Bill Skarsgård’s chilling performance and Eggers’ atmospheric direction offer a fresh take on the vampire genre in this intelligent remake

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu reimagines the 1922 silent classic with a deeply atmospheric, gothic flair that strips away the modern vampire clichés. Starring Bill Skarsgård as the grotesque Count Orlok, the film follows a familiar yet hauntingly reworked version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Set in the 19th century, Nosferatu takes us to the fictional town of Wisborg, where young solicitor Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult) journeys to Transylvania to meet Count Orlok, unaware of the horrors awaiting him. Eggers, a lifelong fan of Murnau’s original, imbues the film with a stark, period-authentic look, shooting in locations in the Czech Republic and Romania. The aesthetic is both captivating and eerie, with candle-lit interiors and majestic, foreboding landscapes that underscore the film’s chilling atmosphere.

Skarsgård’s portrayal of Orlok is a far cry from the suave, seductive vampire trope. Rather than a charismatic villain, his Orlok is a decaying, grotesque figure, a far cry from the vampires we’re accustomed to seeing on-screen. His chilling presence, accentuated by his disconcerting voice and shrill wheezing, adds a terrifying new layer to the mythos of the undead.

Eggers leans into the gothic melodrama of the tale, with a heavy focus on the sexual and psychological undertones of the vampire genre. Unlike many contemporary vampire films, which focus on allure, Nosferatu centres on control, manipulation, and the dark desires that drive its characters. Lily-Rose Depp shines as Ellen, whose connection to Orlok raises questions about both her emotional instability and the very real danger she faces. The film’s exploration of hysteria and medical diagnosis adds a sinister commentary on the treatment of women in the 19th century, reflecting the era’s view of women as weak and irrational.

Despite the film’s deliberate pace and familiar beats of the Dracula story, Eggers introduces fresh themes and complexities that elevate the film beyond mere horror. The tension between the characters is palpable, especially as Orlok’s terror mounts. Skarsgård’s monstrous figure is as much a reflection of societal and sexual fears as it is a literal predator.

While Nosferatu may not scary in the traditional sense, its atmosphere, haunting visuals, and exploration of vampire lore provide a rich, thought-provoking experience. Fans of Eggers’ meticulous, period-driven style will appreciate the film’s craftsmanship and the depth it brings to a genre long dominated by youth and beauty. In a world of teen vampires, it’s refreshing to see a return to something far more sinister.