Nosferatu Review: Robert Eggers’ Gothic Masterpiece Reimagined
Lily-Rose Depp in “Nosferatu.” (Focus Features)
Robert Eggers revitalizes the iconic vampire tale
with Nosferatu, delivering a haunting
and visually stunning ode to F.W. Murnau’s 922 classic.
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu emerges as a haunting revival of one of cinema’s most iconic tales, delivering a film that is as much an homage to the 1922 masterpiece by F.W. Murnau as it is a testament to Eggers’ unique voice as a filmmaker. With meticulous attention to detail, Eggers weaves a chilling and visually sumptuous retelling that not only honors its silent-era predecessor but also elevates the gothic horror genre for a modern audience.
Set in a desolate seaside town, Eggers reimagines the story of Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård) and his tragic pursuit of Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), infusing it with themes of isolation, longing, and the destructive nature of obsession. From the moment the film opens, Eggers establishes a world drenched in dread, with shadowy visuals that evoke the spirit of German Expressionism. Jarin Blaschke’s cinematography masterfully plays with light and shadow, creating an atmosphere where every frame feels like a painting come to life, amplifying the unease that permeates the story.
At the heart of the film is Bill Skarsgård’s magnetic performance as Count Orlok. Skarsgård embodies the vampiric predator with a mixture of menace and melancholy, capturing the tragic duality of a creature cursed by his eternal hunger. His physicality—lean, angular, and otherworldly—makes Orlok both terrifying and pitiable, a monster bound by his nature yet yearning for connection. Lily-Rose Depp delivers a career-defining turn as Ellen, imbuing her character with quiet strength and vulnerability. Ellen’s tragic arc serves as the emotional backbone of the narrative, making her fate all the more devastating.
Eggers masterfully balances the grotesque and the beautiful, immersing the audience in a gothic world where every shadow hides a secret, and every silence carries the weight of impending doom. The supporting cast further enriches the film. Willem Dafoe, an Eggers regular, brings gravitas and a touch of madness to his role, while Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a layered performance that underscores the human cost of the supernatural conflict. Together, the cast forms a cohesive ensemble that grounds the story’s more fantastical elements in emotional truth.
Mark Korven’s score is another standout element, providing a haunting soundscape that elevates the tension and underscores the film’s themes of despair and inevitability. The music seamlessly blends with the visuals, enhancing moments of quiet horror and sudden violence. Eggers’ commitment to historical authenticity is evident not only in the set design and costumes but also in the language of the film itself. Every line of dialogue feels deliberate, contributing to the rich texture of this gothic world.
Nosferatu is a deeply immersive experience, one that demands the viewer’s full attention. Eggers’ deliberate pacing may test the patience of some, but it rewards those willing to linger in its shadowy corridors. The climactic sequences are both terrifying and heartbreaking, driving home the film’s exploration of mortality, sacrifice, and the thin line between love and obsession. It is a story that feels both timeless and achingly contemporary, resonating with modern audiences while remaining faithful to its origins.
Eggers’ retelling stands apart from the many adaptations of Nosferatu that have preceded it, not just through its visual splendor but also through its psychological depth. This is a tale that refuses to reduce its characters to archetypes, instead imbuing them with humanity and complexity. Orlok is not merely a monster; he is a tragic figure caught in an eternal cycle of despair. Ellen is not just a victim; she is a beacon of hope and resilience. Together, their intertwined fates create a narrative that is as moving as it is harrowing.
In an era of disposable entertainment, Nosferatu stands out as a film that refuses to compromise its vision. It is a masterclass in gothic horror, showcasing Eggers’ unparalleled talent for world-building and storytelling. For fans of the genre and lovers of cinema, it is an unmissable experience that reminds us why these stories endure. Eggers has not just remade Nosferatu; he has redefined it for a new generation, proving that even the most familiar tales can still inspire awe.
Rating: ★★★★
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NOSFERATU
Rated: R, for bloody violent content, graphic nudity and some sexual content
Running time: 2 hours, 12 minutes
Playing: In wide release Wednesday, Dec. 25
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