The Invitation 2003

In this intriguing film that spans a century, the story begins in an old, eerie mansion where a woman named Virag Barany portraying Emmaline Alexander, is haunted by her past. She confides in her loyal butler as she wrestles with her inner demons, eventually breaking free from her room, her resolve hardened by despair. In a dramatic turn, she ties a rope around her neck, uses a statue as a weight, and declares that she will put an end to her torment. Her tragic act culminates in her hanging herself, setting a dark tone for the story that unfolds across generations.

Fast forward to present-day New York City, we meet Nathalie Emmanuel as Evelyn “Evie” Jackson, a young woman working as a server at an upscale museum. She is grappling with profound grief following her mother’s recent passing from cancer, and the loss of her father years earlier when she was just a teenager. In her quest to discover her roots, Evie takes a DNA test that uncovers surprising family secrets and introduces her to a distant relative, Hugh Skinner, playing Oliver Alexander. Despite initial hesitations, Evie agrees to meet Oliver and learns about her ancestral connection to Emmaline, revealing that she is descended from her hidden offspring. The bond deepens as Oliver invites her to London for a family wedding, prompting Evie to take a leap into the unknown.

Arriving in London at the grand DeVille estate, Evie is greeted by the estate’s dignified but somewhat intimidating butler, Sean Pertwee, who introduces her to the estate’s lord, Thomas Doherty, also known as Walt. Walt’s charming demeanor and striking appearance immediately captivate Evie, and he promises her warmth and a sense of belonging. At the estate, she is given a guided tour by the head maid, Carol Ann Crawford, who explains the mansion’s mysterious bells connected to various rooms, adding to the mansion’s ominous atmosphere. Later, Evie hears unsettling noises and witnesses a maid being unexpectedly attacked by an unseen creature in the wine cellar, hinting at the sinister presence lurking within the estate.

The following day, Evie attends a family reunion where she is warmly welcomed by her extended relatives, including her great-uncle, who offers a heartfelt speech. Walt shows particular interest in her and begins to flirt, sparking a romantic tension. During a lively party that evening, Evie encounters Viktoria, played by Stephanie Corneliussen, who exudes arrogance and superiority, as well as Lucy, portrayed by Alana Boden, who is gentler and more genuine. Evie and Walt share a tender moment during fireworks, and he kisses her, drawing her deeper into the estate’s mysterious allure.

As Evie becomes more entangled with Walt, she is invited to a luxurious pre-wedding spa session with Viktoria, Lucy, and other female relatives. The atmosphere starts to feel increasingly unsettling when Viktoria, in a creepy display, sucks blood from Evie’s finger during the treatment. Turning her attention to Walt’s private quarters, Evie uncovers troubling evidence of his stalking—personal documents about her life, including her social media profile—which alarms her deeply. Walt, however, manages to convince her that his actions were driven by curiosity rather than malice, and soon, he seduces her, leading to their first intimacy. He even hints at marriage, igniting hope but also suspicion.

The wedding day arrives with an ominous tone. Evie expects to meet the bride and groom, but during the celebration, Walt shocks everyone by announcing that Evie has agreed to marry him. Suddenly, she witnesses a horrifying ritual as the family murders a maid, slit her throat, and collect her blood in a bowl—revealing their sinister vampire secret. They are part of a dark family tradition, with Walt aiming to continue a bloodline of vampires by adding Evie, a descendant of Emmaline, to their lineage. Realizing the danger she is in, Evie tries to escape but is quickly subdued and taken to a cellar prepared for her wedding night.

In a brave act fueled by her love and newfound strength, Mrs. Swift, the maid, helps Evie escape, despite the risk to her own life. Evie flees to a nearby town where she encounters Jonathan and Mina Harker, played respectively by Jeremy Wheeler and Elizabeth Counsell. At first, they seem to be allies, but it quickly becomes clear that they are loyal to the vampire family, betraying her trust. Evie is overpowered, knocked unconscious, and taken back for the deadly wedding ceremony.

With resolve ignited by her mother’s encouraging words, Evie drinks Walt’s blood during the ceremony, awakening her own vampire powers. She fights fiercely, setting the estate ablaze and killing Walt by piercing his heart with a fiery stake. Evie also rescues a maid planned for sacrifice and fights off Viktoria, who almost kills her, only to be saved by Lucy. Disillusioned by the violence and bloodshed, Lucy turns against Viktoria and impales her, causing her disintegration. The confrontation culminates with Evie overpowering Walt in his weakened state, throwing him into the flames as her vampirism gradually fades.

In the aftermath, Evie is left to navigate her new reality. Two weeks later, she encounters Oliver once again and joins forces with her friend Grace to confront him, determined to put an end to the bloodthirsty family curse. This story weaves themes of ancestral darkness, the search for identity, and the fight for one’s survival amidst supernatural threats, culminating in a tale of bravery and resilience in the face of eternal darkness.