Nosferatu (2024)

Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” (2024): A Cryptic and Unsettling Masterpiece

Robert Eggers, the visionary director behind The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman, returns with Nosferatu (2024), a film that is both cryptic and mesmerizing, deeply unsettling yet wholly captivating. Eggers has once again proven himself to be a filmmaker capable of immersing his audience in another time and reality, leaving modern consciousness aside in favor of raw, ancient terror.

Unlike many contemporary horror films, Nosferatu has no room for metaphors or analogies. In this world, witches exist, curses and prophecies are undeniably real, and the vampire—here embodied by Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård)—is not merely a blood-drinker but a force of pure evil, capable of distorting reality itself. It’s a world where nightmares bleed into waking life, and terror is tangible.

A Fusion of Horror Sources

Eggers’ take on Nosferatu is a masterful fusion of influences, blending the 1922 silent classic Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror directed by F.W. Murnau, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and Tod Browning’s 1931 adaptation. Yet, there’s also a distinct nod to Francis Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), particularly in the obsessive, almost supernatural love story between Nosferatu and Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp). This relationship is the heart of the film, where Orlok sees Ellen as his soulmate and attempts to invade her mind—both asleep and awake—with increasing intensity.

The film introduces us to Thomas Hutter (Nicolas Hoult), Ellen’s husband, whose journey to Transylvania to sell Count Orlok’s castle sets the stage for this nightmare. Hutter’s quest for financial stability quickly spirals into an existential struggle as Orlok’s dark obsession with Ellen intensifies. Willem Dafoe’s portrayal of Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz, a Van Helsing-esque occultist, is both eerily pragmatic and tragically aware of the monstrous forces at play.

A Terrifying Performance by Bill Skarsgård

Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Count Orlok is unlike any vampire you’ve seen before. Rather than the familiar bald, fanged figure, Eggers presents a grotesque version of Nosferatu that is unnervingly humanoid—almost like a malevolent Nutcracker doll. His undead form exudes a grayish pallor, with his flesh hanging in a state of decay. His voice—low, rumbling, and full of despair—fills the theater with an eerie presence that seems to emanate from all directions, creating a sense that the creature is not merely present but haunting the very fabric of the film.

Skarsgård’s performance transcends the idea of acting; it’s an embodiment of corruption and decay, a visual and auditory manifestation of pure malevolent energy. He might be typecast in horror roles, but his work here cements his place as one of the most captivating and disturbing figures in modern horror cinema.

Lily-Rose Depp’s Haunting Transformation

Lily-Rose Depp’s performance as Ellen is equally haunting, albeit in a more subtle way. Without heavy prosthetics, Depp uses her physicality to embody the invasion of Nosferatu’s evil into her being. Her body contorts, her limbs twist in unnatural ways as if Orlok’s spirit has fully possessed her. It’s a mesmerizing transformation that speaks volumes without words. This is, in many ways, Ellen’s film—her ability to feel and understand the depth of the horror unfolding around her makes her the film’s emotional anchor.

A World of Ancient Dread

As with all of Eggers’ works, Nosferatu is deeply rooted in historical accuracy and folklore. The film immerses viewers in a world untouched by the modern sensibilities of Freud or Jung. The characters don’t reflect on their experiences with psychological analysis; instead, they live within a reality where ancient forces are undeniably real and terrifying. This sense of an uncivilized, unknown world enhances the dread that permeates the film.

The story also acts as a historical commentary on the fear that “civilized” European society held for the unknown and the “Other.” In this case, that fear manifests through the character of Count Orlok, an embodiment of the foreign, the sinister, and the unknowable.

A Technical Marvel: Blending Past and Present

From a technical standpoint, Eggers’ Nosferatu is a breathtaking achievement. The film, while made using modern technology, feels like an artifact from another era, as if it were a long-lost relic rediscovered in a tomb. The use of weather, wind, and darkness seems to warp the very fabric of the movie itself, adding to the sense of unease. The disturbing presence of Nosferatu isn’t confined to the screen—it feels as though it’s affecting the very medium of film.

Eggers has crafted a movie that doesn’t just tell a story; it becomes a conduit for a palpable sense of evil, one that feels almost cursed. Watching it is like opening an ancient book of dark magic—one that leaves you feeling as if you’ve touched something you were never meant to see.

The Plot Unfolds: A Love and Obsession Unleashed

As the film unfolds, Thomas Hutter’s journey to Transylvania marks the beginning of a terrifying descent into the heart of darkness. When he arrives at Count Orlok’s castle, he is greeted with unsettling visions and bizarre occurrences. Soon, it becomes clear that the sinister count isn’t just interested in acquiring a property—he seeks something far more precious: Ellen’s soul.

The opening moments of the film set the stage for this haunting relationship. In a chilling sequence, Ellen seems to unknowingly summon Orlok with a cry of longing, a call to the darkness that awakens the vampire from his slumber. This sets in motion a series of convulsions, visions, and horrifying events that blur the line between dream and reality, life and death.

As Orlok makes his way toward Germany, Thomas’ desperate attempts to stop him intensify, culminating in a thrilling chase through the dark corridors of Orlok’s castle. Though he ultimately escapes the castle, the threat of Nosferatu’s unrelenting obsession with Ellen looms ever larger.

Conclusion: A Modern Horror Classic

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is more than a remake; it is a reimagining of a classic horror tale that injects it with new life, history, and terror. With standout performances from Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp, and Nicolas Hoult, and a story that blends gothic horror with modern sensibilities, this film is both a technical marvel and a chilling exploration of evil in its purest form. Nosferatu (2024) is a movie that will haunt you long after the credits roll.