★★★★☆

As a cinephile with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I can confidently say that Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” is a masterpiece worth waiting for. Having seen countless horror films from various eras, I can attest that this retelling of the classic vampire tale stands head and shoulders above many modern interpretations.

Nosferatu will be in cinemas from New Year’s Day 2025. Add it to your watchlist

The classic vampire tale, Nosferatu has haunted generations, right back to the 1922 silent film starring Max Schreck as the bloodsucking Count Orlok.

The classic horror film “Nosferatu the Vampyre” (1979), which was influenced by F.W. Murnau’s interpretation of Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula” (1897), has inspired many filmmakers, including Werner Herzog. Now, it is Robert Eggers, the creative mind behind the unusual sea shanty film “The Lighthouse” (2019) and the upcoming Viking saga “The Northman” (2022), who takes a stab at this timeless theme.

Without a doubt, Eggers’ Nosferatu is an astonishingly beautiful work. Keeping true to the original story, as a young real estate agent encounters Orlok in his eerie Transylvanian castle, it’s hard to imagine a horror film that looks more stunningly captivating.

Compared to Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 movie “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” this film surpasses it in many ways, particularly in its masterful use of light and shadow. Not only is it eerie and intriguing, but Eggers’ interpretation of the vampire legend keeps you captivated from start to finish.

In the story, Nicholas Hoult takes on the role of Thomas Hutter, a youthful representative dispatched by his firm to engage in business dealings with Orlok, portrayed by Bill Skarsgård. While away, Thomas’s young spouse Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) stays behind, bonding with Ellen’s best friend Anna Harding (Emma Corrin) and her husband, Friedrich (Aaron Taylor-Johnson).

When Hutter reaches the village inhabited by Orlok, he encounters townsfolk who are fearful and advise him against continuing his journey. Ignoring their advice, he encounters Orlok, but ends up imprisoned within the castle. Meanwhile, Orlok departs for Germany to target Hutter’s wife. A nod to another chilling masterpiece, Eggers brings on board Willem Dafoe, who previously starred in Shadow of the Vampire (2000). In this film, he portrays Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz, a scholar well-versed in the arcane and spiritual realm, capable of understanding the peculiar psychic bond between Orlok and Ellen.

Additionally, the British actor Ralph Ineson, famously known for his role in Eggers’ chilling 2015 premiere, “The Witch,” portrays Dr. Wilhelm Sievers, the physician tasked with tending to the ill Ellen, within the production as well.

At the core, there’s an outstanding portrayal by Skarsgård, who has become well-known for sending shivers down viewers’ spines. From his chilling role as Pennywise the Clown in the two-part adaptation of Stephen King’s novel It, to his recent success with the 2022 release Barbarian.

In this movie, he’s barely recognizable beneath layers of prosthetics, yet he gives an eerie and impactful performance as a solitary character compelled by base instincts. The film is filled with palpable sexual tension, leaving Ellen to struggle for her survival and spiritual well-being.

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As a movie enthusiast, I must say that what sets Nosferatu apart is the stunning atmosphere it creates. Cinematographer Jarin Blaschke, who has worked on all of Eggers’s films, does an incredible job here. The film is bathed in a desaturated, ghostly hue, which perfectly immerses us in this dark tale. With its black and midnight blue color scheme, and the soft glow of silvery-moonlight, this version truly transports the audience into a chilling gothic dreamscape.

Featuring a remarkable score by Robin Carolan, the film exudes an authentic 19th-century ambiance, thanks to the meticulously crafted costumes by Linda Muir and the production design of Craig Lathrop (many scenes were filmed on Prague’s soundstages). The supporting cast delivers commendable performances, but Depp stands out in one of her finest roles yet. Houlte holds his ground as the determined husband striving to rescue his beloved, while Corrin and Taylor-Johnson slightly fade into the background.

Ultimately, the film is truly Eggers’ masterpiece, an awe-inspiring, visually stunning horror that promises to stir up the upcoming award ceremonies. This menacing creation will undoubtedly have you gripping the edge of your seat with heart-stopping fear.

2024-12-06 21:04

Nosferatu review: This creepy and compelling new take on vampire myth is a thing of beauty

★★★★☆

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