This Christmas, cinema goers will have plenty of options. Amidst the holiday cheer and blockbuster offerings, one film stands out as the must-see: Robert Eggers' highly anticipated remake of the 1922 classic Nosferatu, which hits theaters on December 25. This dark and atmospheric film stars Bill Skarsgård as the sinister Count Orlok, who disrupts the lives of newlyweds Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) and Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp).
Directed and co-written by Eggers, Nosferatu promises to deliver a fresh take on the timeless story, maintaining the essence of the original film directed by F.W. Murnau. The gothic tale focuses on themes of obsession, horror, and the supernatural, presenting rich visual storytelling throughout. Eggers, known for previous masterpieces such as The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman, has cultivated his reputation as a filmmaker who combines historical elements with captivating narratives.
Speaking to io9, Eggers expressed the balance he sought between artistic integrity and commercial viability. "This film... was intended to be my most 'approachable' movie," he shared. His collaboration with Chris Columbus, renowned for producing family favorites like Home Alone, influenced the film's accessibility without sacrificing Eggers' unique style. Together, they blended Eggers' vision with Columbus’ storytelling expertise, marking this film as both artistic and commercially viable.
The film’s logline reads: “Nosferatu is a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.” Skarsgård’s portrayal of Count Orlok brings depth to the character's sinister charm.
The film setting is rooted deep within the 1800s, focusing on Thomas Hutter, tasked with helping Orlok secure new real estate. Things take dark twists as the Count’s true intentions toward Ellen become clear. Eggers’s commitment to authenticity is evident; he went so far as to write extensive backstories for the characters, enhancing their psychological complexity.
Audiences eager to witness Nosferatu this Christmas will have to wait for its digital streaming availability. While it opens on December 25, Focus Features has historically released films on premium video on demand (PVOD) approximately three to four weeks after theatrical debuts. This timeline suggests Nosferatu might transition to PVOD sometime between mid-January to early February of 2024.
Once the film makes its debut on PVOD, it will become accessible on Peacock, the streaming service owned by NBC Universal, about seven weeks post theatrical release. This pattern was followed by other Focus Features releases like The Bikeriders and Conclave, allowing audiences who miss the big screen to eventually enjoy the film from home. The anticipated PVOD release could occur on January 24, 2024, or January 28, 2024, with even greater accessibility coming weeks later via streaming.
Eggers’s work is known for its rigorous attention to detail, and Nosferatu appears no different. From its carefully storyboarded shots—a collaborative effort with director of photography Jarin Blaschke—to the atmosphere created through specific weather conditions and settings, the film seeks to immerse audiences fully within its haunting narrative. Even the choice of music reflects the careful consideration of each element; with the inclusion of the carol “O Tannenbaum” propelling its Christmas connection when the movie reflects upon themes of love and darkness.
Willem Dafoe's involvement also draws interest, as he has his own ties to the vampire genre through Shadow of the Vampire. Eggers playfully acknowledged the film's legacy and the nuance it offers viewers familiar with Dafoe’s past role, stating, "It’s cool for audience members who are in the know to know he is sort of hunting himself." This self-referential layer adds a rich dimension to the film’s experience.
Whether audiences flock to theaters to witness the lush horror of Nosferatu this Christmas, or wait for its streaming availability, it is clear this film stands to make significant waves. Eggers has ensured the film not only pays homage to those before it but also carves its own place within cinematic lore. The anticipation builds as viewers prepare for this haunting tale of obsession, leaving them to ponder its themes long after the credits roll.
Expect to see Nosferatu sway between horror and artistry, inviting audiences to reflect on the darker shades of human desire and fear as Christmas approaches. Don't miss the chance to explore this spectral narrative on the big screen, and keep your eyes peeled for its forthcoming digital release for even more immersive storytelling.
