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Count Me Out (If They Want Me to Jump on the Nosferatu Bandwagon)

Posted by January 20th, 2025 No Comments »

Nosferatu (2024) 
Directed by Robert Eggers
Starring Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgard and Aaron Taylor-Johnson

When I saw Robert Eggers’ second feature-length film, 2019’s The Lighthouse, it felt like a revelation. It was abundantly clear that this man could direct. The set design, lighting, tone, and symbolism of that film had—and still has—a wondrous luster. I told myself, “I will see anything this man makes from here on out.” So, when I saw previews for his latest venture, a remake of Murnau’s 1922 Nosferatu, I thought, “Yes, please! This is going to be epic!”

Oh boy, was I in for a surprise.

It’s not that Nosferatu is bad. From a filmmaking perspective, this film, although shrouded in a constant fog of brooding atmosphere, is undeniably brilliant. Eggers’ mastery of the craft is evident in every frame, with hauntingly beautiful visuals and the meticulous attention to detail that have become his trademark. Jarin Blaschke’s cinematography captures the eerie, gothic essence of the original while infusing it with a modern sensibility that feels both fresh and respectful of its predecessor.

However, despite the film’s technical prowess and atmospheric depth, it lacks the emotional resonance that made Eggers’ previous works so compelling. The characters, while intriguing, seem to wander through the narrative without the same depth and development I have come to expect from Eggers. The story, though faithful to its roots (perhaps even more faithful to the vampire myth than Murnau’s version), missed the spark that ignites true engagement.

Perhaps it’s the weight of expectation or the challenge of reimagining such a seminal work that leaves this version of Nosferatu feeling somewhat distant. Nonetheless, Eggers’ remake remains a visually stunning piece of cinema—a testament to his skills as a director—even if it falls short of the emotional impact many anticipated.

Despite this, the film has buzz. People are raving about Lily-Rose Depp’s portrayal of Ellen Hutter, and she truly delivers. Her performance is packed with so much intensity and authenticity that it feels like she trained like an Olympic athlete to prepare. I’m no actor, but I imagine some of those scenes would leave even David Goggins gasping for air! It’s an impressive performance, but the story didn’t make me care for or even understand her.

Here’s where Nosferatu stumbles: the spotlight should have been on the sizzling tension between Ellen and Orlok. Count Orlok—Nosferatu himself—is played by Bill Skarsgård, who, after terrifying audiences as Pennywise in 2017’s It, once again embodies ancient evil with chilling precision. He might claim he’s done with roles like this, but I say, “Go for it!” Embrace your strengths! But I digress. The real issue is that the connection between Ellen and Orlok felt weak; their relationship lacked the tension it desperately needed. Without that spark, the story felt rudderless.

A lot of critics I respect are praising Eggers’ latest, and I’m scratching my head. Maybe they’re still riding high from The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman (seriously, how did he not title this one The Count?). When these critics witnessed all the technical brilliance Eggers is deservedly lauded for, they may have cut him some slack. I will continue to be excited for Eggers’ next project, whatever that may be. But for me, if I’m going to keep a running tally of his greatness, Nosferatu won’t count.


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