“Apocalypse and the Beauty Queen” is B-movie romp at it’s most twisted and quirky.
Very loosely based on the 16th century queen, Elizabeth Bathory – also known as the “Countess of Blood” – the film is set in post-apocalyptic middle America. Sylvie (Courtney Kocak), the beautiful young protagonist, is kidnapped by the Queen’s sexy head guard, Matthew (Carlos A. Vio). She is put into service as a handmaiden to the court, not knowing the danger that awaits her there. Quickly falling out of favor with Queen Amber (Beverly Hynds), a former beauty queen and supermodel who now tortures and kills beautiful girls out of jealously, Sylvie finds herself in the fight for her life with only Matthew as a shield.
The movie was shot entirely in the Missouri hills by writer/director Thomas Smugala (“186 Days”), who filled the film with bizarre and striking images. Smugala’s twisted direction juxtaposed against the film’s vivid imagery makes for an interesting look to this 35 mm film.
“Apocalypse and the Beauty Queen” also features favorites like horror flick icon Gunnar Hansen (the original Leatherface from “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”), platinum hip-hop recording artist Mack 10 (Westside Connection, “Thicker Than Water”), and scream queen Debbie Rochon (“American Nightmare”).
Vanguard International Cinema is handling domestic distribution for “Apocalypse and the Beauty Queen.” “Apocalypse and the Beauty Queen” has been released to Blockbuster, Netflix, Movie Gallery, Hollywood Video, Amazon and other retail outlets and online movie rental services.
Special Note: This film is not for young children.
Well, it sounds better than Hammer’s crappy “Countess Dracula”, which I think that was the last Elizabeth Bathory tale committed to film.
And it’s definitely a tale worth telling. A good period piece would, of course, be preferable.