In the city of Montreal, the wife of detective Raymond Pope goes missing after setting up a sexual encounter with the mysterious and wealthy Elizabeth Kane. Investigating his wife’s disappearance brings Pope to the doorstep of the striking bisexual Elizabeth and her protégé, Irina. His life is turned upside down as he tries to unravel Elizabeth’s dark secret.

The film is based loosely on the infamous legend of Elizabeth Bathory, the Blood Countess. Born into the Bathory family, famous for holding back the Ottoman Turks from invading Hungary, she went on to become a serial killer, torturing young girls by the hundreds. Her eventual trial and incarceration led to many myths including the false account of her bathing in the blood of young virgins in order to retain her youth.

This is by no means the only film to take on the Countess Bathory legend. Often billed as a lesbian horror/fantasy film, Eternal is one of the better-quality erotic thrillers that not only steams up the screen but offers better than average performances and an intriguing plot. Caroline Néron creates a sensual and powerful character in Elizabeth. Unfortunately, Conrad Pla (Pope) is not the most convincing actor and the sexual tension that is supposed to be building between Elizabeth and Pope falls flat.

There are a few cheesy moments, some awful “special effects” and the sound editing is definitely lacking. This appears to be the first endeavor for Writers/Directors Wilhelm Liebenberg and Federico Sanchez and it may prove to be their last. Rumors state this film is the first in a trilogy which could explain why the film seems to trail off at the end. There has not been any talk of a second or third thus far and considering that this is just an average romp down a familiar lane, it is doubtful that Elizabeth will return to the big screen anytime soon.

Directors: Wilhelm Liebenberg
Federico Sanchez

Writers: Wilhelm Liebenberg
Federico Sanchez

MPAA Rating: R for sexual situations,language and nudity