Lily-Rose Depp in Nosferatu

Nosferatu

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Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” left me with mixed feelings. It’s a movie I can objectively recognize as good—every scene showcases undeniable craftsmanship—but I simply didn’t enjoy it. Watching it felt like dining at a fancy restaurant, only for the food to taste awful to you. Taste, after all, is deeply personal. There are people who find “The Godfather” or “The Shawshank Redemption” overrated or even boring, and I suspect “Nosferatu” falls into that category of critically acclaimed films that just don’t resonate with everyone. For me, it was technically impressive but emotionally hollow.

In the 2024 adaptation of “Nosferatu”, the story unfolds in 1838 Germany, where Ellen, a young woman haunted by visions, is married to Thomas Hutter, a real estate agent. Thomas is dispatched to Transylvania by his employer, Herr Knock, to facilitate a property sale with the enigmatic Count Orlok. Upon arriving at Orlok’s eerie castle, Thomas experiences unsettling events, including mysterious bite marks and disturbing discoveries about the Count’s true nature. Meanwhile, back in Wisburg, Ellen’s premonitions intensify, and she becomes increasingly linked to Orlok through telepathic communications. As Orlok journeys to Wisburg, bringing with him a plague that devastates the town, Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) realizes that she holds the key to confronting the ancient evil threatening her community.

The main issue is that I never felt invested in the characters or their experiences. Despite the film being set in 1838 Germany, everyone speaks with a classic British accent, which makes most of the performances feel like they belong in a stage play from a century ago. The lone standout is Count Orlok, played by Bill Skarsgård, who steals the show. His voice, paired with that unforgettable mustache, is easily the most memorable aspect of the movie. While Orlok appears frequently in physical form, much of his presence is spiritual, as he communicates with Ellen through telepathy, adding an eerie layer to his character.

Most of this movie adopts a desaturated look, often appearing as a near-monochrome palette of gray with hints of blue. Many scenes take place at night, but since they’re shot using the day-for-night technique, they carry an otherworldly, almost dreamlike quality. While this style is clearly a deliberate artistic choice, I’ve grown weary of it in recent years. Once you know what to look for, the technique becomes glaringly obvious, and its overuse—combined with how easily it can be achieved in post-production—has dulled its impact for me.

Those expecting a traditional horror movie centered on a classic vampire will likely be disappointed—this isn’t that kind of film. Much of the story revolves around people preparing for Orlok’s arrival, but he’s not portrayed as a vampire in the conventional sense. Instead, he’s more of a monstrous presence, often lurking in the shadows, adding an unsettling yet restrained menace to the narrative.

I went in with a blank slate, having never seen the original “Nosferatu” or its 1979 remake, so I didn’t know what to expect. Unfortunately, this version of “Nosferatu” wasn’t the pleasant surprise I’d hoped for. Then again, “pleasant” isn’t a word anyone would use to describe this film. Its constant undertone is best described as an overwhelming sense of dread, which permeates almost every frame.

I think “Nosferatu” will resonate more with the arthouse crowd. If you found a film like “Poor Things” not quite arthouse enough, there’s a good chance “Nosferatu” will be right up your alley. On the other hand, if your favorite movie of 2024 was a big Hollywood blockbuster like “Deadpool & Wolverine” or a Netflix original, then “Nosferatu” probably won’t be the experience you’re looking for. I sure know it wasn’t for me.


Nosferatu poster
Nosferatu poster
Nosferatu
  • Year:
    2024
  • Director:
    • Robert Eggers
  • Cast:
    • Lily-Rose Depp
    • Nicholas Hoult
    • Bill Skarsgård
  • Genres:
    Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Running time:
    132m

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