Nosferatu: A New Foray Into Gothic Film

In 1922, the German silent film Nosferatu was originally released, a story closely related to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but with its own unique narrative elements that continue to inspire horror to this day. The story follows newlywed couple Ellen and Thomas Hutter as they are beset by unexplainable terrors all seemingly linked back to the mysterious Count Orlok, or the “Nosferatu.” Now, in 2024, its remake has hit theaters. The question is, does Robert Eggers’ rendition have what it takes to live up to the original, and is it worth a watch?

In my opinion, when I watched this movie, I was captivated by its storytelling for a whole host of reasons. For one, Eggers’ visual storytelling is excellent; he draws on the use of shadows from the original film to craft the occult energy surrounding the Count. Additionally, despite the original’s reliance on a black-and-white color scheme being a result of the available technology rather than an intentional decision, the similar restriction of colors in some scenes fleshes out its old, Victorian, gothic atmosphere. The film feels very dramatic and almost plays out the way a novel would, which—as an enjoyer of classic literature—also gives it an aged feel. 

In regard to characters, avoiding spoilers as much as possible, I think the acting done by all of the cast is fantastic (Bill Skarsgård redeemed himself in my eyes from his previous role in this year’s other gothic classic remake, The Crow). Specifically, one of the aspects of the movie I felt most interested in was the protagonist, Ellen Hutter. Portrayed by actress Lily-Rose Depp, Ellen strikes a perfect balance as a female character that I deeply appreciate: she exposes the way women of her time were treated as hysterics and the lack of her own power in society, while also allowing her to have her own agency and wants despite how others perceive her. Ellen’s story is one that is tragically complex, as she struggles with confusion over her loyalty, her victimhood, and her morality. Overall, I think Ellen is a character that can generate a lot of conversation, and she is one of my favorite parts of the film. 

All in all, I thought Nosferatu was fantastic, easily one of my favorite movies of the last year. Would I recommend it? I think if you are an appreciator of the macabre and gothic, this film is definitely for you. It should be noted that there are depictions of and allusions to violence, sexual content, and sexual assault present throughout the film that should be taken into account if you are planning on checking it out. If you’re looking for a new movie to add to your list and don’t mind a bit of horror, Nosferatu might just be what you’re looking for.