There may be no filmmaker working today who exemplifies the role of auteur more than Robert Eggers. Known for his meticulous approach to atmospheric period pieces like The VVitch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman, Eggers has firmly established himself as one of the leading figures in contemporary horror. This makes him the perfect director to helm a remake of the 1922 classic Nosferatu, a moody and haunting tale rooted in the eerie depths of Gothic horror.
In this iteration of Nosferatu, young English real estate agent Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult) is sent to Transylvania to finalize a deal for a piece of land that curiously lies near his own home. Along the way, he is warned against continuing his journey, and upon arrival, he discovers the reason for the warnings—his reclusive host, Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård), is a chilling figure. The situation only grows more sinister when Orlok becomes obsessed with Thomas’ wife, Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), leading to a terrifying cat-and-mouse chase.
Eggers adapts the original 1922 screenplay by Henrik Galeen, which was itself an unofficial adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The plot remains largely faithful to the original, though Eggers injects a sense of modernity and unpredictability into the climax, providing a fresh twist to the well-known narrative. Nosferatu is a quintessential vampire film that pays homage to the subgenre’s classic tropes while adding Eggers’ signature touch.
The visual aesthetic of Nosferatu is where Eggers’ influence truly shines. Working with his regular cinematographer Jarin Blaschke, every frame of the film is a meticulously crafted work of art. The lighting, shadows, set design, camera angles, and attention to detail combine to create a visually stunning experience. The result is cinematic brilliance in every shot, leaving a haunting and unforgettable impression on the viewer.
Eggers also benefits from a fantastic cast that elevates the film further. Bill Skarsgård, known for his portrayal of Pennywise in It, once again redefines an iconic character with his chilling performance as Count Orlok. His transformation into the vampire is so complete that he is nearly unrecognizable, embodying the character with an unnerving intensity. Nicholas Hoult, as Hutter, serves as a solid counterpart to Skarsgård’s menacing presence, although his role is largely that of a straight man to the dark and twisted Orlok.
Lily-Rose Depp delivers a standout performance as Ellen, the bride caught in Orlok’s web of terror. While Ellen has often been the damsel in distress in past iterations of Nosferatu, Depp brings a layer of depth and agency to the character, playing a pivotal role in thwarting the vampire’s evil plans. Willem Dafoe also appears as the eccentric vampire expert, Professor Albin Eberhart von Franz. Though his character provides more of a plot distraction than comic relief, Dafoe’s energetic performance adds a unique dimension to the film’s overall tone.
While not everyone appreciates Robert Eggers’ distinct style, which often includes period-appropriate accents, formal dialogue, and a sense of pretension, these elements are a staple of his storytelling approach. Nosferatu is no exception. However, Eggers’ craftsmanship in this film surpasses even the likes of Francis Ford Coppola’s Dracula (a comparison that serves as a massive compliment to Eggers’ talent). For those not fond of heavy dialects, subtitles are a useful tool for fully experiencing the tension-filled atmosphere and gripping performances.
As for the scares, Nosferatu is unsettling in a way that’s more psychological than it is reliant on jump scares. The film builds an atmosphere of dread and impending doom, drawing its fear from the characters, the setting, and the narrative itself. Eggers uses the original Nosferatu story as a foundation and expertly expands upon its darkness, creating a cinematic experience that feels both timeless and modern.
In sum, Nosferatu is a prime example of elevated horror that deserves critical recognition. If the film doesn’t garner any Oscar nominations, horror fans will certainly feel the sting of injustice. It is a visually stunning, expertly crafted masterpiece that cements Robert Eggers as a true auteur in the genre. Have I mentioned how gorgeous this film looks?
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