I attended the Christmas Day premiere of the highly anticipated horror film “Nosferatu,” directed by Robert Eggers. From the moment the first trailer dropped, I knew this was a movie I couldn’t miss. Horror is my favorite genre, and when it’s paired with the artistic and cerebral style Eggers is known for (“The Witch” and “The Lighthouse”), it becomes an irresistible draw. Eggers’ distinct approach to filmmaking, where atmosphere and meticulous detail take center stage, promised something far beyond the typical jump-scare fare – and I wasn’t disappointed.
Here’s your simple spoiler alert: “Nosferatu” is very good. Is it an Oscar contender like I secretly hoped it might be? Maybe not, but it’s certainly a film that holds itself to a high standard, and for the most part, it meets or even exceeds those expectations.
In this “Nosferatu” (2024) review, I’ll break down the good, the bad and everything in-between. Calling this a “movie” feels a little reductive. Eggers didn’t just make a horror film; he crafted a piece of art. This isn’t the kind of flick you toss on for background noise during a Halloween party. It’s immersive, demanding and layered, meant to be savored like a fine wine (or a particularly unsettling nightmare).
Let’s dive in. And yes, spoilers lie ahead – consider yourself warned!
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The Good
“Nosferatu” Cast
Let’s start with the cast because, wow, what an ensemble. From top to bottom, every actor felt perfectly chosen for their role. Nicholas Hoult (Thomas Hunter) and Lily-Rose Depp (Ellen Hunt) shine as a tragically cursed couple whose love is overshadowed by the looming darkness of Count Orlok (played by Bill Skarsgård). Hoult’s portrayal of a man gradually unraveling under the weight of terror is deeply affecting, while Depp brings a quiet resilience and haunting vulnerability to her role.
Then there’s Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Frederich Harding) and Emma Corrin (Anna Harding), who play another doomed pairing. Their ill-fated marriage adds an emotionally raw and deeply human layer to a supernatural story. Taylor-Johnson brings a fiery intensity to his performance, while Corrin’s subtle, emotive acting captures the fragility of a person trapped in circumstances spiraling out of control.
A Simple Story With a Stunning Set
Speaking of story, one of the film’s greatest strengths is what it chooses not to do. Unlike so many horror films, “Nosferatu” resists the urge to overexplain. Out of its two-hour runtime, almost none of it is devoted to Count Orlok’s backstory. There’s no long-winded exposition about his origins, no tragic tale of lost love or ancient betrayal. And honestly? It’s refreshing. This minimalist approach allows Orlok to remain an enigma – a force of pure evil that defies understanding.
Eggers also delivers on the technical front. The film is visually stunning, its gothic aesthetic striking a perfect balance between homage and innovation. Shadows loom and stretch in ways that feel almost alive, and the stark contrast between light and dark creates a constant tension. Every frame feels meticulously composed as if Eggers were painting with the chiaroscuro of the original “Nosferatu” in mind.
In short, “Nosferatu” excels in creating a mood: a suffocating, inescapable sense of dread. It’s horror in its purest form, less concerned with cheap thrills and more interested in crawling under your skin and staying there.
The Bad
Count Orlok
Let me start with a positive note: The costuming in “Nosferatu” is phenomenal. The attention to detail in the wardrobe is exquisite, perfectly evoking the gothic, late-19th-century setting. But – and it’s a big “but” – someone needs to take responsibility for Count Orlok’s mustache. I don’t know who made the final call on that choice, but it completely undermines the character’s menace. Instead of striking fear into my heart, it gave off “comedy spy thriller” vibes, like the kind of disguise you’d expect to see whipped up last-minute in a “Scooby-Doo” episode.
Every time Orlok appeared, I couldn’t help but be distracted by that bizarre tuft of facial hair. It’s a small detail, but in a film where every element is so carefully curated, it stood out in the worst way.
Now, let’s talk about Bill Skarsgård’s performance as Count Orlok. Don’t get me wrong; Skarsgård is a phenomenal actor, and his physicality and presence in this role are downright chilling. He brings a menacing, almost alien quality to Orlok that’s hard to look away from. However, his choice of accent is… let’s say, ambitious. The deep, guttural rumble he uses for the character often makes his lines difficult to decipher. It’s an intriguing creative decision that adds an eerie, inhuman quality to Orlok, but it also means that a lot of dialogue is lost in translation. There were moments where I found myself straining to understand what he was saying, which pulled me out of the otherwise immersive experience.
The breathing – oh, the breathing. Skarsgård’s gasping, rasping breaths are undeniably unsettling and add a layer of grotesque physicality to the character. But after a while, it starts to feel overused. The first few times, it’s effective, making you feel like Orlok is always on the verge of lunging or collapsing. By the 10th or 12th time, it starts to lose its impact, veering dangerously close to parody. A little restraint here could have gone a long way.
While these issues don’t ruin the film, they do create moments where the carefully constructed horror slips into unintended absurdity. Count Orlok is meant to be a figure of pure, unrelenting dread. While Skarsgård nails much of the role, these quirks hold him back from being as iconic as he could have been.
The In-Between
Pacing
“Nosferatu” is not a film for everyone. It’s the kind of horror that thrives on atmosphere and slow, deliberate pacing rather than jump scares or traditional thrills. For fans of Robert Eggers’ work, this will likely be a highlight of his filmography. Still, for the casual moviegoer looking for a fast-paced vampire flick, it might feel overly indulgent or even inaccessible.
The first act is gripping, drawing you into the shadowy, oppressive world of the film with masterful precision. However, the middle section drags, with some scenes lingering far longer than necessary. Eggers is clearly intent on building tension and immersing the audience, but at times it feels like he’s asking a bit too much patience from the viewer. While I appreciate the artistry, some sequences could have been trimmed without sacrificing the overall mood or storytelling.
Ambiguity & Tone
Another divisive element is Eggers’ commitment to ambiguity. The lack of backstory for Count Orlok, while refreshing in its refusal to overexplain, might frustrate some viewers. There’s a fine balance between enigmatic and underdeveloped, and while I personally enjoyed the mystery, others may find themselves wanting just a hint more insight into Orlok’s motivations or history. The film positions him as a force of nature – terrifying, unknowable and unstoppable – but this approach risks making him feel one-dimensional to those who crave more character depth.
Thematically, “Nosferatu” is heavy. It delves into ideas of decay, inevitability and the fragility of human relationships in the face of monstrous forces. This philosophical bent is part of what makes the film feel so unique, but it also means you leave the theater with a sense of emotional weight that might not be what every audience member is looking for. It’s not a horror film that lets you off the hook; it demands engagement. While that’s rewarding for some, it might be exhausting for others.
The artistic style of the film is both a strength and a potential drawback. The meticulous attention to detail, the gothic set design and the chiaroscuro lighting are breathtaking. Still, they also risk alienating viewers who are less inclined to appreciate the slower, more painterly approach to filmmaking. This is very much a “love it or leave it” kind of movie. Though it will undoubtedly resonate with fans of Eggers, it might leave others feeling cold.
Bottom Line
“Nosferatu” is a bold, haunting reimagining of a horror classic. While it isn’t without its flaws – chiefly a few missteps in character design and pacing – it’s a deeply atmospheric and visually stunning work that cements Robert Eggers as one of the most visionary directors working today.
It’s not a casual watch, nor does it try to be. Instead, it demands your full attention and rewards it with an unsettling, unforgettable experience.
Final Rating: 4/5 Stars
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Thanks for reading my “Nosferatu” (2024) review. I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself, and keep an eye out for more movies, music and show recommendations! For more entertainment and sports takes, find me on Twitter @Steve_Lawson93.
