The Madness

In this atmospheric Dracula riff, Kurtagich (Blood on the Wind) explores themes of institutional abuse of power, female solidarity, and empowerment in the wake of trauma. London psychiatrist Mina Murray has a successful practice that helps her redirect enough of her focus to avoid fully processing the horrifying secrets of her past. When she receives a message out of the blue from her estranged friend Lucy Westenra, begging for help with a mysterious and emerging medical condition, Mina travels home to Wales to confront both the effect that her leaving years ago had on her loved ones and the traumatic event that caused her to disappear in the first place. As her investigation deepens, she uncovers a terrifying plot and must confront her past in order to protect both herself and the countless young girls who find themselves drawn into the orbit of an ancient evil. Kurtagich embellishes the source material with Welsh folklore, gothic romance, and feminist themes. Though the story occasionally struggles to balance its many elements, the ending ties things together nicely. Dracula fans will find a lot to love. (Aug.)