Nosferatu reviews: critics praise 'magnificent' vampire film remake
Robert Eggers's movie Nosferatu revisits a classic vampire tale that trace back to 1922.
This contemporary version features some of Hollywood's top stars, with Lily-Rose Depp playing Ellen and Bill Skarsgård taking on the role of the bloodthirsty Count Orlok. Joining them are Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, and Willem Dafoe.
The Cert-15 movie is scheduled to release in UK theaters on January 1, 2025, and it has already created some excitement. But is it worth watching on its opening day?
Here’s a summary of the newest reviews to assist you in making your choice.
"Five Stars: A Fresh Take On A Classic Monster"
The Independent gives Nosferatu a glowing five-star review, highlighting Depp's "magnificent" portrayal of a frantic Ellen. The review also commends Skarsgård's astonishing transformation into the disturbingly enticing Nosferatu, describing it as "demonically unrecognizable."
"Nosferatu doesn't just breathe new life into a timeless creature; it also highlights the reasons these monsters are significant," states reviewer Clarisse Loughrey.
The Guardian: A Respectful Three-Star Tribute
In a review for the Guardian, Peter Bradshaw takes a more reserved stance, awarding it a three-star rating instead of being overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
Bradshaw commends the film for honoring its source material and showcasing strong technical skills, but he believes it falls short in clearly defining its purpose and genre.
“The movie is well-made and visually striking, featuring strong performances,” he notes. “However, I find Skarsgård’s portrayal of the vampire to be somewhat elusive and disturbingly grotesque, though it doesn't feel as frightening as one might anticipate.”
Empire Review: Lily-Rose Depp Shines Brightly
Empire has given a four-star rating to the film, commending it for breathing new life into the vampire genre and bringing it into the contemporary world.
The critique highlights interesting similarities between the fear of vampires and modern-day worries, resulting in a film that makes a strong impression on viewers.
"Eggers has crafted a timely movie that tackles the themes of corruption and decay, and it’s unsettling how these two plague-themed films are being released soon after a pandemic (Spanish flu, Covid)," notes Jamie Graham from Empire. "Will this modern-day Nosferatu endure like the original has for so many years? Only time will reveal that. For now, it's worth welcoming it into your viewing experience."
The BBC: Four Stars For Innovation And Depth
Nicholas Barber from the BBC commends Nosferatu for bringing back the intrigue and enchantment to the idea of a vampire by eliminating all the common stereotypes associated with them.
Once more, the acting of Depp and Skarsgård is highly acclaimed.
Barber notes that what truly sets Eggers' Nosferatu apart is its in-depth examination of the visuals and motifs related to vampire mythology. "There aren't many adaptations of Dracula that offer such rich material to engage with," he adds.
