Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu reimagines the classic vampire tale with a dark, brooding atmosphere and a fresh perspective. The story begins with Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult), a young real estate agent, traveling to the remote Carpathians to finalize a property deal with the enigmatic Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). But while Thomas is away, the true emotional core of the film unfolds back in Wisborg, Germany, where his wife, Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), becomes increasingly drawn to Orlok through a sinister, unspoken connection. Unlike traditional vampire stories, this isn’t about romance—it’s about control and obsession, with Ellen taking center stage in a narrative that pits her inner strength against the Count’s dark allure.
Eggers brings a modern twist to the story by emphasizing Ellen’s agency. While Thomas finds himself cast as a helpless bystander in much of the plot, Ellen emerges as a layered and complex protagonist. She’s the one who must face Orlok’s oppressive presence head-on, unraveling the toxic power he holds over her. The eerie setting—spanning jagged landscapes, shadowy interiors, and plague-stricken streets—amplifies the creeping dread, delivering a Gothic world that feels as suffocating as it is beautiful.
The performances elevate the film’s chilling narrative. Skarsgård disappears into the role of Count Orlok, trading his usual charm for something deeply unsettling. His skeletal frame, deliberate movements, and otherworldly voice create a monster who is as fascinating as he is terrifying. Lily-Rose Depp’s Ellen brings vulnerability and determination to the forefront, anchoring the emotional weight of the story. Nicholas Hoult effectively portrays Thomas as naïve yet sympathetic, while Willem Dafoe steals scenes as a quirky, Van Helsing-inspired scholar. Each actor brings depth to their role, making the film’s world feel richly inhabited.
Eggers’ vision is unmistakably his own, blending the foreboding spirit of the original 1922 Nosferatu with his signature style. The desaturated visuals, intricate sets, and haunting lighting evoke the silent film era while remaining distinctly modern. By returning the vampire to its folkloric roots, Eggers sheds the polished glamor of recent interpretations, delivering a story steeped in decay and primal fear.While the deliberate pacing and dialogue-heavy scenes might not suit everyone, Nosferatu stands as a bold, atmospheric retelling of a timeless tale. Eggers has crafted a film that lingers in the mind like a whispered call in the dark: “Come closer…”