As a cinephile who has seen more horror films than I care to count, I must say that Robert Eggers‘ Nosferatu is one of the most captivating and genuinely terrifying experiences I’ve had in a theater recently. With its atmospheric cinematography, haunting performances, and a deep exploration of themes from both the original texts and classic vampire lore, this film stands out as a must-see for any horror enthusiast.
Does the revamped version of “Nosferatu” by writer-director Robert Eggers (known for “The Witch” and “The Northman”) live up to the flickering Gothic glow of F. W. Murnau’s 1922 original, often regarded as the progenitor of all vampire movies? Based on the initial critical reviews, it seems that it does indeed, as critics are captivated by the supernatural charm weaved around Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp) and her gaunt suitor, Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård).
Nicholas Hoult (Renfield), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (The Fall Guy), Emma Corrin (Deadpool & Wolverine), Ralph Ineson (The First Omen), Simon McBurney (Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation), and Willem Dafoe (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) round out the cast.
Currently, I’m thrilled to share that the movie from Focus Features is almost flawlessly appreciated with a rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. Join me as we delve into the reasons behind this high acclaim!
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What are critics saying about Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu?
Just as Skarsgard’s character Orlok dominates the film, it is Depp who truly shines, delivering a surprising and captivating performance. Their shared scenes are charged with a tangible tension, filled with a confusing mix of disgust and attraction, trance-like states and clear-mindedness, struggle and inevitable submission. Depp masterfully infuses Ellen’s madness with a tragic weight, adding depth when she accepts the supernatural forces driving the vampire’s fixation on her. With a snap, Ellen can transform from fragile and helpless to malevolent, and the dramatic physicality of her fits is awe-inspiring.
Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting notes that Ellen and Count Orlok create an unusually chilling interpretation of “Beauty and the Beast,” and this dark atmosphere is also present in Eggers’ visual storytelling. The craftsmanship is exceptional, showcasing production design and values seldom seen in horror films, while still maintaining the disturbing, visceral horror elements. It’s operatic, dramatic, bold, and repulsive, culminating in a powerful final scene that will be remembered for generations. Interestingly, Eggers’ “Nosferatu” takes place during Christmas, making it likely that this macabre masterpiece will become a new must-watch horror film for the holidays.
The grisly, wild image of the Prince of Darkness – the foul-smelling, decaying embodiment of death that brings along vermin, disease, and pestilence – is the foundation of Robert Eggers’ contemporary reinterpretation. While it delves into mature themes, it also offers an unexpectedly delightful Christmas viewing experience for those who have outgrown Tim Burton and yearn for something more intense. Despite being only his fourth film in a unique and somewhat narrow career, Nosferatu might be the best demonstration of Eggers’ dark fascinations thus far, and it certainly has the most commercial appeal.
Similar to Murnau, Eggers has produced a pertinent film addressing the proliferation of corruption and deterioration, and there’s an unsettling similarity between these plague-themed movies emerging shortly post-pandemic (Spanish flu, Covid). Could this new version of Nosferatu echo the original by enduring for future generations? Only time can answer that question, but it would be wise to welcome its arrival now.
The production employs state-of-the-art cinematic techniques, yet it carries an antiquated aura reminiscent of ancient artifacts discovered in tombs, such as those mysterious tablets explorers bring back and passionately recite aloud despite the chilling image of a dreadful monster engraved on them. It transported me back to my childhood, watching the original The Exorcist, where I felt like I was observing a genuine account of evil, a relic tainted by its own curse, and one that should not be gazed upon due to the risk of awakening the very evil it portrayed. -Paraphrased by AI Assistant
“I’ve seen nearly every Dracula adaptation you can think of and know the story inside and out, yet Nosferatu managed to take me by surprise. But most of all, it scared me. It scared me the way a particularly bad nightmare does. The type of nightmare that’s so powerful it ultimately jolts you awake and has you grasping at the sheets, desperate to escape its ethereal snare. The type of nightmare that doesn’t quite fade away even when you return to the waking world, even when you turn on all the lights, even when the first rays of dawn creep in through the windows. Nosferatu isn’t just a great horror movie, it’s one of the best movies of the year.” -Chris Evangelista, Slash Film
In Robert Eggers’ film “Nosferatu”, the vampire is given a new life. Gone are his sparkling image, his sad and melancholic demeanor, and the absurdity associated with cobwebs. Instead, he now approaches you – yes, you – as the whispering voice in the darkness, the one that labels your desires impure and your spirit unholy. This creature thrives on guilt, of both the devout and the godless … Essentially, “Nosferatu” not only breathes life back into a timeless monster, but it also serves as a reminder for why such creatures are significant at all. – Paraphrased by AI
Fear not, horror enthusiasts! Nosferatu delivers plenty of chilling surprises. It’s a breath of fresh air to encounter an ancient, terrifying vampire after countless movies featuring cool teenage ones. However, what truly sets Eggers’ Nosferatu apart is its in-depth examination of the iconic images and themes associated with vampires. Unlike most Dracula films, it offers a rich tapestry for viewers to explore.
Without a doubt, this horror film has been thoughtfully crafted, possibly aiming to establish a timeless interpretation of the story. For many years, it’s been a passion project for Eggers, and that dedication shows. In my opinion, it ranks among the top films of the year, and it’s one of the few recent horror movies that genuinely gave me a shiver down my spine. Compared to other films I’ve seen this year, this one appears to have the strongest potential for becoming a classic. -Chris Bombay, JoBlo
In the opinion of Robert Eggers, “Nosferatu” represents his most impressive work. It effectively functions as a unique gothic vampire drama while skillfully incorporating elements from F.W. Murnau’s silent masterpiece and Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula”. This chilling remake of the horror genre maintains the fundamental aspects of these timeless vampire tales, but reimagines them as a haunting, candlelit story about bodily sovereignty—or its absence—that pushes the boundaries of earlier interpretations and traditional views on female sexuality. In this retelling, Lily-Rose Depp delivers a gripping performance alongside Bill Skarsgård’s unnerving portrayal of a cadaverous antagonist.
How can you watch Nosferatu in theaters?
On Christmas Day, December 25 (Wednesday), Nosferatu will soar into cinemas nationwide! Get your tickets today by clicking here!
Apart from penning and leading this long-cherished endeavor, Eggers additionally took on a producer role, working alongside Jeff Robinov, John Graham, Chris Columbus (famously known for directing “Home Alone” and the first two “Harry Potter” films), and Eleanor Columbus.
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2024-12-03 23:16