Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu!
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu has rekindled a fresh conversation about the vampire mythos, deviating from the romanticized portrayals that have dominated cinema since the 1970s. Instead, the film puts the terror back into vampire lore by exploring the darker aspects of desire and the insidious nature of evil.
Unlike classic adaptations like Dracula (1979), which leaned into a tragic love story, Eggers’ Nosferatu delves into the complex reality of Count Orlok’s coercion. With the help of the film’s stellar cast performances, Eggers examines Ellen’s agency and the unsettling nature of their twisted connection.
Eggers’ remake challenges audiences to confront the reality of Orlok’s predatory nature, as seen in Ellen’s desperate plea to “anything” in a moment of spiritual desperation, giving Orlok access to her. This portrayal also highlights the monstrosity of Orlok’s character, both predatory and liberating, which exists in an uncomfortable liminal space.
The film also features a moment of sexual uncertainty between Ellen and Anna, which can be read as subtextually charged or simply as an intimate homosocial relationship typical of the period. Eggers’ approach leaves enough room for interpretation, simmering with underlying energy that permeates the entire film.
The 2024 gothic horror movie, released on December 25, features a runtime of 132 minutes and is distributed by Focus Features and Universal Pictures.