Pablo Larraín's Dark Comedy

Chilean director Pablo Larraín is set to bring a unique and darkly comedic take on the life of Augusto Pinochet to Netflix. In his upcoming film, El Conde , Larraín reimagines the former dictator as an undying vampire who, after 250 years, decides it's time to meet his end. This unconventional portrayal marks a departure from Larraín’s previous works, which include Tony Manero , Post Mortem , and No —a trilogy that explores various aspects of Chile under Pinochet's rule.

Leading the cast is Jaime Vadell, who will portray Pinochet. Vadell is known for his roles in Tres Tristes Tigres and No . Gloria Münchmeyer, recognized for her performances in La Luna en el Espejo and 42 Días en la Oscuridad , will co-star alongside him. The ensemble also features Alfredo Castro, who has appeared in Tony Manero and Tengo Miedo Torero , and Paula Luchsinger, known for her roles in Ema and La Jauría .

This intriguing and darkly humorous film will be available on Netflix, adding a new layer to the streaming platform's diverse content offerings.

New on Netflix in June 2025

May 31

In a bold reimagining of history, filmmaker Pablo Larraín transforms Chile's notorious dictator Augusto Pinochet into a literal vampire in his latest cinematic venture, "El Conde." This dark fantasy allegory presents the brutal leader as a 250-year-old bloodsucker who has witnessed centuries of human suffering.

The film's premise cleverly recontextualizes Pinochet's brutal regime, which was responsible for thousands of disappearances, tortures, and executions following his 1973 coup against Salvador Allende. By portraying Pinochet as an immortal creature feeding on Chile's population, Larraín creates a powerful metaphor for how dictatorships drain nations of their lifeblood.

Shot in haunting black and white, the movie blends historical commentary with supernatural horror elements. Larraín, known for biographical dramas like "Jackie" and "Spencer," takes a decidedly different approach here, using fantasy to process national trauma.

The casting features Chilean actor Jaime Vadell in the title role, bringing an eerie dignity to the undead dictator who grows increasingly disillusioned with immortality while never showing remorse for his crimes.

Critics have noted how the vampire genre serves as an effective vehicle for exploring themes of power, consumption, and moral corruption—particularly relevant when examining Pinochet's legacy of economic exploitation alongside human rights abuses.

"El Conde" joins other Latin American works that use magical realism and fantasy to confront difficult historical realities, creating a space where the monstrous nature of authoritarianism can be directly addressed through metaphor when literal representation might prove insufficient.

Pinochet as a Vampire

In Larraín's latest cinematic venture, the notorious Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet is reimagined as a vampiric entity, blending historical critique with supernatural horror. This bold artistic choice allows the filmmaker to explore the lasting impact of Pinochet's regime through a metaphorical lens that speaks to the dictator's seemingly endless grip on Chile's collective consciousness.

The film portrays Pinochet as an ancient bloodsucker, literally feeding off his nation while hiding in plain sight. This metaphor brilliantly captures how dictatorial regimes drain their countries of resources, hope, and humanity. By transforming a historical figure into a monster of legend, Larraín creates distance that paradoxically allows viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about Chile's past.

Unlike traditional historical dramas that might focus solely on documented events, this supernatural approach permits a more emotional exploration of trauma. The vampire motif suggests immortality—much like how Pinochet's influence continues to haunt Chile decades after his rule ended.

Larraín's filmography has consistently engaged with Chile's difficult history, but this represents his most experimental approach yet. The black humor interwoven throughout serves not to diminish the horror of Pinochet's crimes, but rather to highlight their absurdity and evil.

The film joins a growing body of work that uses genre elements to process historical atrocities, suggesting that sometimes the fantastic provides the most truthful lens through which to view our darkest chapters.

Dark Themes in Cinema

Dive into the haunting corridors of dept. q as it reaches its climactic conclusion.

Explore the chilling finale that awaits in the shadowy depths.

Prepare to be captivated by the eerie atmosphere and unexpected twists on May 29.

Pablo Larraín embraces dark satire to dissect Chile's turbulent history.

His upcoming project, 'El Conde', portrays Pinochet through a monstrous lens.

Netflix will premiere this biting examination globally in 2023.

Larraín anticipates a demanding yet profoundly inspiring production journey.

Collaborating once more with writer Guillermo Calderón,

their previous works include 'The Club' and 'Neruda'.

The film emerges from Fabula, Larraín's own production house,

co-founded alongside his brother Juan de Dios.

Larraín seeks to scrutinize global events across five decades,

confident in crafting a significant cinematic exploration.

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