Nosferatu

plot

In 1838, newly married couple Thomas and Ellen must part – when Thomas takes a job to travel to the lands of Transylvania in order to sell property from their native Germany, to a reclusive Count.

While there, Ellen stays with their friends Friedrich and Anna, but she finds that she is suffering from hallucinations of a devilish creature. Perplexed, Friedrich enlists the assistance of Dr Sievers, who himself calls on his mentor Professor Von Franz.

Thomas on arrival at the Castle of Count Orlok, discovers that he might be that devilish creature, and attempts to return home – before Orlok takes hold of Ellen.

Direction

Directed by Robert Eggers (who this is his first work I have reviewed), and his vision of the horror and gothic world around him is stunning. You really feel as if you are in this world of the characters. This somewhat reminded me of Tim Burton’s work – but instead of having his ‘undertone comedy charm, there is nothing comical about this world.

It is bleak, dark and wonderfully presented.

Cast

Lilly Rose Depp plays the role of Ellen (interestingly, Ellen is based on Mina who was played by Winona Ryder in Bram Stoker’s Dracula – who her dad, Johnny… knows…)

Nicholas Hoult plays the role of Thomas (essentially the Jonathan Harker character

Bill Skarsgård is unrecognizable as Count Orlok under heavy prothesis. He is truly frightening as essentially ‘the devil’ on earth.

Aaron Taylor Johnson plays Friedrich Harding, Thomas’ close friend who takes Ellen in during his absence.

Emma Corrin plays Anna Harding, Friedrich’s pregnant wife, who falls under Orlak’s curse throughout the film

Willem Dafoe plays Prof von Franz (essentially the Van Helsing of this story).

Ralph Inerson also appears as the character of Sievers

Breakddown

It was difficult to not go into this film and compare it to 1994’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula (https://ryansmoviereviews.com/2025/10/30/bram-stokers-dracula/) as this was a remake of 1922’s Nosferatu – which itself was an inspiration of the 1897 novel.

In this story, the main protagonist is Thomas Hutter, who works for Herr Knock – the owner of a brokerage firm, and is sent to Transylvania to sell a piece of real estate to the mysterious Count Orlok.

The ‘six week’ journey that Thomas takes, doesn’t feel all that long in this version – and the passage of time, really could have been done better. Thomas’ discovery of Orlok’s obsession over his wife, his illness and escape from Orlok is minimal.

Orlok himself is much more sinister in this version too, with little or no redeemable qualities. He is purely evil incarnate, in all the senses. He is frightening to look at, and listen to – and this is testament to the technical staff behind the movie who make Bill Skarsgård both unreckognisable, and sound completely different. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards due to the technical talent behind the scenes including Cinematography, Costume, Production and Hair and Makeup)… and rightly so. It’s a shame Robin Carolan’s brilliant score was not honoured either, as it needs to be mentioned here too.

The focus on Ellen, who seemingly has a past connection to Orlok, which is why he has connected to her. I found this ‘connection’ to be explained poorly – as at least in Stoker’s version, we know that Mina is essentially a reincarnation of Vlad’s long lost love Elizabeth. It also gave us the creation of Dracula.

Rose-Depp who plays Ellen is very good in her role, especially given how Ellen’s discovery of the events that are unfolding, and her distain for what Orlok is planning. The narrative arc is completely different in its end of Orlok – where Ellen here *** spoiler *** sacrifices herself to allow Orlok to take her – thus killing them both in the process.

The other cast members (including a few Eggers regulars), are all on point as well, with cast like Hoult, Taylor-Johnson, Dafoe all who have been strong leads themselves in solid supporting roles.

Overall

Although very technically wonderful, there is some narrative lacking that couldn’t be overlooked. As it is a direct ‘retelling’ of the Bram Stoker’s story – there could have been more addressed (especially given the 2hr+ runtime) and extended.

Great performances, and a brilliant musical score as well, but no where near the heights of films before it.

3.5/5

Please check out my Podcast, where we discuss this one.