J. Sheridan LeFanu was a French Gothic novelist who wrote some pretty chilling stuff in the 19th century. He is most famous for his "Carmilla" about a woman vampire. In this film adaptation from his novel "The Wyvern Mystery" Naomi Watts stars as Alice, a pretty and proper Englishwoman who has just married the man of her dreams and is a very enviable position. She is soon the mistress of a large manor complete with servants. The cast includes veteran British actor Derek Jacobi in a fantastic performance. Watts is convincing as a woman who is initially naive but matures into a strong and valiant woman who defends her family from the threat of the terrible secret the manor contains. Excellent visuals/cinematography which evoke Gothic romance/horror. It's all here- the Gothic mansion, eerie moonlight, creepy noises, a dangerous wild woman in a prison, fears of losing an infant, blood, sex and a little gore. The most impressive image for me was the candelabra dripping with blood instead of wax. This film aired in London on the BBC and appeared on American television via KCET/PBS'Mystery! hosted by the legendary British actress Vanessa Redgrave. This is a must see movie for fans of Gothic horror.
Review of The Wyvern Mystery
The Wyvern Mystery
(2000 TV Movie)
Fine Adaptation Of The Gothic Novel
22 October 2005
Warning: Spoilers