Malcolm Murray (Timothy Dalton) is a famous explorer. However, his trekking into deepest darkest Africa has been put on hold while he seeks his daughter, Mina Harker. Mina has been abducted by something foul and supernatural. As such, Murray has assembled a team of specialists to face the threat. Vanessa Ives (Eva Green) has a way of knowing things, a sensitivity to the spiritual. Ethan Chandler (Josh Hartnet) is an American marksman who happened to be on tour in England when Miss Ives recruited him. He has a dark and mysterious past, but proves to be a stalwart ally. Sembene (Danny Sapani) looks to be an African tribesman with deadly knife skills who serves as Murray's butler. There must be a story here, but it is not revealed. Finally, requiring a doctor to examine the corpse of a vampire (?!), Murray recruits Victor Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway). Can this band of heroes find and rescue Murray's daughter?
Of course, there are other figures in London. Frankenstein's creature (Rory Kinnear) demands a mate that will be like him. Dorian Gray (Reeve Carney) has taken an interest in Miss Ives, Ethan, and even Ethan's lover, Brona (Billie Piper). There are many subplots to allow development of every character.
Here is what The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen could have been. Penny Dreadful creates an excellent blend of dark horror with calls to Dracula, Frankenstein, and Doran Gray. Entertaining and engaging. Highly recommended.
No comments:
Post a Comment