Robert Eggers' latest film, Nosferatu, has made headlines for vastly exceeding box office expectations, rapidly climbing to over $50 million within its first week of release. Released on December 25, 2024, the film has effectively competed against major holiday blockbusters like Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Mufasa: The Lion King, showcasing its draw among audiences eager for horror-themed spectacles.
What sets Nosferatu apart is not just its box office performance but its quality, reflected by strong Rotten Tomatoes scores. The film boasts an impressive 86% approval rating from critics, alongside a solid 74% from the audience, marking it as one of the highest-rated vampire adaptations to date.
Starring Bill Skarsgård as the menacing Count Orlok and featuring talents such as Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, and Willem Dafoe, Nosferatu is Eggers' fourth feature film and is positioned to become his highest-grossing endeavor worldwide. According to Deadline, Nosferatu surpassed the $50 million milestone, making it the first film of Eggers' career to achieve this feat.
Despite earlier concerns stemming from the less favorable reception of Eggers' previous film, The Northman, which grossed $69.6 million against its high production budget of $70-90 million, Nosferatu has excelled by offsetting these worries with its solid initial performance. The horror film made $40.8 million during its opening weekend, outpacing expectations substantially and will likely surpass The Northman's total soon, as industry analysts predict steady earnings due to its impending expansion to more international markets.
Reflecting on the reasons for Nosferatu's remarkable success, industry insiders note the film's standout timing and the lack of significant competition within the genre. With winter holidays boosting attendance and Eggers' unique ability to craft engaging horror narratives, casual moviegoers have been drawn to theaters, intrigued by the means through which Skarsgård embodies the iconic character.
Interestingly, Nosferatu also features Eggers’ distinctive stylistic choices, building on his reputation from earlier hits like The Lighthouse and The Witch. While Eggers' previous films enjoyed emphatic praise, they did not attain the same box office success, leading to questions about his next venture. With Nosferatu's immediate profitability, critics are re-evaluated his status leading to recognition as not only as the creator of gripping narratives but now as commercially viable as well.
Eggers has described his decision to adapt Nosferatu as both personal and creative, linking the subject matter to his own internal explorations of obsession through the lens of horror. Featuring depth and aesthetic integrity, the film expertly blends high artistic ambition with traditional horror tropes, revitalizing the narrative made famous by the 1922 silent classic.
Despite low international earnings initially, there is significant hope for elevated returns, particularly with Eggers considering extended cuts and special features for home media releases. This aspect could add another dimension to its success post-theatrical run, an enormous boost considering the extremely crowded home entertainment market fueled by high-profile streaming services.
Overall, Nosferatu is positioned to secure Robert Eggers' place within the elite ranks of directors known for creativity and box office strength alike. The film's impressive financial performance not only aids his filmography but also opens doors for future projects, perhaps drawing even more extensive collaborations within the film industry. With the blend of artistic talent and horror's inherent appeal, Nosferatu could serve as the cornerstone for Eggers' burgeoning legacy as both a visual artist and box office contender.