The Stream: A few edits would make a tighter, more suspenseful movie.

The Big Screen: Production design, costumes, sound, cinematography, make-up are impressive.

The Final Bill: A gothic horror film that ticks all the boxes.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: Robert Eggers
Writers: Robert Eggers
Stars: Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgård, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Willem Dafoe, Emma Corrin
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Mystery
Rating: R for bloody violent content, graphic nudity and some sexual content.
Runtime: 2 hours 5 minutes
Production Companies: Focus Features, Maiden Voyage Pictures, Studio 8, Birch Hill Road Entertainment, Bleat Post Production, Green Eyes Production
Platform: In theaters December 25, 2024
Notable Trailers: The Monkey, Nickel Boys, Wolfman, Last Breath

Hey, Streamers! Maybe family movies during Holiday season aren’t your thing, right? Maybe you want to be scared witless? Here’s Robert Eggers’ latest film, Nosferatu, which is a remake of the silent film of the same name from 1922. In this Nosferatu, Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult), a real estate agent, is sent from his town in Germany by his boss to Transylvania to get the signature of a client purchasing a local estate. The mysterious client is a nobleman and all-around creep, Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard), who lives in a rundown castle. Meanwhile, Thomas’s wife, Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp), pines for her husband while he’s away, but she has an unexplainable connection to Orlok. Sleepwalking and seizure-inducing hijinks ensue.

Nosferatu is everything you want in a gothic horror film directed by Robert Eggers. First, the aesthetic of this movie is top notch. A movie set in the winter of 1838 in Germany with the specter of vampires looming must bring that creepy, dark energy. This movie excels with meticulous production design, constricting costumes, and eerie cinematography. It is a feast for the eyes. Additionally, there is incredible make-up work and visual effects that fill out the screen. The sound will set you on the edge of your seat.

Moreover, the cast is very good, especially the three main characters played by Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgard, and Lily-Rose Depp. Skarsgard gets to use a voice that will send chills up your spine. He disappears into the role of Count Orlok with the assistance of the great make up and dark cinematography. Depp throws her body into the role of Ellen. She’s very committed and you will be awed by all that she does infusing the lusty desperation and sacrifice of this character. I think this movie could have used some greater forward momentum by editing out 10-15 minutes. This story is otherwise pretty basic, especially since it’s been told many times over. It’s beautiful to look at and well-acted, but let’s get to the point already. The atmospheric touches and aesthetic choices made by Eggers make this a new Nosferatu worth watching.

Ultimately, Nosferatu checks all the boxes for a gothic horror film. It is sufficiently creepy. The aesthetics of the production are excellent. The actors are giving dynamic and interesting performances. This movie is not one to miss in the theaters. Grab your box of popcorn and step into the darkness.