Nosferatu Review
When it comes to remakes, few have the audacity to sink their teeth into a century-old classic like Nosferatu. Originally a silent, black-and-white chiller from 1922, F.W. Murnau’s legendary vampire tale has finally gotten a fresh coat of blood. The 2024 Nosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers, takes this fang-tastic legacy and drenches it in gothic grandeur—but does it charm us into submission or leave us begging for a stake to the heart? Let’s find out.
The Plot: Old Meets New
Eggers stays relatively faithful to the original story while injecting his signature eerie realism. Thomas Hutter (played by Nicholas Hoult with a mix of wide-eyed innocence and subtle dread) travels to Transylvania to finalize a property deal with the mysterious Count Orlok. Naturally, the count’s hospitality includes a buffet of unsettling stares, unnerving silences, and, oh yes, a midnight snack or two.
Lily-Rose Depp’s Ellen brings a modern depth to the role of the tragic heroine. She’s not just a damsel waiting for doom but a complex, resourceful woman whose choices carry real emotional weight. Think less “shrinking violet” and more “rose with thorns.”
The Vamp in the Room
And then there’s Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok. If you thought his Pennywise was unsettling, wait until you see him skulking through shadow-drenched corridors with talon-like fingers and a grin that could curdle milk. Skarsgård’s Orlok is grotesque yet hypnotic, a creature of both pity and revulsion. He doesn’t just lurk—he dominates, making even the quietest scenes feel charged with sinister electricity.
Gothic Beauty on Steroids
Visually, Nosferatu is a triumph. Eggers’ meticulous attention to period detail—from candlelit cobblestone streets to the haunting interiors of Orlok’s castle—is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Cinematographer Jarin Blaschke’s use of chiaroscuro lighting brings every shadow to life (and believe me, there are shadows everywhere). Add Mark Korven’s unnerving score, which alternates between discordant strings and eerie choral whispers, and you’ve got a sensory feast that’s equal parts terrifying and mesmerizing.
A Few Hiccups in the Night
That said, Nosferatu occasionally stumbles. The pacing in the second act drags slightly—a bit more “mesmerized by the darkness” than strictly necessary. And while the modern dialogue mostly works, a couple of lines feel a bit out of place.
Final Bite
Eggers’ Nosferatu is more than a remake; it’s a resurrection. It respects the bones of the original while fleshing out its characters and themes for a new generation. Skarsgård’s performance is the (blood) red cherry on top, anchoring the film with a presence that’s both monstrous and oddly moving. If you’re looking for a vampire movie that sparkles…well, look elsewhere. But if you’re ready for a dark, moody, and visually stunning feast, Nosferatu delivers in spades.
