About the film (courtesy of Focus Features):
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.
Robert Eggers, the visionary director behind modern horror classics like The Witch (2015) and The Lighthouse (2019), once again plunges into the depths of darkness with his latest masterpiece, Nosferatu. This reimagining of F.W. Murnau’s silent classic breathes new life into the vampire myth, weaving a tale of dread and obsession against the backdrop of 19th century Germany. With a stellar cast led by Bill Skarsgård as the terrifying Count Orlok, and bolstered by the talents of Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Willem Dafoe, Nosferatu is a gothic horror triumph that will leave you breathless.
The cinematography is truly breathtaking. Jarin Blaschke, Eggers’ frequent collaborator, paints each frame with an exquisite sense of dread and beauty. The film is bathed in shadows and muted tones, evoking the classic chiaroscuro style of noir cinema. Every shot is meticulously composed, creating a visual tapestry that is both haunting and mesmerizing. The use of natural lighting and practical effects adds to the film’s authenticity, immersing the viewer in its eerie world.
The story follows Hutter (Hoult), a young real estate agent sent to Transylvania to finalize a property deal with the enigmatic Count Orlok. As Hutter ventures deeper into the count’s secluded castle, he becomes ensnared in a web of horror, realizing that his client is none other than the legendary vampire Nosferatu. Meanwhile, Hutter’s wife, Ellen (Depp), is plagued by disturbing visions and a growing sense of dread as she awaits her husband’s return.
Skarsgård’s portrayal of Count Orlok is both chilling and captivating. He embodies the creature’s otherworldly presence with a terrifying physicality and haunting stillness. Gone are the exaggerated features of Max Schreck’s iconic portrayal; Skarsgård’s Orlok is a more subtle and insidious monster, his humanity slowly eroding as his vampiric nature takes hold.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Hoult delivers a nuanced performance as the increasingly terrified Hutter, while Depp exudes an ethereal beauty and vulnerability as Ellen. Taylor-Johnson and Dafoe, in smaller but pivotal roles, add further depth and intrigue to the film’s rich tapestry.
Eggers masterfully builds tension throughout the film, creating an atmosphere of creeping dread that culminates in moments of sheer terror. He expertly blends psychological horror with visceral scares, tapping into our primal fears of darkness, disease, and the unknown. Nosferatu‘s sound design is equally effective, with unsettling whispers, creaking floorboards, and the chilling screech of Orlok’s claws adding to the overall sense of unease.
Nosferatu is not merely a remake; it is a bold reimagining that pays homage to its source material while forging its own unique path. Eggers’ meticulous attention to detail, combined with his masterful command of atmosphere and suspense, elevates this film to the realm of true horror artistry.
Nosferatu begins to haunt theaters on Wednesday, December 25th. Be sure to keep a wary eye on the shadows in those dark theaters.
