Les deux orphelines vampires

Les deux orphelines vampires is a 1997 French fantasy horror/drama film directed by Jean Rollin. The film was an adaptation of Rollin's novel of the same name. Rollin was primarily known for his vampire-themed works, but Les deux orphelines vampires was actually Rollin's first vampire film since 1979's Fascination.

Plot

Louise and Henriette are a pair of orphaned sisters, innocent and sightless. After sunset, though, they begin to see and to crave blood. The girls embark on a journey through the city of Paris to find victims and quench their thirst, otherwise they would die. Their only refuges are the cemeteries, where they find solitude and piece together the fragmented memories of their past lives.

Cast

Alexandra Pic as Louise
Isabelle Teboul as Henriette
Bernard Charnacé as Dr. Dennary
Nathalie Perrey as Sister Marthe
Anne Duguël as Mother Superior
Nathalie Karsenty
Anissa Berkani-Rohmer as Nicole
Raymond Audemard
Tina Aumont as Ghoul
Catherine Day
Camille Delamarre
Véronique Djaouti as Venus
Michel Franck
Frederique Haymann
Paulette Jauffre

Production

The film was shot on location in Paris and New York. The same locations were used in Rollin's 1989 film Perdues dans New York.

Reception

The film has received mixed reviews. Online reviewer DVD Resurrections has said that the film is "fairly good if one is in the right mood", and gave the film 6.5 out of 10. Online reviewer Digital Vampiric Discs has said, "You'll probably find it boring if you're not used to Rollin's style, and even if you are you'll probably have to be in the mood for this one". Götterdämmerung said that it is "an interesting little film that is a bit plodding in places and that requires some patience to decide", and that "nevertheless a rewarding viewing experience".

Home media

Les deux orphelines vampires was released by Kino Lorber on DVD in 1997 and on Blu-ray in 2012. It was remastered and released in 4K UHD by Powerhouse Films in May 2023.