MOVIE REVIEW I NOSFERATU – Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is a chilling and masterfully executed reimagining of the 1922 silent classic, infusing fresh life into a genre many thought had long lost its creative spark. In this haunting gothic tale, obsession and horror intertwine as a young woman (Lily-Rose Depp) is pursued by a monstrous vampire (Bill Skarsgård) whose infatuation unleashes unrelenting terror.
Eggers’ direction is an unrelenting force, meticulously constructing each frame as if it were a painting steeped in darkness and dread. His commitment to authenticity and the gothic atmosphere is palpable, with cinematography that evokes both beauty and nightmarish unease. From fog-drenched villages to candle-lit interiors, the visual storytelling alone is enough to draw you into a world of decay, obsession, and fear.
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The performances are a standout, particularly Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of the iconic vampire. Skarsgård brings a sense of menace that feels simultaneously ancient and disturbingly intimate. Lily-Rose Depp captures a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength, while Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Willem Dafoe round out the cast with nuanced, era-appropriate performances. The acting choices are precise, enhancing the film’s unsettling tone.
What makes Nosferatu unique, beyond its reverence for the source material, is its ability to balance horror with humanity.
Eggers doesn’t shy away from themes of sexuality and mental illness, grounding the supernatural in very real human experiences. This exploration of obsession and despair gives the film a raw emotional edge, making the horror feel personal and the discomfort even more tangible.
Despite the ever-present dread, moments of dark comedic relief punctuate the narrative, offering just enough levity to heighten the impact of the horror. These brief respites keep the audience off-balance, ensuring that discomfort and suspense are never far away. Eggers wastes no time unsettling viewers, crafting scenes that shock, disturb, and linger long after the credits roll.
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The production design, makeup effects, and costuming are all meticulously crafted, reinforcing the film’s 19th-century gothic aesthetic. The score, with its ominous undertones and swelling crescendos, adds an auditory layer of dread that complements the visuals perfectly.
Ultimately, Nosferatu is a testament to the fact that even in a genre as frequently retold as vampire horror, there is still room for originality, creativity, and artistic brilliance. Robert Eggers’ vision is both a tribute to the past and a bold step forward — a masterpiece of modern horror that feels timeless.
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NOSFERATU – in cinemas 1 January, 2025
Rating
Aaron: 8.5 / 10 “breathing life back into the genre“ Zak: 3 / 10 “the period piece / horror clash didn’t work for me“
@universalpicsau
Cinema Experience:
Nestled on the outskirts of Perth’s CBD, The Backlot delivers a distinctive and intimate cinema experience. With only 50 seats, this private screening room is designed for exclusivity, offering a cozy yet upscale atmosphere. The cinema also features a stylish lounge area and a fully stocked bar, making it a go-to venue for film enthusiasts looking for something more personal than your typical multiplex.
One downside is the room’s compact size. Even from the back row, the screen feels overwhelmingly close, reducing the immersive quality of the viewing. Despite this, The Backlot still manages to charm with its boutique appeal, perfect for private screenings or smaller, more personal gatherings. For those seeking a unique and tailored cinema experience, it offers a refreshing alternative to the larger cinema chains, albeit with a few logistical hiccups.
From Robert Eggers, writer-director of The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman, comes Nosferatu, a terrifying, gothic reimagining of a classic.
In Eggers’ Nosferatu, estate agent Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult) travels to Transylvania for a fateful meeting with Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård), a vampiric prospective client. Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), Hutter’s new bride, is left under the care of their friends Friedrich and Anna Harding (Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emma Corrin) in his absence. Plagued by visions and an increasing sense of dread, Ellen encounters a force far beyond her control.
