There is nothing but praise for Robert Eggers’ upcoming gothic supernatural horror project, Nosferatu. Early reactions to the Bill Skarsgård and Lily-Rose Depp starrer are overwhelmingly positive, with specific commendations for Eggers’ tight and splendid direction, outstanding performances from the cast (especially Depp), Robin Carolan’s rousing score, Jarin Blaschke’s breathtaking cinematography, and the amazing costume and production design. This could solidify the film’s status as one of the greatest horror movies ever made.
Robert Eggers’ love for exploring folklore is well-known, and Nosferatu is no exception. The film benefits immensely from its breathtaking visuals, elevated by the excellent use of natural light. Many critics have noted how effortlessly and beautifully the film dismantles conventional tropes associated with vampire movies. It avoids the clichés of typical horror and vampire flicks, offering audiences a truly dark, haunting, and immersive viewing experience.
If we take a moment to look back at the director’s filmography, it becomes clear why Eggers is the perfect choice to helm Nosferatu. His passion for filmmaking has been evident since his early days. As a teenager, he was so captivated by Murnau’s Nosferatu that he even directed a stage adaptation of it. This early fascination with classic horror, combined with his subsequent work on films like The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman, showcases his deep understanding of the genre and his ability to craft haunting and atmospheric cinematic experiences.
The rest of the cast features Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Willem Dafoe, Ralph Ineson, and Simon McBurney.
Many media outlets and prominent critics have already declared Nosferatu one of the greatest horror movies of all time. While it’s still early to make definitive judgments, the evidence so far supports their claim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts a ‘fresh’ 93% score based on 90 certified ratings. The following first reactions to the movie further reinforce this assertion.
NOSFERATU truly exceeded all my expectations. an erotic fever dream exploring the suppression of female desire through this new perspective in a classic tale. robert eggers was born to make this film, the crown jewel in his filmography. a haunting, psychosexual, stunning film 🖤 pic.twitter.com/gX8RS8FqJB
— kenzie xcx 🦋 (@kenzvanunu) November 20, 2024
Robert Eggers’ NOSFERATU is a masterclass in horror tone & visuals (especially in an excellent first act), but stumbles in failing to ever establish a true main character and giving the vampire a perplexing Dr. Robotnik-esque design
— The HoloFiles - Movie/TV News & Reviews (@theholofiles) December 2, 2024
Full review: https://t.co/CGqyQj8pcP pic.twitter.com/YHDSx4aArw
#Nosferatu Review:
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) December 2, 2024
The film belongs to Lily-Rose Depp, whose performance is a revelation. Her scenes with Bill Skarsgard are electric, bristling with a conflicting rush of revulsion and desire, trance and lucidity, resistance and fated surrender. Depp gives Ellen’s delirium a… pic.twitter.com/6VaZWlN7Jb
Robert Eggers’s NOSFERATU took my breath away. The immaculate crafts place the story in the 1800s, but this is the most modern take on the classic tale. Skarsgard and Depp are remarkable, transforming themselves inside and out. A surprising, scary, necessary recontextualization. pic.twitter.com/OHRVJBNRLs
— Dancin' Dan @SXSW (@dancindanonfilm) November 12, 2024