I’ve never been one to seek out vampire films—Twilight and Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire (90s kids, you get me) are about the extent of my vampire movie memory. But when I saw the trailer for Nosferatu, something about it instantly caught my attention. The visuals were hauntingly beautiful, and the atmosphere exuded a chilling sense of foreboding that left me intrigued. When I learned that Robert Eggers was at the helm, my excitement skyrocketed. As a fan of his work on The Witch, where the cinematography was nothing short of mesmerizing, I knew I was in for a feast for the eyes. With months of waiting for a truly gripping horror film, I found myself eagerly anticipating this dark, gothic journey. Expectations were high, and I had no doubt I was about to be treated to something visually stunning and deeply unsettling.
The story begins with Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult) and his wife Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp). Ellen has been haunted by disturbing dreams of a mysterious figure for as long as she can remember. Tormented by his presence in her sleep, she’s unable to understand the meaning of these visions or how to stop them. Thomas is sent to the Carpathian Mountains to facilitate the purchase of a property in his German hometown by the enigmatic Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). What Thomas doesn’t realize is that Orlok has been fixated on Ellen for years, and the vampire’s dark desire to make her his own is slowly closing in on her. As Orlok’s obsession deepens, Thomas must fight to save Ellen from this powerful and relentless force—before it's too late.
From the very first shot, Nosferatu is a visual masterpiece. The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking, drawing you into its eerie, gothic world. However, I will admit the film does start off a bit slow. At times, it felt as though some scenes lingered longer than necessary. But once the tension begins to build, it’s impossible to look away, no matter how unsettling the atmosphere becomes. The anticipation of seeing Count Orlok for the first time is expertly drawn out—and when that moment finally arrives, it’s more than worth the wait. I’m particularly glad the film’s marketing kept his face under wraps, as the reveal is truly a shocking and unforgettable experience.
Bill Skarsgård's performance, combined with the haunting makeup effects, creates a character so eerie and unrecognizable that it’s almost otherworldly. There are definitely moments in Nosferatu that will make you squirm—expect some visceral, uncomfortable scenes. True to its vampire roots, the film doesn’t shy away from blood and gore. So, if you're not a fan of the more graphic side of horror, consider yourself warned.
Director Robert Eggers has truly made this film his own, putting a fresh spin on a gothic classic. His signature style is evident in every frame, adding a layer of depth and darkness that elevates the story. The performances are top-notch, with Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Skarsgård standing out in particular. Depp brings a delicate yet powerful presence to her role, while Skarsgård’s portrayal of Orlok is nothing short of chilling.
Nosferatu is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, and it’s clear that this year’s slate of horror films is exceptional. Eggers has once again proven his ability to redefine the genre, delivering a film that lingers long after the credits roll.
NOSFERATU is in Theaters December 25th, 2024.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Nikki Castaneda (Contributor) is a Chicago Native who loves watching movies (some definitely more than once). Her favorite genres include Thrillers and Dramas. When she's not at the movies you can most likely find her at a live concert, singing along to a Disney classic or binge watching Netflix.Click Here to check out Nicolette's Articles.