Robert Eggers’ fourth film, “Nosferatu” is a chilling remake of the original 1922 German silent film of the same name, which was loosely based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel “Dracula.”
This modern retelling of the classic tale is a period piece that follows a wife and husband played by Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult. As Depp’s character feels the coming presence of a supernatural force, Hoult’s character leaves on a business trip that invites that very force into their town.
While I believe “Nosferatu” is a well-crafted film, there are many choices made that may surprise more general audiences. The most surprising of which is that the film has a sense of humor. This is not to say that it is a comedy, nor does it take itself seriously, but the film does not shy away from relieving some tension with humor.
On the topic of tension, the film finds unique ways to build it throughout the film. While classic sources of tension are present such as creepy settings and music that has you looking in every dark corner, the main source of tension building from the film is in the performances. Before the audience even has anything much to fear in the film, the actors typically portray feelings of sheer dread so well that their fear becomes contagious to the audience.
Moving on to the source of dread itself, the character of Count Orlok, played by a transformed Bill Skarsgård, is a return to the more classic idea of a vampire that may be a breath of fresh air to those used to more typical modern-day twist on the vampire. Ultimately, these are all qualities that enhance the film but may upset or confuse an audience that has different expectations.
Along with the performances creating a great source of tension that permeates throughout the film, all of the actors stand out here. Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgård, Willem Dafoe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emma Corrin all give very dramatic and pronounced performances that blend in perfectly with the world Eggers has created within the film.
Lesser actors would likely come across as campy and laughable, but here they pull off a perfect mix of exaggerated acting to get the right effect without overplaying it. These kinds of performances are the most difficult to give credit for because they make it appear so seamless.
In terms of what stood out the most, it is the film’s ability to use horror in a way that gives a meaningful message about today’s world. Horror is typically a genre that is pushed to the fringe and unappreciated; however, the genre is very well-equipped, perhaps better than most to tell a compelling story that can really enhance an important idea.
“Nosferatu” manages to modernize itself brilliantly by creating themes around sexuality, modernity and power that all contain layers of nuance and reflect on the world we live in. It manages to do all of this and be an entertaining film that I highly recommend.
“Nosferatu” is currently playing in theaters.
