When it came to crafting the chilling atmosphere of his new film, Nosferatu, Robert Eggers had both the weight of history and expectations on his shoulders. With his previous works like The VVitch and The Northman, Eggers has established himself as one of the leading voices of modern horror. Now, with Nosferatu—a remake of F.W. Murnau's 1922 silent classic—he dives deep, bringing his unique lens to the haunting narrative of Count Orlok.
Critics are largely praising Eggers for his ability to blend authenticity with dread, claiming he taps directly back to the horror roots embedded within the very fabric of vampire lore. The plot begins with Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult), who is tasked with finalizing the sale of property to the enigmatic Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård) and leads to his wife, Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), experiencing unsettling premonitions. Eggers sets the film firmly within the confines of 1838 Germany, immersing viewers with rich period details and dense atmosphere.
Jon Winkler of Deadline describes Eggers’ approach as “stripped down gloom,” which allows the “slow camera movements, minimal set designs, and haunting scores” to build tension without unnecessary distractions. This film does not merely resurrect the character of Count Orlok; it reinvents it, capturing the essence of horror with contemporary filmmaking techniques. “Eggers has proven himself to create near-overwhelming situations of tension—this time, amplified through the shadows of character mechanics and oppressive visuals,” writes Winkler.
Meanwhile, other critics have noted the unevenness present throughout the film. “There are sensational sequences followed by weaker ones of uncertain effect,” remarks another reviewer, pointing to the challenges Eggers faced revisiting such iconic material. Yet, the moments of brilliance shine through, particularly during Hutter’s chilling voyage to Orlok’s castle, which is laden with anxiety and claustrophobic dread. Critics have pointed to the sequence where Hutter unsuccessfully attempts to escape Orlok’s grasp as especially harrowing.
Eggers’ painstaking attention to detail extends to character development, most significantly to Ellen, who is portrayed not just as the victim but as the emotional core of the story. Critics have raved about Depp’s performance, showcasing her range as she fluctuates between strength and vulnerability. Since her character is left behind, viewers witness how deeply her emotional state deteriorates as she faces the shadows growing ever closer with Orlok’s arrival.
Bill Skarsgård’s masterful performance as Count Orlok has also drawn considerable acclaim. His embodiment of the vampire is marked by unsettling physicality and rapport, successfully channeling the historical nuances Eggers aimed for: “Orlok stands as both monstrous and noble,” observes another critic. The actor’s representation is unlike the romanticized vampires of modern lore; he remains terrifying throughout, effectively disrupting traditional portrayals.
Of course, it’s impossible to discuss Nosferatu without mentioning its cinematography. Jarin Blaschke, Eggers’ frequent collaborator, delivers stark visual contrasts, evoking the eerie ambiance akin to Murnau’s original vision. The interplay of shadows and spectral lighting crafts a milieu where viewers are perpetually on edge. Dark color palettes are interspersed with moments of surreal brightness and significance, expertly encapsulated through careful artistic choices.
Despite the praise, some observers suggest the film does slip at times, particularly when transitioning from terrifying moments to more mundane plot developments. “The second half finds itself bogged down by pacing issues,” one critic noted. Yet the film’s thematic explorations—ranging from feminism to societal oppression—have received commendation. Ellen’s struggle for voice and autonomy has reinvigorated discussions on the portrayal of women within the horror genre, shifting the narrative perspective from merely being prey to embodying strength and agency.
Robert Eggers' Nosferatu is not just another horror film; it is deeply layered, engaging with traditional storytelling methods and subverting them. With dedicated performances from the cast and Eggers’ passing attention to thematic relevance, the film succeeds as both homage and innovation. Critics are left contemplating how it fits within the canon and its exceptional qualities.
It’s undeniable: Eggers’ Nosferatu has instigated lively discourse among filmgoers and critics alike, heralded as both visually stunning and narratively ambitious, showcasing lush Gothic horror combined with pressing contemporary themes. Now playing in theaters everywhere, it may prove to be one of the season’s standout cinematic experiences.