Written by Alex Kuhn @magaman28
Over the holidays, I decided to watch Robert Eggers’ latest film, Nosferatu. The film’s title carries a lot of history and controversy. For those unfamiliar, the original 1922 Nosferatu was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. This meant the filmmakers had to change the names of the key characters: Dracula became Nosferatu, or “the insufferable one”; the Harkers were reimagined as the Hutters; Dr. Seward was changed to Dr. Sievers, and so on. Given this history, it’s fascinating that Eggers chose Nosferatu rather than Dracula for his adaptation. Perhaps he wanted to create an “authorized” version for modern audiences? Who knows?
One of the standout elements of Nosferatu is Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of the vampire. Over the years, Skarsgård has impressed audiences with a wide range of characters, including his iconic turn as Pennywise in IT. Here, he brings a chilling presence to the role, particularly through his unsettling growls. The sound design throughout the film is exceptional, amplifying the eerie atmosphere.
I’m assuming most viewers are familiar with the plot of Dracula, whether through reading the novel or seeing one of the many film adaptations. Nosferatu follows the major beats of the story faithfully, though there is one notable difference. In this version, Mrs. Hutter takes the vampire to bed in order to kill him with the rays of the morning sun. It’s a surprising and somewhat uncomfortable moment—one I don’t recall seeing in other adaptations.
If you’ve enjoyed Eggers’ previous films, like The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman, you’ll likely appreciate Nosferatu as well. Eggers delivers his signature attention to historical detail, bringing 19th-century German scenery and costumes to life with remarkable precision. The plot is straightforward and accessible, making it approachable for a mainstream audience.