With the Christmas release of Robert Eggers' latest film, Nosferatu, fans of gothic horror are gearing up for what promises to be both a thrilling and haunting cinematic experience. This remake of F.W. Murnau's iconic 1922 silent film crafts a modern retelling centered on Ellen Hutter, played by Lily-Rose Depp, who finds herself ensnared by the infatuation of the vampire Count Orlok, portrayed by Bill Skarsgård.
Nosferatu explores the psychological and societal challenges faced by Ellen, framed within the oppressive norms of the 19th century. Directed by Eggers, known for his skillful narrative execution, this adaptation has generated intrigue for its thematic depth and character portrayals. Set against the backdrop of Wisborg, where Ellen struggles with anxiety and mysterious visions, the film intricately weaves personal turmoil with supernatural horror.
From the outset, Ellen's haunting experiences begin when her husband, Thomas (Nicholas Hoult), travels to Transylvania on business. He is tasked with securing Orlok’s signature to finalize the sale of an eerie manor. Yet, the film quickly establishes Orlok's odd allure toward Ellen, creating tension as their fates become entwined.
Eggers has taken great care to develop Ellen's character, acknowledging Depp's strong acting prowess. "Lily's got a lot of strengths for this role," Eggers expressed during interviews. "She understood it very clearly from our first meeting. I don't think I've really worked with an actor who can get to such an extreme place so easily, and that's something that's precious for this character. It's all Lily doing her hard-hitting performance without any CG or wire assistance. It’s powerful and raw," he added.
Depp herself highlighted the importance of preparing for such a physically demanding role. Under the guidance of movement coach Maria-Gabrielle Roti, she worked to manifest Ellen’s internal struggles outwardly, ensuring the choreography of her character's hysteria felt authentic. "We wanted to make sure all of those moments not only looked visually stunning on camera but also told the viewer something about my emotional conflict," she shared.
The dynamics of Ellen's relationships play heavily throughout the narrative. Particularly telling is her bond with Professor Albin Eberhart von Franz, played by Willem Dafoe, who serves as one of the few characters willing to believe and support her. "It is lovely to see him as the one who can truly perceive her struggles, which are amplified by society’s limitations on women at the time," Eggers noted.
Another facet of Nosferatu drawing attention is its unique musical score, composed by Robin Carolan and sound designer Damian Volpe. Eggers revealed his commitment to music, emphasizing its role as more than just accompaniment; it was integral to creating the film's atmosphere. "Musically, obviously we needed classical and aleatoric pieces typical of horror soundtracks. Still, we wanted soaring romantic music to create emotional highs and lows throughout the story," he detailed.
Speaking of the film's progression, Eggers noted the decade-long effort to produce Nosferatu, emphasising his growth as both person and filmmaker during this time, encapsulating not only technical improvements but the ability to adapt his vision through collaborative efforts with his team. "It's not just my vision; it’s the collective vision we created together," he remarked.
Aside from the artistic ambitions of production, Nosferatu also taps deep themes of obsession and humanity, intensifying viewers’ connections to its characters. Depp expressed how Skarsgård's portrayal of Count Orlok adds unexpected layers of depth—turning what could be another monster character. "Bill delivers such an incredible performance... he imbues his character with so much ancient, dead, mummified humanity. That’s what I think makes it so scary," Depp commented.
Emma Corrin, who plays Anna, Ellen’s friend, also noted the starkness of her character's fate. "There's nothing left unthought about, even for smaller characters. Rob gives depth and consideration to all roles," she pointed out, reflecting on the tragedy inherent within the gothic tale. For her part, Depp believes the balance between light and dark within the film's narratives is compelling, exploring how the two couples within the story serve as reflections of each other's aspirations and failures.
Leak of minor spoilers has generated interest about the film’s haunting ending, reminiscent of Murnau’s original. Eggers reimagines this moment, giving it new meaning and visual flair. Ellen’s ultimate sacrifice to thwart Orlok weighs heavily and embodies empowerment melded with tragedy. "It’s both heartbreaking and empowering; Ellen finally finds agency at the center of her deepest despair," Depp affirmed.
The film's premiere is anticipated on December 25, setting the stage for discussions among audiences and critics alike about this modern reinterpretation. With its stunning visuals, layered characters, and emotional resonance, expectations are undoubtedly high for Nosferatu, marking yet another artistic treat from director Robert Eggers.
