Deep within the gothic wintry atmosphere of 1838 Berlin, an insurmountable evil stirs in the hearts of Ellen and Thomas Hutter. What ensues is a horrifying fight between desire, lust, possession and passion; it is unclear which prevails. “Nosferatu” by Robert Eggers is yet another utter success in his repertoire of historical horror movies. From start to finish, the film embodies pure terror and excitement as the vampire, Count Orlok, seeks to claim his lover Ellen at all costs. He brings with him plague, death and an unforgettable cinematic tale.
Upon first glance, the casting of “Nosferatu” perfectly matches the sullen physiognomy required to create a dark look back in time. Actors Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Willem Dafoe and Emma Corrin comprise the main characters, each blending wonderful chemistry on screen. Depp makes a stellar breakthrough performance as Ellen, contorting her face in ways I did not know possible and truly embodying that of a legendary scream queen. Her representation of repressed sexuality and spiritual frustration within the confines of a ‘mentally ill’ character makes her all the more moving. There has been some debate over whether Ellen truly wanted Count Orlok or was being possessed. I believe she did indeed hold a hidden longing for the Count. In an interview, Depp recalls, “There is a yearning between the two of them. –She’s pulled towards him for a reason.”
A master of atmosphere and titillation, Eggers infused every scene with a palpable suspense that filled the movie theater. Having a custom camera filter engineered and filming in different countries in Eastern Europe, Eggers creates a set that remains breathtaking as it moves between castle, seaside and enchanting forest, operating under a deep muted color palette. Many wide shots throughout the movie showcase the majesty of its surroundings, particularly in an iconic scene where Thomas (played by Hoult) ventures into the woods in search of Count Orlok’s castle, getting lost on the way. A certain desperation and loneliness is caught on camera as the snow falls softly over him. Production designer Craig Lathrop furnished the interior sets with an immaculate aesthetic eye, filled with candles, lace and anonymous heartfelt treasures reminiscent of a domestic home unaware of its impending demise.
As for costuming, veteran designer Linda Muir elevates the movie with her learned approach to historical fashions as she studied German and Romanian period clothing for the film. A few easter eggs can be detected in her intricate details, such as Ellen’s lilac dress and lilac flowers in her hair. While an innocuously beautiful color, it is important to note that lilac is the smell Count Orlok associates with her. The costumes add irreplaceable depth and texture to the film, filling the screen with delicate nightgowns, striped gowns, ribbons, coarse petticoats and Count Orlok’s intimidating embroidered cloak.
Released on Christmas day, ‘Nosferatu’ proclaims itself a wonderful experience in world-building and intentionality, using live rats, horses and wolves in its making. Eggers has produced a thrilling film, something deeply perverted but beautiful in its corruption. Drawing inspiration from other vampiric tales like ‘Dracula,’ this movie takes occult mystery to the next level. If you are in need of a watch that will pluck, tear and sever your heartstrings, ‘Nosferatu’ is a must-watch.
