‘Nosferatu’ review – Robert Eggers’ masterful remake is the best horror film of 2024

When it comes to cinematic vampires, one of two archetypes is usually at play. The gentle and erotic variety results from this Bela Lugosi‘S iconic representation in Death BrowningThe classic from 1931 Dracula, inspiring characters like Christopher Lee‘s Hammer Horror interpretation, Sesame Street‘S Counting, and Matt BerryIt’s Laszlo Cravensworth What we do in the shadows. Before that, however, audiences were treated to the far more frightening face of Nosferatu-style vampires, based on Max ShreckThe otherworldly turning point of the 1922s Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (an unlicensed adaptation of Bram Stoker‘S Dracula). His influence has been reflected in direct remakes such as 1979 Werner Herzog Side trip Nosferatu the vampireand the meta-masterpiece of the 2000s Shadow of the Vampire. Here vampires may be amorous or carnal, but they are often more menacing, powerful and otherworldly, often adorned with inhuman pale skin, gnarled teeth and the like. In 2024 Nosferatuwe get a count with a completely different face.

Robert Eggers may have intended to lead his passion project Nosferatuimmediately following his excellent horror outing in 2015 The witchbut you can’t suppress a good vampire. The film’s eerie marketing campaign keeps reminding us: It’s coming (finally!). Given his long-standing love of the classic 1922 film and his penchant for spooky and magical historical tales, it’s a perfect fit for Eggers’ filmography The witch, The lighthouse, And The Northman. The film is also a masterful showcase of the cast’s range Lily Rose Depp,Bill SkarsgardAnd Nicholas Hoult deliver great performances. An atmospheric, breathtaking visual masterpiece, the best horror film of the year and easily one of the best overall of 2024.

What is “Nosferatu” about?

Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp) is a troubled young woman who has been plagued since her youth by fears, bad dreams and a strangely intuitive nature. Her husband Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) is tasked with landing a big deal at work. Search for a new residence for the mysterious Transylvanian Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard). Thomas realizes that the Count has other plans involving Ellen, to whom he has a mysterious attraction. As Orlok’s predatory influence closes in on their city, the Hutters, Dr. Wilhelm Sievers (Ralph Ineson) and alchemist Professor Albin Eberhard Von Franz (Willem Dafoe) must find a way to combat Orlok’s growing power before it’s too late.

“Nosferatu” is a prime example of Robert Eggers’ “Command of Atmosphere.”

The core of Nosferatu The focus is on the relationship between the Count and Ellen. From Ellen’s side, we immediately learn that the friendly, timid young woman has a mysterious past and a soft spot for the baddest of bad boys. Skarsgard is really not recognizable as a counta novel Nosferatu characterization with a mysterious, unique European accent and a dominant presence. It’s an incredible change that cements the fact that Skarsgård should be recognized as one of our most versatile actors. Equal to the task Lily-Rose Depp, who effortlessly oscillates between innocent, erotic and terrifying in one of the best performances of the year. Completing the central trio is Nicholas Hoult, excellent and complex as the kindly, initially weak and eventually committed, beleaguered husband. It’s a strong cast, from the core to the supporting players.

Cameraman Jarin Blaschke delivers once again exceptional work. Light and Shadow are given incredible personality, echoing the 1922 original’s emphasis on Nosferatu’s own shadow and its ability to “devour you like a demonic nightmare” (to quote Murnau’s classic). In the original, this shadow powerfully but somewhat ambiguously signals its presence. Here it explicitly goes beyond its physical form as an extension of its being and a sign of its power and control. He creates an ominous feeling of palpable fear as he creeps along a doorway or glides across the cityscape. The landscapes are beautiful and isolated; Castles are otherworldly and dangerous; and each recording is characterized by careful composition and staging. It’s a wonderfully detailed film with astonishingly rich production design, all of which contributes to a wonderfully oppressive atmosphere as Count Orlok comes to secure his rule over Ellen.

Related

“Nosferatu” by Robert Eggers was described in initial reactions as “a wet dream”.

The film, directed by Bill Skarsgård and Lily-Rose Depp, rises from the grave on December 25th.

It is a faithful reimagining, and Eggers’ version retains many elements of the original, such as the Count’s obsession with Ellen, his power over her, and Ellen’s ultimate plan. But This iteration foregrounds Ellen’s agency and implicit erotic elements to useful effect. It was her lonely desperation (perhaps coupled with unique spiritual powers) that awakened Nosferatu from his initial slumber, and she shares an unholy mutual erotic obsession. The expansion of Ellen’s agency and psychology is much darker than the originalwhich requires the sacrifice of a woman with a “pure heart,” not a vibrant young woman whose libido longs for the abomination that awakened her from the darkness. This thematic development is also consistent with elements of traditional Christian demonology, which often assumes that women are more susceptible to demonic forces and their infiltration into the community. The general significance of this pivot is not that it allows for more sex and eroticism (although it does), but that it sees Nosferatu Explore themes surrounding women’s sexual agency (and its literal demonization) in ways the original does not. All in all, it is a masterful and captivating film that packs a comprehensive, rich story into its relatively long running time by horror standards.

That doesn’t mean it’s completely free of flaws. There are moments when the overall impression is excellent Aaron Taylor Johnson feels a little out of place as Friedrich Harding. Additionally, there are many scenes where the editing could be refined for maximum impact. Several scenes were shortened by a few frames, so lingering over the images and performances would be welcome. Length aside, there are times when the film moves along a little too quickly and you might find yourself wishing for a few more minutes – no new footage, just a bit more space for the film’s treacherous air to breathe. That means, The film is a technical marvel that boasts both inspired direction and some of the best performances of the year.

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is one of the best films of the year

Robert Eggers creates a wonderfully oppressive horror phenomenon with him Nosferatuthe titular count is depicted here as a hungry man, predatory, lustful identity embodied with obsessive menace by Bill Skarsgård. This interpretation feels comfortable in the company of Nosferatus, who have appeared before, and has given the Count a unique and unforgettable face. Eggers’ Nosferatu Many elements and thematic pieces are lovingly taken over from the original and further developed and expanded in almost every respect. Thematically, the emphasis on Ellen’s agency presents a fascinating exploration of desperate erotic desire, vulnerability and obsession, and Eggers makes full use of these elements. It’s a wonderful display of acting talent, creating a world full of detail and an atmosphere so palpable it practically stays on your skin. The result is a truly frightening adaptation that maintains a pervasive sense of constant, otherworldly dread.Nosferatu is an excellent horror film from a director at the peak of his powers and one of the best films of the year.

Nosferatu hits theaters on December 25th.

review

Nosferatu features Robert Eggers at the peak of his powers, creating an atmosphere of suffocating menace anchored by great turns from Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Skarsgard.

Advantages

• Robert Eggers brings a fully realized vision to Nosferatu, creating a palpable sense of dread and a real sense of stakes throughout.
• The entire cast delivers excellent performances, and Lily-Rose Depp is great, while Bill Skarsgard thoroughly transforms into the Vampire Count himself.
• Brilliantly detailed production design and excellent cinematography contribute to one of the most beautiful films of the year.

Disadvantages

• The film’s editing speeds up the pace at times, and some scenes and sections would be even more effective if they were given more room to breathe.

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