Nosferatu Review: Bill Skarsgård Is Chilling In This Lovingly Crafted Nightmare

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As a cinephile who’s spent countless hours delving into the darkest corners of horror cinema, I can confidently say that Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” is a masterful exploration of terror that will leave you shivering long after the credits roll.

The original silent film “Nosferatu” is more than a century old, and its shadow is so long that it still reaches across the whole of not just horror cinema, but the larger world of film. F.W. Murnau’s German classic has become, much like the villain at its core, a creature of eternity.

If given the opportunity to breathe new life into the legendary vampire tale of “Nosferatu” for today’s generation, much like Werner Herzog did for the tumultuous Germany of the 1970s, I wholeheartedly believe that Robert Eggers, a modern master of horror cinema, is the perfect candidate. Over the past decade, Eggers has established himself as one of the most captivating figures in contemporary horror due to his meticulous approach, exceptional talent for creating atmosphere, and impeccable eye for production design. Yet, this project seemed distinct – a chance for Eggers to elevate the emotional intensity of his filmmaking to new heights.

Despite being under the influence of both Murnau and Herzog, Eggers managed to create an exceptional piece. His “Nosferatu” is a hauntingly beautiful nightmarish tale that envelops you in its ever-changing, writhing darkness, refusing to let go. It’s one of the most impressive horror films of the year and showcases a new level of ambition and skill from one of our top horror directors.

Robert Eggers has a fresh take on Nosferatu

Similar to F.W. Murnau’s initial movie, Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” revolves around the newlywed Hutters residing in Germany, aspiring for a life filled with love and contentment. For Thomas (portrayed by Nicholas Hoult), this means enhancing his career at a local firm where he works as a real estate solicitor, basking in the admiration and career progressions bestowed upon him by his superior Herr Knock (Simon McBurney). At home, Thomas’ wife Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) cherishes being with her new spouse, especially since his affection appears to ward off the dreadful nightmares and visions that have haunted her for a long time, these dreams often featuring a enigmatic, dark figure calling out to her.

The route to the brighter tomorrow that Thomas yearns for involves him fulfilling a task assigned by his boss – a journey to Transylvania to finalize property deals for the quirky Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård), who intends to settle down in Germany. After one tough expedition, against his wife’s disapproval, Thomas encounters this peculiar character, and it isn’t long before his family finds themselves in a terrifying nightmare that could engulf not only Thomas and Ellen but their entire existence.

This revised version of the original movie, which was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” maintains its fundamental storyline, yet sets itself apart by focusing less on the familiar narrative and more on Ellen’s tale. While Thomas might initially seem to drive the plot, the director, Eggers, is actually captivated by Ellen’s journey and her complex relationship with Orlok. This evolving bond eventually transforms into a dark fixation that permeates their surroundings. The intricate manner in which Eggers achieves this, through skillful scriptwriting, is best experienced by viewers themselves. However, it’s evident from the start that he’s not preoccupied with the traditional relationship between an eternal predator and its vulnerable victim. Instead, his focus lies on the connection we all have with the shadows in our lives – their origins, how we foster them consciously and unconsciously, and how they eventually take tangible form. This adds a rich layer of depth to the film, and it’s further accentuated by an intense sensory experience.

The cast is captivating

In the trailers for “Nosferatu,” a significant theme is introduced, one articulated by Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz (played by Willem Dafoe). This theme suggests that “Nosferatu” isn’t merely a tale of evil, but a narrative about a creature yearning to consume everything in its path. Count Orlok is not just out to terrify and corrupt, but to rule; he’s not just an undead being, but an unstoppable force of darkness intended to devour. As a result, from the start, Robert Eggers’ movie must evoke a feeling that its characters and world are being engulfed by the darkness of Count Orlok.

In this film, Eggers and cinematographer Jarin Blaschke transform the setting into a sequence of vivid paintings reminiscent of Romantic art – breathtaking scenes bathed in both light and shadow, where the world seldom appears completely illuminated. The sources of light could be either the soft, hazy radiance of landscapes veiled by clouds or the comforting yet uncertain dance of candle flames amidst the enveloping blackness that hints at mysteries humans can barely grasp. Regardless of whether it’s day or night, darkness seems to be constantly encroaching upon the light in this movie, and this darkness is not stagnant; instead, it teems with motion.

Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Orlok is an exceptional blend of sound design, prosthetics, and acting. His appearance, intentionally kept concealed in promotional materials, offers a captivating mix of the unexpected and homage to the original character, showcasing a living corpse whose true vitality stems from his unrelenting hunger and Skarsgård’s striking, luminous eyes. Orlok speaks in disjointed phrases, accentuated by heavy, labored breaths, and Skarsgård’s talent for lowering his voice to a demonic growl that seems to emanate from the depths of hell will send shivers down your spine that linger long after viewing. Beyond his physical presence, Orlok’s skill at navigating and controlling shadows becomes a significant aspect of the film, providing director Eggers with an opportunity to create a monster so omnipresent that you can never feel secure in any room without the constant fear that he might be lurking, waiting.

But even Skarsgård’s sheer force of presence is outshone by Lily-Rose Depp, who delivers the best performance of her career as Ellen, a character who knows more than anyone is willing to believe, and whose own inner darkness is deeper than even Orlok’s. She plays this haunted young woman as a coiled, constantly trembling spring who erupts into moments of epileptic fury and pure, heartbreaking anguish. The world of Eggers’ film, dominated by learned men of authority who think they know what’s best for Ellen, sets her up as the only hope of a blighted community even as she suffers more than anyone, and Depp carries that weight with astonishing maturity and grace. The cast around her, led by Nicholas Hoult and a ferocious Dafoe, all add to the aura, building a tale of “Beauty and the Beast” that’s deeper, darker, and more primal than even longtime Eggers fans might expect.

In the film “Nosferatu,” every aspect, including its sounds, visuals, and human characters lurking in the shadows, is carefully crafted to instill a raw, primal fear that envelops you entirely. The movie manages this effectively, but it offers something more: eerie lights that lure, compel, and grip like hooks. It’s a film that will repulse yet captivate, a film that will mesmerize even as it chills. A masterpiece of contemporary horror, “Nosferatu” is not to be missed in theaters, coming from one of the most talented directors currently active.

“Nosferatu” creeps into theaters on December 25.

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2024-12-07 01:30