Robert Eggers’ NOSFERATU: A Masterful Remake of a Horror Classic

The long-awaited remake of the 1922 silent film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror has finally crept from the darkness to possess us all in Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu. Starring Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, and Lily-Rose Depp, the Gothic horrors are brought to screen in such a masterful way that breathtakingly showcases the director’s signature style alongside awe-inspiring performances. And without a doubt, a film surely to become a classic itself.

It’s a tale inspired by Bram Stoker’s iconic novel Dracula, where a young man ventures to the castle of an ailing Count Orlok to sell him a home. Instead, he encounters the blood-thirsty ancient being who’s been haunting his love, preparing to bring unimaginable horrors into their lives.

If anyone could expertly capture the haunting beauty of the Victorian era, it was surely Eggers. There’s a cold atmosphere and macabre romance to his style that fits perfectly with a historical vampire tale. The film itself has been in the making for ten or so years, and you can feel how meticulously crafted everything is on screen.

If you’ve seen Eggers’s previous work (The Witch, The Lighthouse), it will come as no surprise that the film is visually superb. The cinematography by Jarin Blaschke is magnificent, as you can feel the icy doom reaching from the screen toward you. There’s also no shortage of exquisite set designs and spectacular locations where they filmed. It feels so reminiscent of the original while not feeling derivative. It’s truly one of the most delicious visual feasts of the year.

But the film isn’t solely style over substance. It’s packed with impeccable performances from its entire cast. From the extremely talented ensemble, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, and Willem Dafoe, to the three main leads, there’s not a single weak performance.

While Anya Taylor-Joy was originally set to portray Ellen, having worked previously with Eggers in The Witch, the role eventually went to Lily-Rose Depp. I was so impressed by her as she personifies such an ethereal character while also being able to execute the frightening physicality needed for the role.

Another equally outstanding show is by Nicholas Hoult, who undoubtedly gives a career-best as Thomas. He provides such heart to the story as he fights to save Ellen from the Count’s grip. There’s just something so harrowing about his character’s journey, and he beautifully captures every emotion.

Of course, the Count himself, played by Bill Skarsgård, is the most remarkable turn of all. It’s difficult to comprehend that the actor is beneath the outstanding makeup and menacing voice. He’s fully transformed into the vampire and gives a unique take on the character. It’s an awe-inspiring performance that is equally unnerving and enchanting—simply remarkable.

Despite an incredible delivery by Skarsgård, my one issue with the film stems from the character. While I applaud Eggers for pursuing a new vision for him and feel it’s an intriguing vampire look, the appearance didn’t feel like Nosferatu. I couldn’t get past the skullet and 1970s mustache. Perhaps that “look” was pulled from Vlad the Impaler, the man who inspired Dracula, but I craved that iconic look of the antagonist.

Of course, that could be an opinion others don’t share with me, so I am eager to see how audiences react to a new interpretation of the beloved creature. But most importantly, it’s Skarsgård’s performance that, in the end, cements everything together, gifting us a horrifying rendition that will undoubtedly stick with you.

Nosferatu is one of those rare remakes that feels distinctive yet celebratory of its origins. It’s so artfully crafted and satiates every sense, guided by a haunting score by Robin Carolan. With captivating editing to boost, it’s undeniably a Gothic horror masterpiece. Eggers has received the title of a visionary early in his career, but every aspect of this film has further cemented him as such.

Nosferatu is in theaters December 25