Nosferatu

Original Vampire Lore

Nosferatu focuses on the obsessive relationship between Ellen, portrayed by Lily – Rose Deep, and Count Orlok played by Bill Skarsgard. It returns to the original portrayal of vampires that has been missing since the release of projects as ‘Interview with a Vampire’, ‘Twilight’, and ‘True Blood’.

Count Orlok is terrifying and it’s amazing to see. From his rotting flesh, supporting hounds, and his voice. It’s incredible and something that I don’t believe has been seen since the transformation of the same actor in ‘IT’ as Pennywise the Clown. The first time he is fully seen on screen, it may have viewers sinking deeper into their seats in fear or leaning forward with amazement.  The makeup department, composed of a team of thirty, did a phenomenal job of completely transforming Bill Skasgard.

He is not supposed to be portrayed as sex symbol. Nor is his depiction trying to separate viewers into Twilight related ‘Team Count Orlok’ or ‘Team Thomas’ played by Nicholas Hoult as Ellen’s husband. It is clear what is purpose is and what he is aiming to do which leaves no confusion. Nosferatu is a creature of the night that gives an ode to original vampire lore where he doesn’t sparkle in the sun. He is terrifying, hidden in the shadows and uses his powers in the most cunning way to get what he wants.

Obsession Versus Love

Nosferatu has aspects of love displayed between husband-and-wife relationships as well as friendships but when it comes to Orlok and Hellen there is a different kind of “relationship” displayed that some viewers may deem romantic depending on the kind of books they have checked off on their ‘To Read’ list.

While we can see the obsession from the very beginning of the film, with the introduction of Willem Dafoe as Professor Albin Eberhart von Franz and Ralph Ineson as Dr. Wilhelm Sievers they are able to unravel what the impact of the obsessive relationship between Ellen and Count Orlok has not only to both parties, but the entire town. The discovery of the obsession and watching how it impacts the town happens to include some of my favorite scenes.

A Dark Film That We Can See

The biggest complaint that I have heard repeatedly from viewers is that films and television shows have been “too dark” lately. To the point where viewers are exploring settings on their television that they have never had to touch before. I am very glad to say that Nosferatu does not have that problem. About 75% of the film appears to have been filmed at night but the contrast of the darkness with the even darker shadows or corners of a room are depicted extremely well.

The cinematography completed by Jarin Blaschke, who also was utilized on Egger’s ‘The Lighthouse’, ‘The Northman’, and ‘The Witch’, should be commended. Once again with Robert Egger in the director’s chair and Jarin Blaschke behind the cinematography Nosferatu simply does not miss and just may be one of the best films of 2024.