Introduction

Back in 1922 (I’m old, but I swear I wasn’t alive in that era), an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula was released called Nosferatu. This strange vampire horror film faced many legal issues, causing it to be nearly destroyed and lost to the world. However, after its release in the US, Nosferatu became a legendary piece of film history. Color me surprised when director Robert Eggers (The Lighthouse, The Witch) announced he would redo Nosferatu in the modern age. If you’re like me, you might have wondered how a century-old adaptation could be re-released today and still be done well. Well folks, I’m not going to spoil my review, but I’ll say this: Nosferatu is an incredible movie. If you haven’t seen it yet… do it now. Keep reading to find out more in my review of Nosferatu!

Watch the Official Trailer

Story

Nosferatu follows a young married couple, Thomas and Ellen Hutter (played by Nicholas Hoult and Lily-Rose Depp), whose lives are shattered by Ellen’s past and Thomas’ sudden need to leave the city for work. Thomas is tasked by his boss to visit Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard) to finalize the purchase of property in their city. Meanwhile, Ellen begins to have disturbing dreams stemming from a pact she made with an unseen creature during her youth. The two soon realize they’ve been ensnared by Count Orlok, who isn’t just a strange old man but a being capable of destroying entire cities to fulfill his dark desires… including his obsession with Ellen. Nosferatu arises once more…

I could spoil a lot of Nosferatu, but I guarantee the trailers and the fact that it’s a century-old work do most of the heavy lifting for me. I can also bet that you’re not going into Nosferatu hoping for the most original story, but don’t let that make you think the narrative isn’t good. What holds Nosferatu together is the incredible writing, which takes this century-old work and makes it feel more modern. I particularly loved how Bill Skarsgard made Count Orlok darker than even the original, and each of his lines sent shivers down my spine. The original film’s lore is still present in this updated version, maintaining the essence of the classic story while adding fresh and terrifying elements. While not the most original story, Nosferatu recreates the original and still keeps its iconic, creepy charm that will haunt you for years to come.

Acting & Cast

Nosferatu boasts a stellar cast, with nearly perfect performances. While Bill Skarsgard is undoubtedly the standout as the Count, Nicholas Hoult and Lily-Rose Depp also shine in their roles. Their acting was consistently engaging, and they kept me captivated throughout the film. Likewise, William Dafoe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Ineson delivered superb performances. While William Dafoe played a slightly ridiculous occult professor, his portrayal was still excellent. No one in Nosferatu fails to deliver, and the diverse cast is more than capable of handling this old horror film reborn in a modern light.

Cinematography & Direction

From the dark forest scenes to the eerie shadow powers of the Count, Nosferatu has some of the best cinematography of 2024. I’m not too surprised, considering how Robert Eggers captured his previous films’ landscapes and eras so uniquely. This direction plays into the film’s eerie tone, where every moment builds upon the last in an unsettling way. Often, feverish dreams blend into reality, leaving characters questioning if what they saw was a dream or a nightmare. Props to the hardworking camera team and special effects artists who truly brought the world of Nosferatu to life, making it almost believable at times.

Conclusion

Nosferatu is nearly perfect in every regard. Wonderful acting, incredible set pieces, stunning camera sequences, and a much-needed modernization make this a movie worth watching. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. Even if it’s not Halloween, Nosferatu is the perfect watch for those seeking a vampire film that isn’t filled with sparkling characters and dark lords of the night. Don’t miss out on what I consider one of the best films of 2024!

—Aaron