It doesn’t matter what the subject matter is, when filmmaker Pablo Larraín announces a new project, we’re excited. This is because the recent filmography of Larraín damn-hear perfect with a litany of award-winning films such as “Spencer,” “Ema,” and “Jackie,” just to name a few. And even when he dabbles in TV directing, such as with the recent “Lisey’s Story,” it’s still really interesting and worth our attention. So, when Netflix shared a first-look image for his next film, “El Conde,” about a vampiric former dictator, you better believe we’re ready.
The official description of “El Conde” says the feature “revolves around Augusto Pinochet who is not dead but an aged vampire who, after 250 years in this world, has decided to die once and for all, due to ailments brought about by his dishonor and family conflicts.” Of course, if you’re familiar with history, you may remember that Pinochet was the infamous Chilean dictator who led a military coup in the ‘70s and ruled the country until 1990. He died in 2006. Guillermo Calderón, a frequent collaborator with Larraín, co-wrote the feature with the filmmaker.
“We are very happy because Netflix is a place where directors whom I greatly admire have made really valuable movies,” said Larraín. “Using dark comedy we want to observe, understand and analyze the events that have occurred in Chile and the world in the last 50 years. We have total confidence that we’ll do a good job and it will undoubtedly be an adventure: a demanding shoot, but very inspiring and meaningful.”
READ MORE: Pablo Larrain On ‘Spencer’: “We Were Making A Movie About Motherhood” [Interview]
The cast for “El Conde” includes Jaime Vadell (“Tres tristes tigres”), Gloria Münchmeyer (“La luna en el espejo”), Alfredo Castro (“Tony Manero”), and Paula Luchsinger (“Ema”).
An exact release date for “El Conde” has yet to be announced, but Netflix says the film will hit the streaming service in 2023. Considering the pedigree of who is working on the feature, it is safe to assume “El Conde” will be an awards season player, so don’t be surprised if it isn’t until fall 2023 before we see the film.
You can see the first-look photo below:
