**_Transylvanian castles, torches, villages, superstitious locals and… vampires_**

Two college gals meet their friend in Romania to study the region’s culture and folklore (Laura Tate, Michelle McBride and Irina Movila). They are forced to reside at an ancient fortress due to a busy festival wherein they meet a handsome man researching nocturnal creatures (Michael Watson). Unfortunately, an evil vampire is on the loose at a nearby castle and takes interest in the women (Anders Hove).

"Subspecies” (1991) is gothic horror in the modern-day that’s similar to Dracula flicks, just with a different antagonist. It was the first American film to be shot in Romania after the breakdown of the Iron Curtain. Romania, incidentally, was the sole country in Eastern Europe to overthrow its socialist government with violence.

Beating “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” to the theaters by over a year, “Subspecies” is like a low budget take on similar vampire happenings in Transylvania, except that Coppola’s flick was shot in the studio in Los Angeles whereas this one used actual ancient ruins, castles and woodland areas of Romania. In short, this is a great Gothic flick for authentic Carpathian atmosphere.

The setting, ambiance and festival are similar to “Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf” (1985), which was shot in the Czech Republic, minus the campy humor. This one’s totally serious and the revolting vampire is like a meshing of “Nosferatu” (1922/1979) mixed with Marvel’s Morbius.

As far as the women go, Irina Movila stands out as Mara. Meanwhile main protagonist Laura Tate as Michelle is reminiscent of Nastassja Kinski, albeit nowhere near as stimulating. There are tasteful bits of top nudity, but zero sleaze; just a heads up.

The colorful stop-motion puppet-effects are quaint and kinda cheesy. Just roll with ’em.

There would be three sequels in the next seven years, plus one spin-off flick.

The film runs 1 hour, 24 minutes, and was shot entirely in Romania, including Bucharest.

GRADE: B