Vampire cinema is set to deepen with Robert Eggers’ latest project, Nosferatu, promising to bring a terrifying rendition of the legendary creature to the screen. Bill Skarsgård, known for his chilling portrayal of Pennywise in the It movies, steps into the eerie role of Count Orlok in this fresh take on the 1922 German Expressionist film. As the first trailer rolls out, it becomes clear that Eggers, the filmmaker behind The Witch and The Lighthouse, intends to create a deeply atmospheric and gothic horror experience.
The film, a remake of one of the earliest horror films, also features a compelling ensemble cast, including Lily-Rose Depp (The Idol), Nicholas Hoult (Warm Bodies, Renfield), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (The Fall Guy, Bullet Train), and Willem Dafoe (Spider-Man, Poor Things). While the trailer maintains the mystique around Skarsgård’s Nosferatu, only teasing his presence through fleeting images and a formidable silhouette, his haunting aura is palpable throughout.
Set in a gloomy, oppressive atmosphere, Nosferatu delves into a gothic tale of obsession, where a young woman finds herself haunted by a nightmarish vampire. The story follows Thomas Hutter (played by Nicholas Hoult), whose life unravels into horror after encountering Count Orlok. Skarsgård’s approach to this iconic role included working with an opera singer to lower his voice, aiming to evoke a sense of pure evil.
The production, carried out in the Czech Republic, revisits the dark corners of its source material, giving it a modern edge while staying true to its roots. Eggers, who scripted and directed the movie, originally planned to collaborate with Anya Taylor-Joy, star of The Witch, although she ultimately did not join the project.
Nosferatu is set for a Christmas Day release, offering an unconventional choice for holiday cinema-goers ready to trade cheerful themes for a dose of gothic horror. This release strategy, reminiscent of counter-programming used in films like Wolf of Wall Street and Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, suggests a bold move by the filmmakers to stand out during a typically festive season.
With its blend of classic horror elements and contemporary filmmaking, Nosferatu aims to captivate audiences with its chilling narrative and innovative portrayal of one of cinema’s most enduring monsters.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
