NOSFERATU: HORROR PERSONIFIED

Film fanatics across the globe were in awe when they heard of a Nosferatu remake, directed by the legendary Robert Eggers, director of iconic films such as The Witch (2015), The Lighthouse (2019), and The Northman (2022). To say the least, Robert Eggers’ filmography is stacked with films acclaimed for their visual excellence and thematic depth. But when Nosferatu finally came out on Jan 1 2025,  it was met with mixed reviews, by critics and audiences alike. With intrigue, I purchased myself a ticket and sat down to watch to foster an opinion of my own. And it did not disappoint in the slightest. 

For context, the film is basically a remake of Nosferatu, a Symphony of Horror released in 1922, (basically a film that’s more than a century old). Yet Robert Eggers reimagines it in his own, twisted style. Now everybody went into this film expecting it to be black & white. First because it pays homage to the original film and on top of that, Robert Eggers already has experience with black & white cinematography, demonstrated in The Lighthouse. Surprisingly enough, it wasn’t. But the cinematography done for the film might be Eggers’ best yet. Within the scenes, there’s always a stark contrast between the shadowy, oppressive castle scenes Wisborg. Additionally, Eggers’ utilizes natural lighting and deep shadows to compliment the gothic atmosphere that is skillfully maintained throughout the film. Almost as if you’re witnessing a live work of art, each pixel on the screen a meticulous brush stroke to create Robert Eggers’ most beautifully haunting masterpiece. To go along with its visual beauty, the score of the film is on point with its gothic pace and haunting aesthetic. Several times, the music enhances the characters’ actions and is used as a tempo setter, accelerating the pace of a scene or amplifying the horrific visuals.

Moreover, Bill Skarsgard’s performance is more than a highlight on this review. The way in which he portrays Count Orlock, the embodiment of evil and destruction, is of his best work since his Pennywise character in the It remake, released in 2017. His movements are daunting and his actions amplify the true horror of the character and further add to the grim, gothic atmosphere that Robert Eggers masterfully builds. Additionally, Willem Dafoe’s performance adds a little bit of sinister to the usual consuming atmosphere. For Eggers’ vision, he serves as some sort of twisted comic relief. And not even all comical as Willem Dafoe at times will stun and or shock the audience more than any other character in the film. 

It is within the genius of Eggers’ vision and execution that Nosferatu becomes the most horrifying movie of the year so far. It’s not even the thematic depth but also the delicate strokes of artistic genius that went into crafting each second, each frame of the film. It’s true that the movie isn’t for everyone. Some might find it slow and or incredibly unappealing to the eye or too oversaturated with its own source material. But many others will consider it for what it truly is: a love letter to true horror and a film that makes no mistake in plunging the audience into the deepest depths of darkness.