'Nosferatu' Review: Robert Eggers Returns the Vampire to Monster Status
- Details
- Category: New Series and Movie Reviews
- Published: Thursday, 02 January 2025 10:02
- Written by Lupe R Haas
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is a homage to classic horror, using striking cinematography to evoke both fear and raw emotion. Bill Skarsgård delivers a chilling and repulsive portrayal of Count Orlok, far removed from the romanticized Hollywood versions of Dracula.
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu revisits the iconic vampire story with a chilling, grotesque tone that stands in stark contrast to the romanticized depictions popularized by Universal Pictures’ 1931 Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi. This reimagining harks back to F.W. Murnau’s silent 1922 classic while incorporating elements of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, creating a version of Count Orlok that feels familiar and terrifyingly unique.
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A Gruesome Count Orlok
Bill Skarsgård is unrecognizable as Count Orlok, delivering a repulsive and unsettling performance that abandons any trace of charm or allure. Fans hoping to see the actor’s familiar face will be disappointed, as this portrayal focuses solely on the monstrous side of the vampire, staying true to Eggers’ vision of a horrifying predator.
Lily-Rose Depp’s Haunting Ellen
Lily-Rose Depp takes on the challenging role of Ellen Hutter, a woman spiraling into paranoia and possession under Nosferatu’s influence. This iteration of Ellen is far more sexualized and mentally unhinged than previous portrayals, with Depp fully embracing the character’s descent into madness.
Supporting Cast Shines
Willem Dafoe injects a touch of dark humor as the eccentric Professor Albin Eberhart von Franz, offering brief moments of levity in an otherwise grim narrative. Aaron Taylor-Johnson also stands out as a loyal friend to Ellen and Thomas, stepping into a protective role while Thomas is trapped in Count Orlok’s castle.
Visual Mastery
Visually, Nosferatu is a triumph, evoking the cinematography of early black-and-white horror films. The film opens with muted color tones that gradually fade into a monochromatic palette, with deep blacks and stark contrasts that heighten the dread and horror. Eggers’ attention to detail recreates the eerie atmosphere of classic cinema, immersing viewers in its nightmarish world.
A Return to True Horror
Eggers strips away the glossy, seductive elements of modern vampire lore, returning the blood-sucking monster to its ugly, fearsome roots. This Nosferatu is a far cry from the romanticized figures that have dominated recent adaptations, instead embodying the raw, primal terror that defined the earliest depictions of the vampire myth.
A Polarizing Experience
While Nosferatu will undoubtedly appeal to fans of Eggers’ distinctive style and arthouse horror, its bizarre storytelling and grotesque imagery may alienate mainstream audiences. The film is unapologetically weird, offering a version of the vampire legend that is as unsettling as it is captivating.