There's something inherently terrifying about being trapped at sea with a monster, and The Last Voyage of the Demeter leans into that dread with every wave. Director André Øvredal, known for Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, took a single, chilling chapter from Bram Stoker's Dracula and expanded it into a full-blown creature feature. The result is a claustrophobic, atmospheric horror that, despite a rocky theatrical run, has found a new lease on life—and a new streaming home.
As of September 10, the film is officially available on Peacock, giving subscribers a chance to experience this forgotten gem. The story follows the doomed crew of the merchant ship Demeter, bound for London with a mysterious cargo. But when a bloodthirsty presence begins picking off the sailors one by one, the voyage turns into a nightmare on the high seas. Captain Elliot, first mate Wojchek, stowaway Anna, and physician Clemens must uncover the truth before the ship becomes a floating tomb.
The cast is a standout, led by Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton) as Clemens, with Aisling Franciosi (The Nightingale) as Anna, Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones) as Captain Elliot, and David Dastmalchian (The Suicide Squad) as Wojchek. Jon Jon Briones, Stefan Kapičić, Martin Furulund, and Javier Botet—who brings a terrifying physicality to Dracula—round out the ensemble.
Why Did It Sink at the Box Office?
Despite its pedigree, The Last Voyage of the Demeter struggled to find an audience. Produced on a reported $45 million budget, it grossed only about half that worldwide, making it a bona fide box office bomb. Critics were divided, with some praising its atmosphere and performances while others found it sluggish and predictable. Collider's review gave it a C+, noting that the promising premise is undermined by pacing issues and a lack of genuine scares.
However, the film has developed a cult following among horror enthusiasts who appreciate its unique approach to the Dracula mythos. The creature design and Botet's performance as the vampire are particularly praised, with the film at its best when Dracula is actively tormenting the crew. It's a slow-burn that rewards patience, and its streaming debut on Peacock is a chance for a wider audience to judge for themselves.
If you're in the mood for more underrated thrillers, check out our list of thrillers with hidden layers or explore forgotten films that predicted today's world. And for those who can't get enough of vampire lore, CBS is betting on the genre again with Eternally Yours and the legacy of Moonlight.
So, if you missed The Last Voyage of the Demeter in theaters, or if you're curious about a Dracula story that trades gothic castles for a creaking ship, now's your chance. It's a voyage worth taking—just don't expect smooth sailing.
