Robert Eggers’ highly anticipated remake of Nosferatu has set the stage for what could be one of the most successful horror films of the year. Slated for wide release on January 2, 2025, across Brazil, the film is already making headlines following its earlier US debut on December 25, Christmas Day, where it reportedly grossed $11.5 million on its opening day, coming in second at the box office for the holiday weekend.
According to Deadline, the film is on track to earn $42 million during its extended opening weekend, which would break records for Eggers, establishing it as his highest-grossing debut yet. This remake stands out amid the holiday competition, outperforming the likes of Sonic 3 and cementing its place as a significant contender.
Nosferatu is not just another horror flick; it’s the latest adaptation of the 1922 classic directed by F.W. Murnau, which was inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Eggers’ version features notable actors including Bill Skarsgård as the iconic vampire Orlok, Lily-Rose Depp as Ellen Hutter, and Nicholas Hoult as Thomas Hutter. Skarsgård’s portrayal has received much acclaim, particularly his commitment to embodying the eerie presence of the character.
Visually stunning and deeply atmospheric, the film is marked by Eggers’ unique directing style, which has previously garnered attention with projects like The Witch and The Lighthouse. Eggers emphasizes the psychological elements of horror, as seen through the relationship between Ellen and Orlok, underscored by intense emotional and sexual undertones. He states, “All of this sexual undertone is left to the imagination. And that's what burns your imagination.” This reinvention is seen as necessary to avoid clichés commonly found within vampire narratives.
While filming, there was also an interesting behind-the-scenes moment shared by Hoult, who joked about receiving Skarsgård’s used penile prosthetic as part of his cast gift after production. “I felt the prosthetic on my leg,” Hoult quipped, adding to the film’s already implicit sexual themes.
Beyond its financial potential, Nosferatu has also received positive reviews, enjoying 87% approval from critics and a CinemaScore rating of B-. With Eggers’ intention to stay true to the original’s expressionist horror roots, he has carefully recreated the visual style, opting for low saturation and shadow-heavy scenes to echo the film’s 1922 predecessor. Notably, Nosferatu serves to remind audiences of the ghoulish allure of the vampire mythos, delivering both terror and beauty.
This latest adaptation also reworks Ellen Hutter's character, giving her more prominence than previous versions, aiming for greater emotional depth. Eggers remarked, “The story is told entirely from Ellen’s perspective, allowing for greater potential for emotional and psychological complexity.” This choice could resonate deeply with audiences, sparking discourse around the portrayal of women within classic horror narratives.
Nosferatu stands as Eggers’ return to the horror genre, wherein he brings his distinct aesthetic vision to bear on this classic tale. With influences ranging from past horror films to his idiosyncratic style, the director strikes new ground with this age-old story. The anticipation surrounding the film stems from both its heritage and Eggers’ unique touch, making it not just another remake but perhaps, a cinematic event.
The movie is receiving extra attention not only for its financial prospects but also for its artistic direction. Satirical yet haunting, the film’s narrative seeks to reconstruct the mythos of one of cinema’s earliest horror films, engaging viewers who have long appreciated the genre’s evolution. By rethinking characters and visuals, Eggers instills Nosferatu with a freshness befitting modern audiences, acknowledging the original’s influence on later cinematic works.
Eggers’ commitment to realism and historical accuracy also manifests through his characters and their attire, which reflects the rich cultural nuances associated with vampire lore. He has intricately detailed Orlok's look, ensuring the aesthetic aligns with folklore traditions. This attention to detail challenges viewers to grapple with the narrative's layered complexity.
With the hype continuing to build, Nosferatu appears to be poised for both box office success and cultural conversation. Whether audiences come to witness the dark horror or the nuanced storytelling, Eggers has crafted something potentially transformative. Bolstered by standout performances and stunning visuals, Nosferatu may redefine what it means to adapt classic horror for today’s viewer.
Set to premiere soon across Brazil and with solid expectations already established, Nosferatu promises gripping cinema, worthwhile for both devoted fans of the original and newcomers alike, uniting generations through the chilling saga of vampires and their eternal allure.
