Since 2015’s The VVitch, writer/director Robert Eggers has established himself as one of cinema’s great modern auteurs. With films like The Lighthouse and, more recently, The Northman, it’s clear that a Robert Eggers release is an event for cinephiles worldwide.
When news broke that Eggers would finally helm his long-desired remake of the 1922 silent film classic Nosferatu, anticipation skyrocketed. Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922) and Werner Herzog’s 1979 remake Nosferatu the Vampyre are each unique interpretations of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. To see Eggers reinterpret this gothic tale was a dream come true for this horror connoisseur.
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu cements his place as a master of the macabre. Evoking terror and intoxicating dread, the film pays homage to F.W. Murnau’s silent classic while establishing itself as its own grotesque and sinister entity.
A Haunting Tale
Nosferatu captivates from its opening moments as Ellen first encounters Count Orlok, setting off an infatuation that will haunt her for years. Later, Ellen marries Thomas Hutter, who is sent to Transylvania to finalize a real estate transaction with Orlok. However, it quickly becomes clear that Orlok’s true motive is to reunite with Ellen, his long-lost love.
Eggers’ screenplay builds an unrelenting tension throughout the film, mirroring Ellen’s own fear-filled purgatory. The director masterfully blends dread with romance, weaving seductive undertones into the narrative. Orlok’s shadowy presence looms over every frame, heightening the sense of unease as his obsession with Ellen drives the story.
The inclusion of a rat-like plague spreading with Orlok’s arrival adds another layer of cultural and internal anxiety. It’s a haunting parallel to the fears many of us experienced during the 2020 pandemic—an echo of dread that remains relevant today.
Technical Brilliance
Eggers’ cerebral screenplay is complemented by Jarin Blaschke’s stunning cinematography and Robin Carolan’s chilling score. Blaschke channels the expressionistic visual style of the 1922 original, capturing the ominous atmosphere Eggers evokes in his script. Carolan’s haunting score crescendos beautifully, delivering one of the year’s most breathtaking final shots.
Unforgettable Performances
Among the cast, Lily-Rose Depp is nothing short of transcendent. In a career-best performance, Depp delivers an emotionally and physically demanding portrayal that is truly remarkable. Meanwhile, Bill Skarsgård’s turn as Orlok is menacing, dark, and utterly terrifying. With Pennywise and now Orlok under his belt, Skarsgård has solidified himself as a modern icon of the genre.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, and Willem Dafoe also bring their A-game, delivering delightfully captivating performances. The ensemble work ensures that Nosferatu never falters in its dramatic weight or intensity.
A Modern Masterpiece
Nosferatu is not only a crowning achievement in Robert Eggers’ career but also a defining moment for the horror genre in 2024. This magnum opus is a testament to Eggers’ singular vision and storytelling prowess. For horror enthusiasts and cinephiles alike, this year has been a gift, and Nosferatu is the shining jewel in an already stellar slate of films.
To borrow the words of the legendary Ellie Sattler from Jurassic Park: “I think we’re back in business.”
