Robert Eggers' gothic horror movie Nosferatu adapts a familiar vampire tale but infuses a new level of skin-crawling dread. The film ends with a singular moment of simultaneous violence and desire, captivating audiences with its rich narrative and visual artistry.
The original Nosferatu is based on Bram Stoker's gothic horror novel Dracula, and many similarities between the two plots are apparent. Eggers was drawn to adapt Nosferatu due to its straightforward narrative and its strong female lead. Starring Lily-Rose Depp as Ellen Hutter, the film is set in 1830s Wisborg, Germany, where Ellen's husband, Thomas (Nicholas Hoult), is summoned to Transylvania to execute a contract. Upon arrival, he encounters the eccentric Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård), who torments him with his vampiric powers.
During Thomas's torment, Ellen begins to suffer from nightmares, sleepwalking, and convulsions, much to the concern of her friends, Friedrich and Anna Harding (Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emma Corrin), and the local doctor, Wilhelm Sievers (Ralph Ineson). Desperate to understand Ellen's condition, they seek the expertise of Professor Von Franz (Willem Dafoe), who reveals the dark truth about Count Orlok.
Orlok's arrival heralds calamity as he brings disease and devastation, underscoring his desire for Ellen's blood. The story escalates with Thomas teaming up with Sievers and Von Franz as they plot to kill Orlok. Yet, Ellen's fate becomes intertwined with Orlok's when she invites him for one final confrontation.
Eggers sheds light on Orlok's underlying motivations and desires. It is revealed through Ellen's backstory how she initially reached out to dark forces for companionship. This act of desperation bound her to Orlok, blurring the lines between horror and the psychological. When Orlok arrives to claim Ellen’s blood, she engages with him on her own terms.
The climax of the film is both shocking and poignant. Donning her wedding dress, Ellen invites Orlok back to her room, fully aware of her past connection with him. Eggers noted this scene echoes the classic Renaissance motif of 'Death and the Maiden,' emphasizing the relationship between life, death, and eroticism.
Through this pivotal moment, Ellen reclaims her agency. By offering herself as bait, she traps Orlok within her own will; the ultimate sacrifice is made to vanquish the vampire. Ellen’s final act delineates her moving from victimhood to empowerment, taking control of her fate and the fate of Wisborg.
Eggers' adaptation also explores the character of Count Orlok and his dark origins. The depiction of Orlok as a reanimated corpse emphasizes horror’s roots- supernatural abilities entwined with death's grotesque reality. His character stands as both monster and metaphor, representing humanity’s darker desires.
Ellen and Orlok's relationship symbolizes the complex interplay of desire and repulsion. Critics like Clarisse Loughrey from The Independent have commended Eggers' ability to reuse familiar tropes of horror with fresh vigor, where Orlok becomes as much about psychological terror as physical threat.
Visually, Eggers collaborates with longtime cinematographer Jarin Blaschke, employing stark contrasts and innovative techniques to manifest the supernatural realistically. The usage of practical effects grounded the horror, lending authenticity to the chilling atmosphere. The decision to recreate certain sequences with elaborate camera work and lighting schemes reflects both Eggers’s ambition and homage to the genre.
Audience reactions to Nosferatu have highlighted its effectiveness as horror. Fans have been enraptured by scenes featuring Ellen’s possession and Orlok’s relentless pursuit, which provoke visceral terror and emotional engagement. After screenings, the audience is left pondering the film's startling conclusion, emphasizing Eggers' skill at crafting suspense and intrigue.
Another noteworthy aspect of the film is its commitment to practical effects, as noted by Eggers; most sequences were crafted without heavy reliance on CGI, enhancing the movie's dread. Every detail—down to the design of Orlok's decaying visage—was carefully considered to evoke unease and fascination.
Week by week, Nosferatu reveals itself as more than just another vampire movie. It's Eggers' deep exploration of the genre and its cultural commentary wrapped within historical contexts and character studies.
The film is not just about the pursuit of horror; it raises thought-provoking questions about human nature and the allure of darkness. It’s rich with metaphor and meaning, achieving both visual spectacle and thematic depth.
Overall, the new adaptation of Nosferatu has quickly become one of the most discussed films of the year, not only for its scares but for its rich character development and artistry. Eggers has successfully revived a classic story, embracing and innovatively reshaping its legacy, heralding what could be considered one of the strongest contributions to modern horror cinema.
