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Vampyros Lesbos is a 1971 German horror film directed by Jesús Franco, also known as Jess Franco. The story follows the seductive and mysterious Countess Nadine Carody (played by Soledad Miranda) who is revealed to be a vampiress with a particular thirst for female blood. Nadine resides on the island of Lesbos and is seen by most men as a tempting and irresistible vixen.
The film opens with Nadine initially seducing and killing a young tourist who comes to her island, ending up stranded there. Shortly after, Linda Westinghouse (played by Ewa Strömberg), a lawyer from Berlin who has been assigned to settle the Countess's inheritance, arrives on the island. Linda is immediately enthralled by Nadine's beauty and allure, but soon becomes increasingly aware that she is in over her head. Nadine manipulates Linda into falling deeply in love with her, luring her into a romantic and sexual relationship.
As Nadine preys on more and more young women, Linda begins to realize the true nature of her host and lover. She is forced to confront the reality of who Nadine truly is, as well as her own burgeoning desires and fear of the Countess potentially preying on her. The film concludes with Nadine's ultimate triumph, as she is seen floating on an ethereal raft with a bevy of adoring female disciples.
Vampyros Lesbos is known for its psychedelic and surrealist visuals, paired with a haunting soundtrack. The high-contrast cinematography plays up the thrill and horror of the Countess's mansions and the lush landscape of her island paradise. The film's depiction of lesbian desire and eroticism made it a groundbreaking work for its time.
