Film Review: Nosferatu

Robert Eggers (The Lighthouse, The Witch) has reimagined Nosferatu (2024) for a new generation, crafting a visually stunning and hauntingly atmospheric retelling of the 1922 silent horror-classic. Released just in time for a winter chill, this gothic masterpiece delves into themes of obsession, decay, and the monstrous nature of humanity. With a stellar cast including Bill Skarsgård as the eponymous vampire and Lily-Rose Depp as his unfortunate muse, Eggers’ Nosferatu is a love letter to horror aficionados while offering something fresh for modern audiences.

Set in 19th-century Europe, Nosferatu follows the doomed tale of Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) and her husband Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult), who ventures to the Carpathian Mountains to finalise a real estate deal with the enigmatic Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). As Thomas uncovers Orlok’s vampiric identity, the Count becomes dangerously fixated on Ellen, setting in motion a grim and fatalistic chain of events. What unfolds is a story of seduction, death, and the relentless passage of time, all told through Eggers’ signature brooding lens.

The chiaroscuro lighting and carefully composed frames are perfectly imagined by cinematographer Jarin Blaschke, evoking the spirit of German Expressionism while remaining dynamic and modern. Shadows loom large, characters are dwarfed by oppressive landscapes, and themes of isolation and mortality are artfully emphasised.

Eggers breathes new life into Nosferatu by staying true to the original’s shadowy aesthetic while infusing it with his distinctive filmmaking style. His meticulous attention to historical detail creates a fully immersive gothic world, from the creaking floorboards of Hutter’s home to the sprawling decay of Orlok’s castle. The pacing, though deliberate, mirrors the creeping dread of the story, building to a climax that is as horrifying as it is inevitable.

At the heart of this chilling reimagining is Bill Skarsgård, whose unnerving portrayal of Count Orlok blends grotesque physicality with a quiet vulnerability that renders his monstrosity tragically human. Lily-Rose Depp shines as Ellen, imbuing her character with a fragile strength that anchors the film emotionally, while Nicholas Hoult, though competent, is somewhat overshadowed by the other performances.

Furthermore Mark Korven’s score (The Witch) is a masterclass in dread, combining dissonant strings with eerie silence to heighten tension. The sound design, too, plays a pivotal role: from the scratch of Orlok’s claws on wooden walls to the creak of a coffin in the dead of night, every auditory detail pulls the viewer deeper into this gothic nightmare.

Eggers’ Nosferatu is not merely a remake but a profound reimagining of a horror classic. It’s a slow-burning, visually arresting experience that will leave a lasting impression on fans of gothic cinema. While its measured pace and esoteric tone may not appeal to everyone, those who embrace its atmospheric depths will find a truly chilling tale.

If you loved the eerie intimacy of The Lighthouse or the folkloric dread of The Witch, Nosferatu will haunt your dreams long after you leave the cinema.

Nosferatu is showing now at Nottingham's Broadway and Savoy Cinemas.