First Reactions to Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu Hail “Knockout” Reimagining of OG Vampire Movie

As a lifelong aficionado of the macabre and the supernatural, I must say that the buzz surrounding Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” has me positively giddy with anticipation. The man behind the chilling masterpieces “The Witch” and “The Northman” seems to have outdone himself this time around, crafting a gothic tale of love, obsession, and terror that promises to leave audiences shivering in their seats.


This past autumn, the emerging filmmaker Robert Eggers hinted at a “terrifying cinematic experience” when he remade the original vampire film, “Nosferatu,” which was set to premiere nationwide on Christmas Day through Focus Features.

During his chat with Empire, he playfully commented, “This is a horror film, specifically a Gothic horror. Frankly, it’s been quite some time since we’ve had an old-school Gothic movie that truly sends shivers down your spine. I believe that the vast majority of viewers will find this one to be genuinely terrifying.

Based on the initial positive feedback from the premiere, it appears that the director has achieved his goal with this eagerly awaited film. The movie was screened in New York and Los Angeles last Thursday night, and some of the reactions have been extremely flattering. Jazz Tangcay, a Senior Artisans Editor at Variety, even went as far as calling it a “flawless remake.” Similar praise has been directed towards Lily-Rose Depp’s performance as Ellen Hutter, the young woman pursued by the title vampire.

For More on Nosferatu

Robert Eggers Wonders if Bill Skarsgard’s Unfamiliar Portrayal of Count Orlok in Nosferatu Might Not Get the Recognition It DeservesThe Northman: How Robert Eggers’ Viking Epic Impacted His Approach to Reimagining Nosferatu

First reactions to Robbert Eggers’ Nosferatu hail vampire reimagining

Additionally, Tangcay referred to the film Nosferatu as “chillingly gory and grotesque”, praising its exceptional production, impressive sound effects, and spine-tingling music. Moreover, Lily-Rose Depp’s acting in this film is exceptionally captivating.

According to Clayton Davis of Variety, the horror film “Nosferatu” showcases fear at its peak under the direction of Robert Eggers. Davis praises Eggers, stating that he’s just warming up and his work is already captivating. He commends Bill Skarsgård for his chilling performance and Lily-Rose Depp for her haunting presence. Just having Willem Dafoe in the movie instantly elevates it, according to Davis. He describes the overall experience as a master craftsman’s dream, finding it both beautiful and terrifyingly brilliant. In essence, he’s a fan of the film.

According to Germain Lussier from io9 and Gizmodo, they described it as a “powerful punch” with additional comments such as: “Grisly, eerie, suspenseful, and subtly humorous. Lily-Rose Depp delivers an outstanding performance as the main character, while Bill Skarsgard’s portrayal of the vampire is remarkably distinctive and authentic. Although it’s not my top Eggers film, it remains a highly impressive piece of work.

According to Gregory Ellwood from The Playlist, “Nosferatu” showcases Robert Eggers’ innovative imagination, and Lily-Rose Depp delivers an outstanding performance. Willem Dafoe seems to be enjoying himself immensely. This film boasts a fantastic technical crew. Could it contend for the Best Picture category? It’s intriguing. Lily-Rose Depp has a strong chance in the competitive supporting actress category. He further praised “Nosferatu” by mentioning an inspired shot at the end, and he considers it to be top-notch filmmaking with exceptional score, production design, costumes, makeup, and cinematography, which are consistent with Eggers’ films.

Courtney Howard, on the other hand, stated that the remake is more intense than any other horror movie released this year. Incredibly impressive! A beautiful blend of fear-inducing terrors and dark delight, it’s almost divine. Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok is chilling to the core, truly a nightmare in every sense. The performances by Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult are their finest yet. _Nosferatu_ cleverly pays tribute to Murnau’s original masterpiece while adding its own thoughtful artistic themes. Robin Carolan’s haunting music, Jarin Blaschke’s striking cinematography, and Craig Lathrop’s ingenious production design all contribute to the film’s eerie and captivating atmosphere.

Heather Wixson is thrilled to discuss ‘Nosferatu’, a mesmerizing masterpiece of 2024 that she adores. Under Robert Eggers’ skillful direction, the film captivates with its enchanting atmosphere and exceptional acting by the entire cast.

The founder of Awards Radar, Joey Magidson, described Nosferatu as being similar to an unadulterated work by Robert Eggers. He suggested that Eggers suits the material well, allowing it to unfold in a manner that could challenge viewers with short attention spans, but ultimately rewards those who can sync with his creative vision. It’s a blend of grotesque and unsettling elements, yet it also carries the timeless, chilling atmosphere of classic horror.

Twitter user Griffin Schiller shared: “Griffin Schiller tweeted: ‘Nosferatu’ exceeds expectations with Eggers providing a hauntingly terrifying reinterpretation of the classic tale. A truly spine-tingling nightmare that stays with you. If you’re a fan of Coppola’s erotic vampire dream, ‘Dracula’, you will be captivated by this. Lilly Rose Depp gives an extraordinary performance! This easily ranks among the year’s finest.

In his assessment, Eric Walkuski stated that Robert Eggers’ adaptation of “Nosferatu,” while original in its own right, effectively merges elements from the 1922 silent film and the book it was based on, Dracula. Essentially, he suggests that this production aligns well with what one might anticipate when considering an Eggers-directed take on such material.

Peri Nemiroff tweeted that “Nosferatu” is a breathtaking horror, immediately gripping and making its sinister presence unavoidable. This intensity is largely due to four outstanding performances: Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Simon McBurney, and Lily-Rose Depp. Skarsgård once again demonstrates his exceptional skill as a creature actor. Hoult delivers a compelling portrayal, blending sheer terror with a deep love for his character. McBurney is mesmerizing in his role as Knock, setting the stage for the impending evil. Lastly, Depp shines brightly, masterfully guiding her character’s journey into darkness.

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What is Nosferatu about?

Though some details about the plot are yet to be revealed, Focus Features characterizes Nosferatu as a chilling story of an obsessive relationship between a tormented young woman and a horrifying vampire who is smitten with her, leaving a trail of terror behind.

Who stars in Nosferatu?

The film features an ensemble cast comprised of Bill Skarsgård (John Wick: Chapter 4), Nicholas Hoult (Renfield), Lily-Rose Depp (Yoga Hosers), 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).

Besides penning and helming this cherished lifelong endeavor, Eggers also serves as a producer in collaboration with Jeff Robinov, John Graham, Chris Columbus, and Eleanor Columbus.

How to watch Nosferatu in theaters

Nosferatu is set to make a grand appearance at cinemas nationwide on Christmas Day – specifically, December 25th, Wednesday. Keep an eye out as tickets are likely to become available within the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned for further announcements here!

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2024-11-09 00:33