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Filmmaker Radu Jude (DO NOT EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM THE END OF THE WORLD) turns his absurdist sensibilities loose on what may be the most well-known story of his home country, at least for those hailing from points elsewhere, DRACULA. Sort of. Framed in the context of a filmmaker trying to make a Dracula film using AI, we wind up with nearly everything but that story.

From the tale of two exploited performers running away from their bawdy, no-budget Transylvania tourist-trap vampire dinner theater to retellings of classic Romanian tales to a modern-day saga of Vlad the Impaler as a techno-fascist, no story is too grandiose (or too raunchy) for this cast and crew to tell in their scrappy, yet earnest style.

The controversial use of AI technology, including fully AI-generated shots or segments, is intentionally juxtaposed against the sincerity of microbudget filmmaking and its ability to connect emotionally with the audience, ultimately painting the sterile, often nonsensical, output of the technology as the true soul-sucking villain.

Intentionally overly ambitious, but always heartfelt and sincere, Radu Jude and his cast and crew have created a hilarious, often smutty, genre-spanning comedy. The interwoven stories give as much life as the antagonists purport to suck from their victims—leaving you with a belly aching from laughter and a smile that won’t be denied (much like the actors in some scenes).

Directed by Radu Jude

2025 | Romania/Austria/Luxembourg/Brazil/UK/Switzerland | English, Romanian, German language with English subtitles | DCP

Online sales end 15 minutes prior to showtime. Please visit the Harris Theater box office after this time to purchase tickets.

Concessions

Concessions are available for all screenings and the Harris Theater is now BYOB. Guests who bring alcoholic beverages must be 21 years or older and provide valid photo ID upon request, a $5 charge will be issued per guest.