“Nosferatu” (2024) directed by Robert Eggers is a visually beautiful, and terrifying, retelling of the classic 1922 film titled “Nosferatu.” The cinematography and lighting adds to the atmosphere to create a constant state of dread, with the only relief coming at the finale.
The story follows Ellen, bride to Thomas Hutter, as she becomes plagued with the presence of the Nosferatu. From vivid dreams to crippling depression, Ellen’s life lacks color and happiness. When her husband Thomas must travel to Transylvania to sign a big deal with the reclusive Count Orlok, their situation worsens.
Not only does Ellen begin suffering fits and dreams involving Nosferatu, Thomas soon begins to suffer likewise as he nears the castle belonging to Orlok. Trudging through visions and illness, Thomas barely survives his trip and stumbles back to his wife.
As they come to terms with the looming presence of Nosferatu as he comes to take his claim on Ellen and destroy those around her, sacrifices are made and beliefs are tested.
While I consider myself a horror fanatic, I will admit that gothic horror has never been my favorite (so, take my opinions with a grain of salt). I have to admit that the cinematography and shots were so hauntingly beautiful. The toggling between the colorized world and the absolutely desaturated hell that Ellen faced in Nosferatu’s presence was striking. I felt as if it was a certain nod towards the original black and white film.
Regarding the story, I did find that it moved a bit slower than I liked. There were many elements in the story that I found interesting but not fully fleshed out. For example, what exactly was the purpose of the village Thomas encountered right before he found Count Orlok’s castle? Perhaps they were meant purely as a warning, but their introduction felt more personal, as if they were going to have a much more important role later on, perhaps regarding the lore of the Nosferatu. Especially concerning the exorcism of sorts, I wish they had played a bigger role.
Additionally, I felt as if Ellen’s character was severely underrepresented. A large portion of the movie didn’t even include her input, which I can presume was according to their belief that it was merely a “fit.” Lily Rose Depp did a most excellent job in this genre and I wish I could’ve seen more.
Despite all this, there were various memorable moments that left me in shock. While I wish I could say it had the horror elements and gore, this movie lacked a bit in that department, if I am honest. Yes, I truly hate rats and now hate them even more. Yes, dark corners still make me feel uneasy. But, I wish there could’ve been more.
The moments that stuck with me the most were some of the line deliveries. With such an amazing cast full of some of my favorite actors, this comes as no surprise. The foremost scene comes from Bill Skarsgård, who plays Count Orlok. As he states the terms of their situation and how Ellen is meant to be his, the scene is so gothically romantic as he tells her the line every girl wants to hear.
“You are my affliction,” he says.
He may be the villain, but the wording is magnificent.
Then, the last comes from Nicholas Hoult, who plays Thomas Hutter. While Nicholas Hoult is a phenomenal actor, I have yet to see him in a role that I like. Many of his characters that I have seen have never been the most respectable (*cough* “The Menu” (2022) *cough*), and his role as Thomas is essentially no different. However, there are more redeeming qualities as he takes his efforts to save his wife. However, it is in the middle of their argument that he delivers one of the most telling and terrifying lines in the whole film.
“There is a devil in this world and I have met him,” he says.
While there are many opinions ranging from love to hate about this movie, I think that for the genre, it fits perfectly. If you’re a fan of “Crimson Peak” (2015) and “Sleepy Hollow” (1999), this movie is for you.
