Robert Eggers’ latest film, Nosferatu, which premiered on December 25, 2024, offers a chilling reimagining of the classic 1922 silent film of the same name. With its focus on the infamous Count Orlok, played by Bill Skarsgård, this adaptation has already begun to gather widespread acclaim for its unique take on vampire lore, innovative production design, and impressive performances.
Count Orlok’s iteration, known for its grotesque but captivating appearance, sees Skarsgård donning significant prosthetics and makeup, creating what Eggers describes as the look of "a dead Transylvanian nobleman." Upon first encounter, Nicholas Hoult's character, Thomas Hutter, reveals him fully. Orlok is depicted with a skeletal visage, patches of decaying skin, and yes, donning a bushy mustache—a notable deviation from traditional vampire portrayals. Skarsgård commented on the challenging nature of the transformation, stating, "I was worried I couldn't perform through [the prosthetics]," referencing how they made him feel initially like he resembled "the f---ing Grinch or a f---ing goblin. I did not like at all how it was translating."
Director Robert Eggers explained the significance of Orlok’s mustache, remarking, “It’s part of the culture. No matter what, there’s no way this guy can’t have a mustache.” He reinforces this concept by connecting it to the historical accuracy of vampire lore, noting, "[The early folk vampire] was written about by people who believed vampires existed," highlighting his desire to portray Orlok as more than just monstrous but as reflective of the time and culture from which these legends rose.
Eggers’ vision was to make Orlok distinctly folkoric, aiming to present Orlok as not merely horror incarnate, but as someone embodying the characteristics associated with ancient tales of the undead. “The question then became, ‘What does a dead Transylvanian nobleman look like?’” Eggers mused. This led to the creation of elaborate costumes and accessories—ranging from the high-heeled shoes to Orlok’s complex Hungarian attire—which Eggers believed were fundamental to showcasing the character’s noble yet grotesque lineage.
Adding depth to the character's backstory during filming, Eggers separated Skarsgård from the rest of his co-stars to help him embrace the persona effectively. “You need to have distance on set,” he insisted, underscoring the psychological toll of taking on such haunting characters—a practice Eggers felt would help Skarsgård embody the spirit of Orlok more authentically.
The film doesn’t just reinvent Count Orlok physically; it delves deep emotionally and psychologically, maintaining the haunting elements central to the horror genre. Describing the atmosphere on set, Eggers noted, “When he snaps back to character, it's heavy, and everyone can feel it.” The combination of the evocative makeup and the intensity of performance is engineered to exude true dread.
Eggers' aspirations to honor and update the gothic themes of Nosferatu undoubtedly resonate throughout the film. His take presents Orlok as less of merely the monstrous figure seen traditionally, aiming instead for depth and historical sincerity. Critics have begun to rave about this reimagining, with early reviews placing it at 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, and offering praise for Skarsgård and his co-star, Lily-Rose Depp, for their captivating performances.
Die-hard horror enthusiasts will appreciate the homage to classic vampire narratives, as well as the unique alterations Eggers has made, from the choice of costume and makeup to the more fundamental portrayal of vampires—striving for authenticity through rigorous research and creative choice. Eggers emphasized the importance of returning to the roots of vampire mythology, stating, "There was going to be some good stuff there, and the vampire of folklore is a putrid, walking undead corpse."
This film also presents Orlok’s surroundings vividly, thanks to production designer Craig Lathrop’s commitment to authenticity—traveling to the Czech Republic to find the perfect castle to embody the character’s eerie abode. They eventually chose Corvin Castle for its brutally decayed aesthetic, matching Eggers' vision of the haunting setting suitable for such grotesque storytelling.
Dealing with practical effects, the filmmaking team, which included over 5,000 live rats, used actual animals for foreground shots, ensuring the film had tangible realism and horror. With Eggers claiming, "None of [the rats] were lost" during production, it shows the extensive efforts taken to craft this world.
Nosferatu has quickly become not just another horror staple; it inspires discussions around expectations versus realities within the genre and asks audiences to reconsider what they think they know about iconic figures like Count Orlok. This bold reinvention means audiences can expect not only fright but also palpable depth—solidifying Robert Eggers' place among today's greatest filmmakers as he revitalizes classic tales for newer generations.
With thrilling performances and innovative storytelling, Nosferatu captures what it means to evolve traditional narratives. It is not merely the death of a vampire retold—it is the birth of folklore reimagined. With this release, Eggers continues to push boundaries and redefine cinematic horror.
