Anticipation is soaring for Robert Eggers’ reimagining of Nosferatu, with early reviews lauding it as one of the best horror films in years. However, the ambitious project left even its creator, along with star Bill Skarsgård, feeling daunted at times.
The gothic tale stars Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, and Willem Dafoe. Set against a backdrop of obsession and terror, the story follows a young woman haunted by a vampire’s infatuation, unleashing unspeakable horror in its wake. Critics have praised the film as “a perfect remake” and “one of the most seductively macabre films ever made.”
Despite the accolades, Skarsgård admitted that stepping into the role of Count Orlok felt overwhelming. “Dracula and Nosferatu are iconic. It’s the most seminal work of gothic horror,” he told Vanity Fair. “Robert [Eggers] and I had moments where we wondered if we were taking on too much by reimagining such a masterpiece.”
Set to release in the US on Christmas Day and in the UK on January 1, early viewers have described the film as “a deeply chilling nightmare” and “a divine dark delight.”
Film critic Courtney Howard described Skarsgård’s portrayal of Count Orlok as “pure nightmare fuel,” while calling Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult’s performances their “best work to date.” Another critic, Matt Neglia, noted Depp’s “eye-popping performance of tormented possession” and praised the haunting presence of Skarsgård, stating, “His performance lingers even when he’s not on screen.”
Director Eggers, known for critically acclaimed films like The Witch and The Lighthouse, reimagines the 1922 silent German Expressionist film with his signature style. While staying true to the haunting legacy of the original, the remake features modern elements that critics say elevate it even further. Skarsgård’s transformation as Count Orlok remains under wraps, with the trailer teasing only shadows and his ominous long-nailed hand.
In addition to Eggers’ vision, the film benefits from an ensemble cast that includes Dafoe, Hoult, and Taylor-Johnson. Depp is even being considered for an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, with Skarsgård, Hoult, and Dafoe positioned for supporting roles.
Fans of gothic horror have much to look forward to, with some critics comparing the film’s atmosphere to the fever dream aesthetic of Coppola’s Dracula. Griffin Schiller wrote, “Nosferatu is a relentlessly disturbing horror film with breathtaking cinematography and masterful direction.”
Originally conceived as a silent film in 1922, Nosferatu has been remade several times, most notably in Werner Herzog’s 1979 adaptation. Eggers’ version, however, is already being hailed as a definitive take on the legendary tale.
Nosferatu will be released in UK cinemas on January 1, 2025.
Source My Celebrity Life.
