Abraham’s Boys: Van Helsing’s Daylight Battle Against Evil in ‘Dracula’ Sequel!

Natasha Kermani’s “Abraham’s Boys: A Dracula Story” blends the elements of a family drama with a continuation of a globally renowned tale, focusing on a father’s relationship with his sons.

Set for a release in select theaters on July 11 by RLJE Films and Shudder, the movie picks up with the legendary vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing, portrayed by Titus Welliver. The story captures his life in the American West long after his adventures in the classic novel “Dracula.” As a father, Van Helsing is stringent with his sons, Max, played by Brady Hepner, and Rudy, portrayed by Judah Mackey. The plot thickens as they start to question his sanity when he begins to suspect that the malevolent forces associated with Dracula are manifesting through his wife, Mina, played by Jocelin Donahue.

Inspired by Joe Hill’s short story of the same title, Kermani was drawn to adapt it into a film due to its compelling narrative of familial and ideological conflict.

Kermani expressed, “It’s a beautifully simple yet profound story about the clash between a father and his son over their beliefs. The opportunity to explore this within the context of the Dracula lore was irresistible for any filmmaker.”

A notable aspect of the film is its use of daylight, contrasting sharply with the typically dark settings of horror films, especially those linked to Dracula. Kermani finds the persistent daylight both oppressive and subversive, challenging the conventional safety associated with sunlight in vampire tales.

Kermani elaborated on the choice of lighting, “The relentless sun, characteristic of the American Western landscape, presents a visual paradox in a vampire narrative where daylight is typically a safe haven. This inversion adds a thrilling layer to our story, questioning the notions of safety and danger.”

Titus Welliver’s portrayal of Van Helsing is pivotal, with Kermani praising his ability to embody the character’s transition from a controlled, sober father to a man unhinged by his fears and suspicions.

Kermani shared, “In Hill’s narrative, Van Helsing is not just a heroic monster hunter but a complex, grounded figure wrestling with his roles as a father and a physician. This depth attracted Titus, and he superbly captured the escalating tension and instability of his character throughout the film.”

The director also hinted at potential expansions of the “Abraham’s Boys” universe, discussing with Joe Hill about future possibilities for the protagonists as they navigate their lives against the backdrop of World War I and their return to Europe.

“The film delves into themes of legacy and the personal narratives we construct. While this movie focuses on Abraham’s legacy, the future stories of Max and Rudy, especially during such a tumultuous historical period, hold immense potential for further exploration,” Kermani concluded.

The trailer for “Abraham’s Boys” is available for viewing below.