Nosferatu finds director Robert Eggers in complete creative command of his craft. This stunning gothic nightmare brings Bram Stoker’s Dracula soaring into the new cinematic age, further cementing Eggers as a master of modern horror.
This film instantly feels more accessible than Eggers’ past horror efforts, but he’s able to keep his distinct voice echoing throughout it entirely. Those familiar with the original, or any of the countless Dracula adaptations over the past century, will find plenty of familiarity. This retelling is anything but a pale rehash of a well worn story, though. Eggers takes the narrative framework and established lore, and shapes it into something that doesn’t compromise on his singular vision. He also doesn’t isolate those unfamiliar with this age old vampiric fable, bringing his version to the screen with enough accessibility to entrance casual audiences too.
When I say this film feels nightmarish, I really do mean it. Much of this adaptation feels like the fever dream of someone stricken with the plague. The edits are made in a way that leave small gaps between key story moments, leaving the viewer to splice in the intentionally hazy connecting details. Much of the horror takes place within characters’ dreams, but Eggers blurs the line between wake and slumber brilliantly. There are perhaps a few too many instances of characters jolting awake with a gasp, but that’s a small nitpick of an otherwise stellar blend of dreamscape and reality.
Also adding to the sense of nightmare is the exceptional production design. The visuals are torn right out of an 19th Century gothic storybook. I found myself completely transported into this world, which blends historically accurate sets and costumes with artistically liberal flourishes. It gives you a true sense of time and place, but never releases you from a constant feeling of dreamlike dread. A frustrating trend in newer movies, is the lack of clarity during dark scenes. With the majority of this film taking place after nightfall, instead of the screen being lost in darkness, it’s bathed in a silky blue-grey moonlight, giving it an almost monochromatic palette. Robin Carolan’s symphonic score is as eerie as it is beautiful, mirroring the tone and visuals of the film perfectly.
This cast is comprised of an impressive ensemble of acclaimed actors, but it’s Lily Rose Depp who steals the film. She exudes a crushing feeling of dread mixed with uncontrollable lust, as her character slips deeper into Count Orlock’s grasp. Bill Skarsgård delivers another completely transformative performance as Orlock. If I didn’t already know, you’d have no idea he was hiding under layers of impressive prosthetics. His vocal performance, combined with a subtle yet effective use of voice manipulation, is pure horrific bliss to listen to. Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Emma Corrin and Willem Dafoe all deliver impressive turns of their own, but this is very much Depp and Skarsgård’s film.
With Nosferatu, Robert Eggers has added another instant classic to his impressive filmography. This beautifully nightmarish adaptation is a technical and performative knockout, in what could arguably be called the best horror film of the year.
4.5/5
Review by: Benjamin Garrett