Open me up, for the love of God !
I was attacked by bandits.
Turks?
Turks, Moldovans, Greeks, what do you want it to do to me?
Please let me in!
These barbarians killed my escort.
They stole my luggage, my horses.
I got hurt.
I do not have anything.
Go your way, sir. We don't open this door to anyone.
Find shelter for the night, and tomorrow, at dawn,
take the path to the west.
Walk without stopping.
You will meet the home of old Gorcha.
He will provide you with food
as well as a horse for your trip.
Gorcha, you say?
GOOD.
Whatever happens, don't stop along the way.
This forest is full many other dangers.
Farewell, sir.
Don't hurt me!
Madam, I am the...
Marquis Jacques-Antoine Saturnin d'Urfé.
Diplomatic envoy of the King of France.
Sorry sir, I...
I am a lost traveler. I'm looking for old Gorcha's place.
I was told he could help me.
What happened here?
Is this the work of the Turks?
What happened to the residents?
Sit down?
He wants to see the old man.
Thank you so much. I'm starving.
Madam, let me introduce myself. I am the...
Marquis Jacques-Antoine Saturnin d'Urfé, diplomatic envoy of...
Ahoy!
Anja?
Piotr?
Vlad!
Your father is home.
Praise God!
Jegor!
How I missed you!
What is it again what this outfit?
Is the father awake?
Who is it ?
I am the marquis Jacques-Antoine Saturnin d'Urfé,
diplomatic envoy of the King of France.
An unfortunate incident caused me to lose my escort and my luggage.
I was told that a certain Gorcha could give me a horse to continue my journey.
Of course, once you arrive safely, I will ensure that this gentleman is...
richly compensated.
You are at old Gorcha's house.
We are his children.
I am Jegor, his eldest son.
And this is my wife, Anja.
Our son, Vlad.
My brother, Piotr.
And my sister, Sdenka.
We are not used to visitors, sir.
Even less, those of your rank.
But welcome here.
We will do everything possible to help you.
Finally, Jegor! We no longer have horses.
Anja.
They took everything from us.
I know where to find it.
I'll go get you one tomorrow.
I thank you sir.
That's very charitable of you.
You must have noticed it:
our village was pillaged by the Turks,
a little over a month ago.
I defended as best I could my family and my house.
As a result of this,
I joined the few survivors of the region who had decided to take up arms.
We followed them.
We set a trap for them.
And we took revenge.
We slaughtered about ten of them.
Alas, their leader,
the infamous Alibek, has escaped us.
It's interesting. It appears that...
I too belong to a family who distinguished himself for his feats of arms.
Not against Turks, of course, but against the Lords of Beaujeu.
In the 13th century.
I'm going to go say hello my father now,
and make sure that he can receive you.
Father ?
His room is empty. Where is he ?
Answer. Where is he ?
He left.
What do you mean, gone?
He went to fight.
To fight.
He picked up his arquebus eve and he left.
He didn't want us to be able to one day calling him a coward.
But that's insane.
How could you let him do it?
At his age ! In his condition!
Where did he go ? In which direction ?
What did he say ?
My children.
I leave.
Wait for me 6 days.
If at the end of these 6 days, I didn't come back,
say a prayer in my memory,
because then, I would be killed in battle.
But if ever,
what God protects you from,
I came back later these 6 days gone,
I order you to forget that I was your father,
and not let me in, whatever I may say or do,
because then I would no longer be than a cursed Vourdalak.
What is this story ?
You have everything lost my mind ?
When did he leave?
This will do exactly 6 days tonight, at 6 a.m.
In this case, let's be ready to welcome it.
Anja, prepare supper. Don't skimp on anything.
Sdenka, go pick him some blackberries.
And you, go change.
Let's go.
Well, thanks for the broth. That was delicious.
Shall I tighten you up?
No thanks.
Please excuse me. Can I ask you a question ?
I heard a word earlier. I don't know what it means.
What is a Vourdalak?
I don't know.
She's not very warm, your sister-in-law Sdenka.
And yet, that's what ruined her.
How so ?
The poor girl !
To fall in love like that of the first wanderer to come!
Around here, everything is known.
This is why no one never wanted to marry him.
Alas.
He has to stay here.
With us.
Forever.
Which really wouldn't bother us.
But she spends her time daydreaming.
To mumble prayers.
And doing strange things.
I think she's gone crazy.
Well, thank you very much for the broth.
What a charming painting.
Do you want some help for your picking?
Do you like blackberries?
Yes, I love it.
I hate them.
You must be very worried about your father.
No.
Tell me, what is a Vourdalak?
What's the point ? You wouldn't believe it.
Always say. I like to discover new things.
There are things of which it is best not to speak.
If you say so.
Sdenka.
Beautiful Sdenka.
Your eyes are like 2 torches that illuminate...
Hold.
An Apple.
Keep yourself well to judge us, stranger.
So we will keep ourselves to do the same to you.
Hold.
Why torture me like this, little peasant girl?
Why so much cruelty?
Come on.
No one will see us.
Wait.
I will go first show you something.
This is the place where I like to bathe in secret.
Follow me.
Hey, wait for me.
Where are you ?
Follow my voice.
Imagine if someone were to fall.
Imagine his skull hit the rocks below.
Do you hear this infamous bone crunching?
It's scary, isn't it?
I would have given you my arm,
but it seems to me that you've had enough for today.
In any case, you have nothing to envy to the wicked coquettes of the court.
- The court of France? - Yes.
For what ? Are you interested?
Always say.
What's the point, ma'am.
There are things of which it is best not to speak.
I miss the yard.
But what I miss most, it’s French cuisine.
Dinners...
and especially the conversation of pretty women.
Because there aren't many around here.
I agree with your opinion.
In this regard, have you tasted Anja’s cooking?
I also miss the holidays.
The balls.
And dancing.
What are you doing ?
The sarabande or the minuet.
It's ridiculous ! Stop.
Certainly not. It's so nice.
You want to try ?
Never.
What is it ?
A map of Europe.
Look.
We see all the roads.
Roads, mountains, rivers, yes.
See, France is here.
And we are...
... over there.
I would have liked to leave here.
Even anywhere.
Only sadness and brutality flourish on our lands.
Why do you stay?
Where would I go?
All my memories are here.
This cliff is my only friend.
And I will rush from its edges the day when my misfortune will be perfect.
I love life, but that's not what I prefer.
But anyway, what do you say?
His name was Jovan.
He wasn't from here and had neither future nor money to offer me.
But I loved him.
We wanted to escape far from all that.
Alas, someone found out.
We had given ourselves meet at midnight on the cliff.
I waited a long time.
But I heard the gunshot.
I went back to bed.
This is where I buried him.
This is where my dreams now rest.
But my dreams still speak to me.
Everything speaks to those who know how to hear.
Even the dead.
Give me your hand.
My hand ?
Hold.
How awful !
Anyway, I don't believe in destiny.
Obviously, You do not have any.
Sdenka.
The bell.
It's 6 a.m.
He didn't come back.
Our father is no more.
There is no evidence that he is dead.
He said it himself.
Shut up, idiot.
I didn't give you the floor.
- Don't talk to him in that tone. Shut up, everyone.
I'm the oldest.
You owe me obedience.
My God, father!
He breathes!
Wait.
How long has he been there?
I am sure that He's been here for days.
Our own father!
Don't do that, Jegor.
You should be ashamed !
Father, are you hurt?
Sit down. He needs air.
Father, can you hear me?
This dog ! This dog !
Let him be silenced!
No.
Pyotr, obey.
But finally...
You should eat something, father.
I'm going to bury him.
You are very unwell, father.
But what madness to have left, alone, fight the Turks!
At your age...
Especially since I was already in combat.
Alibek.
You will hang it above the door.
So everyone will know that he is no more.
And it's hand of Gorcha that he perished.
How is it possible ?
Is it me you're laughing at, little one?
Yes, grandfather, you are funny.
Boo!
How I love this child!
Is there any purer treasure in this world that innocent look?
Come on, it's late.
- No. - Vlad, come to bed. If !
Father, I must tell you: we have a guest at our table.
He's a stranger.
A rich lord who got lost on our lands.
He no longer has a horse. I will go tomorrow...
I hope that my lord will forgive the modesty of my residence.
We are just humble people.
And if our ways seem abrupt to him,
let it be said that we do not have the habit of welcoming at our table
powdered courtiers.
- What? - Oh, but I'm very tired.
What My lord forgives me. We'll talk tomorrow.
Take me to my room and let me sleep there.
Dogs don't think.
Their brain narrower than that of man does not allow them to...
pass judgment or to make conjectures.
However, when a dog loves you,
it’s about unconditional love.
And that, whoever you are.
Whatever you may seem in the eyes of those who think,
make conjectures,
allow themselves to make judgments.
Hold.
You had lost it.
Thank you sir.
Come.
I'll show you your room.
So.
I hope this will suit you.
Yes it is perfect.
Thank you so much.
- Good night sir. - Good night, Pyotr.
What are you doing here ?
I dance, why?
Stand up.
Jegor wants to talk to you.
Good morning.
Ah sir, come.
Jegor, your son. I don't know what's wrong with him.
Not now, Anja.
I don't understand.
I stayed by his bedside all night.
I guess I must have dozed off an hour or two at most.
If you only knew how ashamed I am.
If something bad happens to him, I...
I have to go looking for him.
Let me accompany you.
No, I'll go alone.
Obviously, you will need wait for your horse.
I understand.
Jegor, please. Listen to me.
He is feverish.
He does not eat.
Anja, calm down. Let me pass.
For your father, you are ready to abandon your son?
- But what kind of man are you, anyway! -Anja!
It's just a fever. You just have to put him to bed.
I'll be back this evening. Don't worry.
Thank you sir.
I'm afraid of going crazy.
What is it ?
I had a terrible dream last night.
I heard something.
Like a voice whispering over there in Vlad's room.
I got up.
I waited for my eyes get used to the darkness.
But nothing worked.
I wanted to call Vlad.
But I didn't dare, like terrified that someone might hear me.
And suddenly, very far away,
a noise, an obscene and repulsive noise.
Like a wet chew.
My hands encountered something.
It was his little bed.
But Vlad was no longer in it.
I searched and couldn't find than a damp and soiled sheet.
And the air was then filled with a stench
... unsustainable. Excuse me.
- What is wrong with this child? - Nothing.
It's strange. Me too, I had a disturbing dream last night.
Come.
Is he going to die?
If we don't do anything, it is very likely.
What do you say ?
We need branches s of hawthorn,
garlic flowers, and aspen wood.
Aspen... I know where it grows.
But where are we finally going?
This branch to your left, it will do the trick.
Piotr, remove the branches and Cut them into the sharpest point possible.
Will you tell me at the end what are we doing?
A stake.
A stake ?
Either.
Things from the tomb must stay there.
Our father is no longer our father.
It is an infamous carrion,
returned among us in the sole purpose of sucking our blood.
A Vourdalak does not attack to anyone, sir.
He particularly delights blood of close relatives
and those who are dearest to him.
Beings who, once dead, return in turn.
Families, villages entire were decimated.
Love itself is a curse here.
Some say that to mop up their drool,
they chew the shroud in which they were buried.
They chew like pigs, spying on us.
You are serious ?
They are leeches sneaky and mischievous, sir,
that nothing can kill.
To prevent them from harming,
their house must be burned down,
sprinkle them with holy water by a man of God,
or immobilize them.
Since the dead try to get up,
our only salvation
is to pin them to the ground.
Let's go back, it's time.
Wait for me.
You do not think kill your father, tell me?
Take a breath, sir.
Anyway, you walk at a brisk pace.
You would easily outrun my friends from the court to the walk.
Because whatever you may think of me, I also have female friends,
who I am very close to and whom I respect very much.
Great good to you!
It's all fun.
They walk very little, they don't only move from one chair to another.
Good for them !
For long distances, they do same call for a sedan chair, imagine.
It's fascinating, really.
And it's absolutely time to tell me about the court.
Do you all have this dreaded spirit of relevance in France?
Come.
Oh?
I don't understand.
I searched everywhere.
No trace of him.
We will leave the lanterns lit,
and the front door open.
In case he comes home tonight.
- As for your horse, sir... - It's not the priority.
Do not worry.
What is this ? Step aside.
What have you done to my son?
Jegor!
Answer, you wretch!
Leave him alone.
You know very well what's going on.
The old man himself had warned us.
That those who refuse to open their eyes respond to the misfortunes that await us.
And take off that coat. He's not yours.
They are losing their minds avec these nonsense of good women.
When I think that my brother believes in it too.
Well, that doesn't surprise me.
Do you know with what he played as a child?
With ribbons.
You must take us for bullies, my father and me.
But know that if this family is still alive,
it's thanks to us,
and certainly not thanks to their gris-gris and their songs.
You who are an educated man,
don't tell me you give any credit to the existence of these Vourdalaks?
I don't know.
No of course not.
Why not vampires, while we're there?
Approach.
Little !
Come back, where are you going?
Wake up.
You hear me ?
Where are you ?
Show yourself, sir.
Sir, if I were not so indebted for your hospitality,
I would start to have serious doubts as to your intentions towards this little one.
Ah good ?
I forbid you from approaching it.
I warn you: I am armed.
And what.
This legendary rapier accompanied my grandfather in the Italian wars.
I won't hesitate to use it.
Here then !
So it's to protect my family that my lord remains among us?
Monsignor is too good.
But aren't they rather my daughter's petticoats
who are holding him back?
You wouldn't be the first, You know.
You are wrong, sir.
My intentions are we couldn't be more honest.
I actually feel for Sdenka deep affection.
She is in no way guilty.
I know it well.
Monsignor is admirable.
His heart is pure.
His blood is noble.
And if he persisted, moreover, to stay among us,
I would have no other choice than to accept him as one of us,
I would probably end up liking it.
Jegor, your son, your father.
The viper is in its nest.
And the wolf sleeps tonight.
Everything is calm, my little one.
Above all, don’t make any noise.
This is the fruit of our negligence.
Father, praise be to God, you are back.
What have we done to this child? four hundred ninety seven
What have we done in the sun of our old days?
He was the best of us.
Alas, our tears won't bring him back.
Be strong, my son.
Hmm, my lord.
You're in luck, sir.
Since you are the head of this family,
it seems to me it's yours that it is right to bless this tomb.
You hear ?
Bless this grave immediately, I order it to you.
Are you ordering me?
Piotr, how dare you?
A son who orders his father?
Have we ever seen this?
- Say the prayer. - What if I refuse?
- You are no longer our father. - Stop, Piotr, stop!
I'm not your father anymore?
In this case, who am I?
Now, Piotr, do it!
Well yes, what are you waiting for?
Do it !
I knew it !
Little girl!
What a shame !
Attack me!
I who don't have only love for you.
Even for you, my daughter.
You who have us so dirty disgraced with this vagabond.
Fortunately my old arquebus watches over this family.
But let's leave Jegor to his duty as a father.
Let's go back.
Nothing is sweeter for a father than the peace of the home.
Sit down there and be discreet.
His home must cruelly miss my lord.
How could we alleviate his sentence?
I know: let's dance!
Make my daughter dance. You're dying for it.
Dance, I tell you!
So.
- Where is the stake? - Piotr has it.
I'll go get it.
Monsignor's calves must be a delight
for young women of the French court.
How I understand them!
My son, here you are at last!
Don't get cold.
Hold.
Come.
Come with me.
Look at.
See how great you look!
You are like me, Jegor. You are a winner.
You are a man.
Run away, save yourself.
I was hard on you.
But I don't regret it, because...
Back, corpse!
Even dead, you come to torture us again!
It's the end of you, monster.
Jegor, Sdenka, grab it.
If a father is not everything for his children, he is nothing.
Bury him with his dog.
Listen to me, Sdenka.
I'm sorry. We have to leave.
Take your hands off from my sister on the spot.
Everything was fine here before your arrival.
It's you, stranger, who brought misfortune to our family.
I am a man of honor.
I only have one word.
Tomorrow morning, you will have your horse.
You will leave and will never come back.
If I were brought see you again, sir,
I will not hesitate one second to kill you.
Mom.
Anja.
Run away, Anja.
He's not your son.
Vlad, my son.
Anja!
Listen to me, go home.
Jegor!
It's useless.
He can't hear you. He's dead drunk.
He's not your son, Anja.
You buried him yourself, poor fool!
Do you believe that I forgot it?
In this case, run away. Run away !
You know like me what he became.
Do you believe that death and all the demons of hell
can just for a second
warn a mother from going to kiss the child taken from him.
Bully !
You are all bullies!
Mom, I'm cold.
My little.
A bird.
Do you hear it?
Listen.
He sings of my arrival.
What do you say ?
Piotr, my darling brother!
This bird, it's you who sent it to me.
Only you held me back still among the living.
But you arrived safely. And I join you.
I braided the hawthorn. The circle finally closes.
Oh, beautiful bird.
Go tell my cliff to open its hospitable arms.
In vapors sage and incense,
I will throw myself from its banks.
Go, little bird! Stolen !
My journey is over. My misfortune is perfect.
Sdenka, don't do this for the love of God.
Sdenka, come back. Free me, I beg you.
So that my brother would kill you? What a good idea !
Wait here for your horse, sir, and go.
- It will be better for everyone. - No.
Don't do anything. We will leave together.
I will take you to court.
I will show you the gardens, the balls.
You will be happy.
I swear to you.
The courtyard.
How I would have liked...
Alas.
Farewell, Sdenka!
Goodbye, thank you for everything.
Thank God !
Psst.
Come. We have to leave.
What are you doing ? Pull yourself together.
Sdenka, this is not really not the time.
Hmm, my lord, exquisite taste!
For what ?
Sdenka! Where are you ?
Ah sir, here you are !
I owe you an apology.
I got carried away by my temperament.
And I regret it bitterly, my friend.
Come back, my friend, come back.
Hold on.
Don't blame me, handsome stranger.
Don't hate me for not having known how to be free.
Cruel destiny.
If only I had met you earlier,
how much my life could have been different!
I love you.
Be damned !
Don't jump, Sdenka.
I don't have much time left.
But you are free.
If you have the slightest friendship for me,
listen to what I have to say to you.
Hold the line this world before having known it.
It is vast and astonishing.
He will please you.
Go for example to the French court.
Yes why not ?
Come show these people what is beauty,
what nobility is.
Live as you please.
Pardon.
Excuse me.