step in the right direction for LGBTQ representation in film. Future film makers should take note.

The only downsides to the movie were the plot, the pacing and the supporting characters who didn't have a chance to shine.

The plot is not perfect. It has continuity issues with the web series and several plot holes. This is mostly a problem for those who are new to the series and for those who take the series' plot seriously (I imagine most people don't).

The movie starts off very quickly and then starts to drag on in the latter half. Most of the latter half of the movie involves the gang running around the house. This could have been remedied by including more character development in the beginning and slowing down the beginning of the film. I'm sure most viewers wanted to see more domestic scenes with Laura and Carmilla.

Outside of Mel (Nicole Stamp), supporting characters weren't given enough time to play a big role in the movie. Viewers of the web series will be okay with this, as they known the backstories already. However, how many viewers actually cared about the drama between LaFontaine (Kaitlyn Alexander) and Perry (Annie Briggs)? What exactly did Kirsch (Matt O' Connor) do? The writing could have addressed this portion of the movie better by deciding the focus of the film and making the supporting characters play a bigger role IF needed. I imagine the biggest draw of the Carmilla series is the relationship between Laura and Carmilla. While I loved seeing the entire cast, the supporting characters felt less involved in the movie than in the web series and ended up a little shallow.

For a web series that started in back in 2014 and later on became an international hit, I am extremely happy with this movie.

Yes, it is not a perfect movie, but its existence is so important.

Carmilla is an example of how representation matters; how good representation matters. By normalizing the queer aspects of the show, they make the characters more human. Laura and Carmilla are simply two women who love each other. For this reason, this movie is daring. It is inclusive. It is a much needed step in the right direction.

To all the staff involved in the film, amazing job and amazing performance.

Terrible

[chinablix · 3/10 · 4 July 2018]

I got through half this movie, that is billed as a horror/comedy and found no redeeming quality whatsoever. It was boring, unfunny, and predictable. Now, maybe I should have watched the whole thing, but I gave it half way and figured I was wasting my time. Can anyone tell me why I should watch the second half? And no, it has nothing to do with the two women being lesbians, I could care less, but everything to do with the movie stunk.

Mediocre but heartwarming for fans of the series

[amysteinsoccer · 8/10 · 12 February 2019]

I saw this at the theatre last year and just re-watched it this week on my computer. As someone who was a big fan of the first season of the series as a teenager, this film feels special to me, and since I already love the characters, seeing them again on the big screen, and in a new environment, was exciting and fun. That being said, some of the classic pitfalls of Carmilla are here -- some cheesy dialog, questionable cinematography, etc. But, if you're already a fan of the series, you're sure to enjoy this! 8/10

Yeah, that was a swing and a miss...

[paul_haakonsen · 3/10 · 23 January 2022]

Right, well I am by no means familiar with the "Carmilla" series, so I have absolutely no clue as to what came before this 2017 movie, aside from what is referenced throughout the course of the movie. And I have to admit that I felt that I wasn't getting half as much from the movie as I would have, had I been familiar with the characters, the previous storylines, the events and what not.

So yeah, this 2017 movie from writers Alejandro Alcoba and Jordan Hall was somewhat of a swing and a miss in terms of providing me with much entertainment. Honestly, then I had no clue as to what was going on or how I should react to the events, as I didn't know the characters at all.

"The Carmilla Movie" felt like a pseudo-gothic vampire homosexual ghostbuster movie, a comedy of sorts, but not getting me to laugh a single time throughout the course of its monotonous run time.

Personally I didn't enjoy this movie one bit. There was too much focus on showing off lesbian love scenes, something that I felt sleazed down the movie unnecessarily. And oddly enough it seemed that every single character of the main character gallery was homosexual. Sure, why not...

I didn't feel any particular thrill from the movie, and I can't claim that the characters showed off much of anything that appealed to me. Everything felt bland and pointless, and it was a struggle to stray afloat and stay awake throughout the course of this slow paced movie.

I am sure that "The Carmilla Movie" will be entertaining to those familiar with the series, but for someone never having heard of the series, this was just simply a movie that failed to provide entertainment. And it felt like this movie (and series perhaps too) was aimed at a female teenage audience.

My rating of director Spencer Maybee's 2017 movie lands on a three out of ten stars, and that is mostly based on the production value, the sets, props and wardrobe.

Only watch if you know the web series

[kettycbp · 8/10 · 24 May 2021]

The film is GOOD for those who are fans of the webseries. Watching the movie without knowing the web series makes everything seem like a big waste of time. I like the book Carmilla( Sheridan Le Fanu) but this film for those who expect something darker and deeper, will regret it. I decided to watch the web first and I thought it was a lot of fun, I liked the first season better, it's very comedy oriented and then the film made more sense for me.

When Elle shows up, the first thing I noticed was HOW MUCH ELLE IS BEAUTIFUL(The actress was PERFECT). Right away I was curious to know more about and it could have been better developed, better executed and more dramatic than it was. I became much more interested in Elle's story, but she just comes up with a summary of the story and a stupid revenge her story with Carmilla was something that deserved a film focused only on that, it would have been wonderful, since she is quoted from the beginning on the web series but never appeared

But the film as a sequel to the web series, couldn't expect a masterpiece.

There's a 2019 movie that became my favorite about Carmilla, it's wonderful, too bad it didn't focus on vampirism and left it more subtle than explicit, but it's very beautiful.

Anyway, watch the web series and then the movie, exactly in that sequence.

A highly entertaining continuaton of a beloved saga

[I_Ailurophile · 10/10 · 31 August 2022]

Though it took me several years to get around to it, once I took the time to watch it I immediately fell in love with Jordan Hall's 'Carmilla' web series. The tremendous writing smartly wove together a variety of ideas - above all updates on Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's novel, discrete lesbian romance, and supernatural horror recalling 'Buffy the vampire slayer' - with very specific structure, and the entire cast was utterly terrific. I was so enraptured with the series that I was sad we didn't get more - but then of course, here's a full-length feature. It's not uncommon, to follow series that have ended with a movie to expand the story or conclude it, but the practice has a checkered history. I'm very pleased to say that this is one such picture that gets it right: 'The Carmilla movie' is an excellent, satisfying continuation of the universe that leaves us thirsting for more.

It feels a little weird at first to see these familiar characters in framing outside of a webcam, but it doesn't take long for the uncanniness to give way to solid investment and reverie in the viewing experience. The same magnificent cast returns, spearheaded by irreplaceable stars Elise Bauman and Natasha Negovanlis. Once again they demonstrate their utmost skill and charm even in scenes where they are apart, but the marvelous chemistry Bauman and Negovanlis share on-screen makes one wish they could participate in many more projects together. Supporting cast members Annie Briggs and K Alexander shine once again; though Sharon Belle's presence is notably minimized by comparison, Nicole Stamp and Matt O'Connor are given more prominent roles than they had in the web series, and they ably make the most of it. Those new to the 'Carmilla' 'verse also rise to the task, including Grace Lynn Kung and Cara Gee - and Dominique Provost-Chalkley absolutely shines in their major part; they were one of the break-out stars of Weird West wonderland 'Wynonna Earp,' and it's great to see them in another notable role.

The screenplay concocted between Alejandro Alcoba and series creator Jordan Hall is a blast, with clever small references at varying points that shrewd viewers will pick up on. The characters are just as lively and complicated as ever, just as the dialogue is penned with thoughtful care. The scene writing is dynamic and varied to keep the audience engaged as it propels the narrative, and carries tones much like the three seasons of short-form videos before this. The story recognizably follows a similar pattern as the preceding material - starting with simple, staple ideas, and building them out to create something new and delightful. More so than with the series there are elements of 'The Carmilla movie' that are arguably too common, yet all the pieces come together so very well that I can hardly complain: it's a very satisfying genre flick stirring together horror, comedy, and romance; what more is there to say?

All the contributions of those behind the scenes are splendid. Spencer Maybee's direction is swell; lighting is used to especially judicious effect here. The costume designer and hair and makeup artists have truly outdone themselves here, particularly with the period outfits, and the set design and decoration is likewise fabulous. The special effects have never looked better; it's clear that this full-length feature had much more of a budget to work with. And so on, and so on - let's be honest, I could speak to every small detail of the production, and the fact remains the same: I loved the web series, and I'm just as big a fan of the movie.

I can only hope most sincerely that there's a way for the 'Carmilla' universe to continue still further, ideally with the same characters, though I know this is increasingly unlikely the further away we get from 2017. That's just it, though: between Bauman and Negovanlis and their co-stars, the reliably brilliant writing, and otherwise fantastic craft, it's easy to get absorbed into these characters and the tale being told. It's one thing for a movie to be instantly recognized as an indisputable cinematic classic, a must-see event for all comers; it's another for a piece of media to so joyfully enrapture its viewers that they want more and more content, and to revisit what we have again and again. 'Carmilla,' series and film alike, falls squarely into the latter category. I had so much fun watching this, and I can only hope against hope that there might some day be more to come. But even if we don't - thank you, Jordan Hall, and thank you to the cast. This ride has been such a pleasure.

A Must Watch

[helenamoon · 10/10 · 2 November 2017]

First of, I must say that this movie was everything and more than I expected. The acting was on par and they sure did not disappoint.

You don't have to be in the LGBT community to enjoy this movie. I thought the chemistry between Natasha and Elise during the intimate scene was one of the most genuine scenes I have seen between two actors. I am humbled that these two actors cared enough about their fans to portray it in such a classy way that warmth our hearts. It says a lot about their character.

I realise that this movie might not speak to everyone and it might not have the big budget that most come to expect. Nevertheless, this movie was a brilliant display of humour, love, suspense, and all you expect from this little web series. It's not hard to understand why there are so many fandom out, and although I am not one to ship, you can't help but fall in love with these characters, especially Carm and Laura who have become my favourite on-screen couple.

If you haven't watched the web series I highly recommend you binge watching all of them as I did. And I definitely recommend watching The Carmilla Movie. It is a delightful little gem that won't disappoint.

A Continuation of the Series

[AngelHonesty · 8/10 · 7 February 2024]

The movie is not based on the book, if you are wanting to watch it hoping it will be like the book, don't. You need to watch the web series before watching the movie. If you did not like the web series you will not like the movie. If you loved the web series you will love the movie.

If you've seen the web series you know exactly what to expect and what you're getting yourself into. The movie brings back all the old cast, with the corny lines, theater acting feel and great lesbian love story. Just like the web series, the actress who plays Laura Hollis, unfortunately hasn't gotten any better in acting. Everyone else is fantastic, but she does really bring the movie down with her poor skills.

As a lover of the web series, I really enjoyed the movie. It was like a continuation of the series. It was fun to finally see it in a real movie style with many camera angles and such, not just a web cam. I thought the movie was a real treat. Above all I really enjoyed the lesbian relationship between Carmilla and Laura. They teased us many times in the web series, and finally they gave us a very steamy sex scene between the two. There's lots of passion there.

I'm not too sure why it has an R rating, it has nothing to do with the story, or being scary. I can only guess it's due to the lesbian sex scene, but even then it seems not graphic enough for an R rating. The movie is a drama/thriller/fantasy. Just like the series.

Amazing

[chloewells-18063 · 10/10 · 26 October 2017]

I only discovered the series just over a year ago and once I found out there was a movie being made, and after binge watching the series at least 5 times, I was so hyped to see the film. When the movie was released I jumped to watching it as soon as I could. There was twists and turns and the plot was amazing, especially learning about Carmilla's past with Elanor and more about how Carmilla became who she is today. I laughed, I cried and I enjoyed it even more than I did with the series. A massive thank you to everyone involved in making this film possible and showing more queer representation in the media. I hope that Shaftesbury will continue to carry on the series and continue to make great content for the LGBTQ+ community, especially since they ended the film the way they did.

Must watch!

[pokegirl-90196 · 9/10 · 15 September 2019]

It's amazing to see what happens next after winning the apocalypse. Also it's so cute and great to see their relationship has evolved even further since S3. I absolutely loved it. It's a must watch!

Fantastic movie! Wish there was a second movie!

[Sidger13 · 10/10 · 22 March 2018]

Whole of the cast played the movie fantastic! Love the relationship of Carmilla and Laura, hope the DVD comes out!

Everything is a must watch.

[hzpossible · 10/10 · 27 October 2017]

I recently discovered Carmilla series, by recently I meant a month ago. I couldn't believe such awesome series exist!It needs more recognition, it deserves recognition! The movie is even more better! It totally exceeded my expectations. It was very well done and I'm hoping for more! This feature film is a must watch, to be honest.

Best movie ever.

[jimemigh · 10/10 · 3 November 2017]

This movie was the best movie I've seen in a long time. The actors are all very good. Natasha Negovanlis and Elise Bauman Are the best thing since sliced bread and they go together like peanut butter and jelly.If these two girls are not a real couple then they must be the best damn actors I have ever seen, it's magic when the get together, like the two of them become one.

Support Positive LGBTQ+ Representation

[nicolefootit · 10/10 · 29 October 2017]

This movie is what a queer movie should be. It is the definition of perfect. It is so important to support positive LGBTQ+ representation and Carmilla does just that. Natasha and Elise really embody the love story between Laura and Carmilla. It is normalized in the movie that being non-binary is normal and everyone respects Laf's pronouns. I wish I could personally thank every single one of the cast, crew, and everyone who worked on this movie. It is truly one of a kind. I will do everything in my power to spread the word so there can be more Carmilla in the future!

Love it

[hayleekilgore · 10/10 · 28 April 2018]

Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just 1 complaint

[carinnalowther · 9/10 · 4 February 2022]

So my complaint is about the ratingnot the movie. I'm glad younger people will get to see queer couples. But it kinda feels like they are also implying gay sex isn't sex...which is a wee bit offensive.