Isabelle Huppert Stars in Ulrike Ottinger’s Lavish Vampire Spoof, ‘The Blood Countess’
Ulrike Ottinger’s The Blood Countess, starring Isabelle Huppert as the infamous Countess Elizabeth Báthory, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2026. The film is a baroque vampire mystery that blends historical lore with a playfully queer sensibility.
A Centuries-Old Legend Reimagined
Inspired by the life of the 16th-century Hungarian aristocrat Elizabeth Báthory, who became a legend for alleged serial killings, the film follows the Countess as she awakens in 21st-century Vienna. Báthory, portrayed by Huppert, embarks on a quest to locate an ancient book rumored to possess the power to destroy all vampires [IMDb]. She is accompanied by her loyal maid, Hermine, played by Birgit Minichmayr.
A Star-Studded Cast and Crew
The Blood Countess features a notable ensemble cast including Thomas Schubert as Rudi Bubi von Strudl, Lars Eidinger as Bubi’s psychiatrist, and Karl Markovics as a police inspector [IMDb]. The film also includes a cameo by Conchita Wurst. The screenplay is a collaboration between Ottinger and Nobel laureate Elfriede Jelinek [Variety].
Ottinger’s Vision and Huppert’s Performance
Director Ulrike Ottinger, known for her avant-garde style, describes Huppert’s portrayal of Báthory as “despotic” [Variety]. The film embraces a deliberately artificial aesthetic, utilizing vibrant, exaggerated colors, and costumes. The production design incorporates elements of maximalist taxidermy and a unique decapitating cuckoo clock [Screen Daily].
A Blend of Genres and Styles
The Blood Countess is described as a horror spoof that combines elements of vampire lore, comedy, and historical fiction [IMDb]. The narrative follows the Countess as she navigates a modern Vienna, encountering challenges from vegetarian vampires, vampirologists, and the authorities. The film’s plot is circuitous, prioritizing visual spectacle and comedic moments over a tightly structured storyline [Screen Daily].
Premiere and Distribution
The Blood Countess had its world premiere at the Berlinale in February 2026, in the Special Gala section [Ulrike Ottinger]. It is being internationally represented by Magnify [Variety] and is anticipated to be Ottinger’s most widely distributed film to date [Screen Daily].