Nosferatu is a gothic masterpiece—a haunting tale of love, obsession and monstrosity, brought to life by stellar performances, breathtaking visuals and an unforgettable score. Breathing new life into the iconic vampire story, director Robert Eggers pays homage to the film’s 1922 predecessor while forging its own bold identity with a masterful blend of dread, beauty, and tragedy.
Bill Skarsgård takes on the foreboading role of Count Orlok with terrifying intensity. His portrayal is mesmerizing, transforming the vampire into a grotesque and mysterious figure whose presence will captivate your imagination. Skarsgård’s gowly, intense and expressive performance brings depth to Orlok, painting him as both a predator and a tragic relic of a bygone age.
Lily-Rose Depp stars as Ellen Hutter, whose purity and resilience anchor the film emotionally. Depp physical performance brings a quiet strength to Ellen, making her more than just a victim of Orlok’s obsession. Nicholas Hoult delivers an emotional performance as Thomas Hutter, Ellen’s devoted husband, whose journey into Orlok’s dark domain serves as the catalyst for the film’s escalating horror.
Delivering a captivating performance as Professor Albin Eberhart von Franz, William Dafoe adds a vital human, academic and sage counterpoint to the film’s supernatural elements. This protrayal shares similarities with his character in Eggers’ The Lighthouse, where he also played an eccentric, obsessive character steeped in mystery and isolation.
Under the direction of Jarin Blaschke, the film’s cinematography is a visual masterpiece. Expansive wide shots of desolate landscapes and imposing architecture evoke a sense of isolation and impending doom, while intense extreme close-ups capture the characters’ deepest fears and emotions, drawing the audience into their psychological turmoil.
Mark Korven additionally weaves an intricate tapestry of sound that heightens every moment of Nosferatu. His use of instrumental jump-scares—sudden bursts of sharp strings or discordant tones—adds an element of visceral shock, keeping you engaged and on the edge of your seat. The score simultaneously includes low, eerie emotional sequences, built on brooding bass notes and haunting melodies that create undercurrents of dread and beauty that linger throughout the film.
While this film is a visual triumph, the pace unfolds with a slow, deliberate rhythm that some might find tedious. While this measured approach builds tension and aligns with Eggers’ atmospheric storytelling, those accustomed to a brisker narrative pace might find it boring at times. Nonetheless, this modern-day retelling of a classic vampire story is well worth the two hours twelve minute runtime. You’ll be thinking about the story as you leave the theatre and lay in bed that night. But be on the lookout for Orlok’s shadow during the next full moon.
RHFC Rating: 9/10 🍿
