Nosferatu review: This creepy, compelling take on the vampire myth is a thing of beauty

A score of 4 stars out of 5.

The timeless vampire story, Nosferatu, has captivated and unsettled audiences for decades, starting with the 1922 silent movie featuring Max Schreck as the bloodthirsty Count Orlok.

Loosely based on Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula, FW Murnau's groundbreaking film has continually influenced filmmakers over the years. One notable example is Werner Herzog, who directed Nosferatu the Vampyre in 1979.

Next up is Robert Eggers, the innovative filmmaker known for his unique works like the unconventional sea shanty film The Lighthouse (2019) and the epic Viking tale The Northman (2022).

There's no doubt that Eggers's Nosferatu is a stunning work of art. It faithfully retells the tale of a young real estate agent who encounters Orlok in his dark castle in Transylvania. Few horror films have ever looked as visually captivating as this one.

Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 film, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, doesn’t hold a candle to this masterpiece, which uses light and shadow in an incredibly captivating way. Dark and intriguing, Eggers’s interpretation of the vampire legend grips your attention from the very beginning all the way to its chilling conclusion.

Nicholas Hoult takes on the role of Thomas Hutter, a young man dispatched by his firm to meet Orlok, played by Bill Skarsgård, who is interested in striking a deal. Hutter departs from his young wife, Ellen, portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp, who stays behind with her close friend Anna Harding, played by Emma Corrin, and Anna's spouse, Friedrich, portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Upon reaching the village where Orlok resides, Hutter discovers that the residents are filled with fear, urging him to turn back and stop his travels. Unfazed by their warnings, he encounters Orlok, but soon finds himself confined within the castle while the Count makes his way to Germany to target Hutter's wife.

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In a nod to another classic horror film, Eggers brings in the esteemed Willem Dafoe, who once starred in the remarkable Shadow of the Vampire (2000). In this film, he portrays Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz, a specialist in the occult and mysticism who can understand the strange psychic link between Orlok and Ellen.

In the cast, we also have British actor Ralph Ineson, known for his role in Eggers's haunting 2015 film, folk horror The Witch. He plays Dr. Wilhelm Sievers, the doctor tasked with caring for the sick Ellen.

At its core, the film features an outstanding performance by Skarsgård, who has built a reputation for terrifying viewers. He gained fame for his role as Pennywise the Clown in the two-part adaptation of Stephen King's It and made a significant impact with his performance in the 2022 sensation Barbarian.

In this scene, he looks nearly unidentifiable, hidden beneath layers of prosthetics; yet, he still gives a haunting performance as a solitary individual compelled by his primal urges. The movie is filled with an undercurrent of sexual tension, putting Ellen in a struggle for her very essence.

What really stands out in Nosferatu is its stunning visual style and atmosphere. Jarin Blaschke, who has worked on all of Eggers's films, creates something truly exceptional in this one. The desaturated appearance strips away color, inviting us to immerse ourselves in this nighttime story.

With its shades of black, deep blue, and shimmering silver, this version immerses viewers in a haunting gothic experience.

Thanks to an outstanding score by Robin Carolan, the movie captures a genuine sense of its 19th-century setting. The beautifully crafted costumes by Linda Muir and the production design by Craig Lathrop add to this authenticity, with many scenes filmed on soundstages in Prague.

Alongside a fantastic supporting cast, Depp delivers one of her finest performances so far, with Hoult providing a strong portrayal of the husband who is willing to do anything to rescue his beloved. Meanwhile, Corrin and Taylor-Johnson play more subdued roles.

Ultimately, this film belongs to Eggers—a stunning and masterful horror that is sure to make a significant impact during awards season. It's a chilling piece of art that will have you gripping your seat in intense fear.

Nosferatu will hit UK theaters on January 1, 2025.

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