by Rosa Parra

Robert Eggers directs “Nosferatu,” which stars Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Willem Dafoe, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The film is a retelling of the 1922 classic, following a vampire’s obsession with a young woman in 19th-century Germany.

I’m a big fan of Eggers and his artistic vision. His movies highlight the folklore of the locations and communities they depict. You can expect an exploration of folklore in every Eggers movie, and this film is no exception. The scenery is breathtaking, utilizing natural light and excellent shadows. Staying true to the era in which the story takes place, the use of candlelight accentuates the mystery and horror of what can happen. The shadows and darkness during the night perfectly complement the genre.

While the visuals play an important role in storytelling, it’s the performances that make this movie one of the scariest horror films of all time. It’s been a few days since I saw the movie, and I’m still thinking about specific shots and performances. Depp silences her critics with a physically challenging performance, stripping away the “nepo baby” label to prove her capability as an actor. Hoult also delivers a stellar performance. Dafoe, the actor Eggers has collaborated with the most, brings some levity to the intense and horrific moments, channeling an approach reminiscent of actors from the 1920s. Taylor-Johnson and Corrin both give decent performances. Skarsgård as Nosferatu is completely unrecognizable, delivering a hauntingly terrifying performance that is also physically demanding. His voice is scary, but it’s his body language, particularly his slow movements, that make him truly terrifying. He is so commanding during his first appearance that his presence lingers throughout the movie, even when he is not physically present.

The story itself is haunting, and I can’t wrap my head around the idea that this movie has a Christmas release date, aside from the award consideration. The film is filled with various forms of horror. Visually, it is a beautiful nightmare. Psychologically, it will haunt viewers for days. It is gory, gruesome and embodies what nightmares are made of. The very last shot has remained ingrained in my psyche, and I think about it every single day.

Skarsgård as Nosferatu is completely unrecognizable, delivering a hauntingly terrifying performance that is also physically demanding.

The costumes and production design are stellar, enhancing the haunting aesthetic of the movie. The scenery is breathtaking, and the overall cinematography is astonishing.

Overall, “Nosferatu” is a beautiful gothic nightmare with stunning visuals and memorable performances. Eggers’ “Nosferatu” is one of the best horror films ever made.

9/10.

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