Nosferatu Movie Review

After watching this masterpiece in all its glory, I wondered why it would be released on Christmas day. Contrasting takes on what makes you jolly, I guess. If so, that makes sense because this is the opposite of cheerful. That said, it’s magnificent. ​

The macabre period piece directed by Robert Eggers, who wrote and directed “The Northman,” “The Lighthouse,” and “The Witch,” must be seen by you in the theater today. Having watched the other films I mentioned, I knew this was his story to tell. As I assumed he would, he hit all the right notes with “Nosferatu,” even for those without an ear for such a thing. Darkness in the shape of hands stretches down the screen in a terrifying dance with the shadows. This is unexpected and spectacular.

Bram Stocker wrote the original story of Dracula, which has been redone repeatedly. There’s nothing wrong with that. New twists on the storyline and different takes on vampires overall have made this character fascinating source material for writers to use when writing about the past, present, or future. What Eggers does here is almost awe-inspiring. The script couldn’t be more brilliant, and the spectacularly cast actors shined in their performances. They make the film both fascinating and frightening. When the movie was over, I wanted to watch it again to ensure I didn’t miss anything. I was mesmerized, as if Dracula had hypnotized me. There is a love affair going on, but not with me. Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård) is infatuated with Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp). How and when Eggers puts his lovers together is visually stunning and will deeply intrigue you so get that potty break out of the way early.

We get to know Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult), a real estate agent needing a promotion. One he’d get if he agreed to meet with Orlok in Transylvania. Orlok has some strange requests, not easily agreed upon, but Thomas manages. Thomas is unaware of a psychic connection between his young wife and the Count, who has not gotten over her. The atmosphere grows thick around the two, and Depp captures Orlok’s hold on her and how she may be unable to resist. Can the young couple get help from professor Von Franz (Willem Dafoe) an expert in such things? It may be too late if help doesn’t come soon.