The Undead (2009) Strigoi

Vlad investigates a mysterious death in his grandfather’s village that raises questions about land ownership in the community. The trail points to ex-communist Consantin Tirescu and his wife, but when Vlad confronts them, he discovers that the richest landowners in the village have become real bloodsuckers. Strigoi is a vampire movie that defies categorization. Shedding a fantastic light on a post-communist Romanian village, the film introduces us to an ancient myth: Strigoi, the souls that rise again after death to seek justice if they’ve been wringed, their appetites intensified by a hunger for blood.

Strigoi is a subtle, well-made film that will appeal to anyone who doesn’t need their stories bashed over their heads. It’s a charming representation of characters who are genuine people, with whom I felt I could identify, regardless of the fact that I’ve never been to Romania and probably never will unless I see more flattering brochures of its countryside. If you’re expecting any kind of horror in this film you will be sorely disappointed. Watch this film, though, if you have any kind of appreciation for a fun and interesting story embodied in a well-crafted, well-acted film.