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Synopsis
Estate agent Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult) is commissioned by his employer, Herr Knock (Simon McBurney), for a special assignment. He must travel to the Carpathian Mountains to visit the reclusive Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård) and finalize a land deal. Despite the warnings of his wife Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), Thomas ventures forth while she stays with Friedrich Harding (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Upon arrival, Orlok makes Thomas his prisoner in his castle, keeping him locked away as he plans his journey. Back home, Ellen has been suffering from seizures and night terrors, which perplexes her doctor, Wilhelm Sievers (Ralph Ineson). Sievers consults his mentor, Albin Eberhart Von Franz (Willem Dafoe), and he explains that Ellen is under Orlok’s control. Soon, Orlok arrives, bringing plague rats that quickly ravage the town while Thomas stumbles his way back. Will Count Orlok be vanquished, or will he claim Ellen as his own?
Review
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is a fantastic update to the groundbreaking silent classic and one of the best movies of 2024. Although I’m not usually a fan of remakes, there have been great ones, such as John Carpenter’s The Thing. Thankfully, this third version of the vampire classic joins the ranks of other masterful reimaginings. Unlike remakes that come off as attempts to capitalize on nostalgia, you can tell that Eggers enjoyed making this. He masterfully directs the film, creating a foreboding sense of dread that never lets up from start to finish. From the contrasting light and darkness to the use of shadows, it’s nothing short of spectacular. Working alongside regular cinematographer Jarin Blaschke and production designer Craig Lathrop, Eggers creates an elegantly dark and gothic look. Combined with the fantastic locations in Prague and Romania, there’s a grotesque beauty to every scene.
Lily Rose-Depp gives an incredible performance, playing it in an understated yet emotional way that feels real. Nicholas Hoult also excels at conveying the fear that Orlok brings, and you believe in his relationship with Rose-Depp. Bill Skarsgård shines as Count Orlok, his imposing presence and booming voice towering over everyone, even when he’s not there. Whether it’s causing Ellen’s seizures or bringing the plague, Orlok is still a threat while off-screen. Some fans might bemoan the difference in appearance between this version and the original Orlok, but the spirit remains intact. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emma Corrin are also great as the skeptical yet supportive Friederich and Anna Harding. Like always, Willem Dafoe excels as the occult expert who can deliver expository dialogue captivatingly. All in all, the cast does an incredible job of delivering centuries-old dialogue that most actors would struggle with.
While most modern vampire movies try to humanize the creatures, this one reintroduces the more monstrous side of earlier versions. There is no human quality in Orlok; instead, it is a facade masking the monster that lies within. The fact that this movie shows Orlok killing children indicates that Eggers isn’t concerned with displaying Orlok’s human qualities. The film moves at a deliberately slow pace punctuated by shocking moments that last long enough to be effective. Adding to this pacing is the minimalist score by Robin Carolan, which is both understated and haunting. At slightly over two hours long, there is never a dull moment, and every scene feels deliberate. This film is one of those rare cinematic experiences that sticks with you long after you’ve left the theater. Overall, Nosferatu is another home run for Eggers, punctuated by excellent direction, great performances, and a gripping story.
Nosferatu is currently in theaters.
