As the cold winter weather sets in, horror fans may find themselves drawn to theaters for warmth—but don’t expect any cozy comfort from Robert Eggers’ chilling remake of the 1922 silent vampire classic, Nosferatu. With its icy visuals and dark atmosphere, this updated version is a feast for the eyes, but its stylized dialogue and dramatic storytelling keep the audience at arm’s length.

Eggers, both writer and director, has long been captivated by F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu, which itself was inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In fact, the 1922 film borrowed so heavily from Stoker’s 1897 novel that the author’s estate filed a copyright infringement lawsuit. For his remake, Eggers aimed to return to the roots of vampire folklore, showcasing a true monster: horrifying, ugly, and unrelenting.

This is no charming vampire in a dinner jacket, nor a morally conflicted “veggie vampire” like those in Twilight. Instead, Count Orlok—played unrecognizably by Bill Skarsgård under heavy makeup—is an unrepentant predator, driven by a singular thirst for human blood. His target? Ellen, a young wife portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp, who becomes the object of Orlok’s obsessive desires.

A Tale of Obsession and Horror

The film opens with a prologue establishing Ellen’s spiritual connection to Orlok. Eggers’ interpretation brings Ellen’s character to the forefront, challenging the 19th-century trope of labeling women as “hysterical.” Instead, the film suggests that Ellen is genuinely possessed by dark forces. Depp fully embraces the high drama of her role, yet her portrayal remains distant, more an artistic performance than a deeply relatable character.

The story then shifts to the fictional town of Wisborg, situated on the Baltic coast. Ellen’s husband, Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult), seeks to advance his career by taking on a dubious assignment from his shady employer. He is tasked with traveling to the Carpathian Mountains to finalize a real estate deal with a mysterious client. Ignoring Ellen’s foreboding dreams and protests, Thomas sets off for the imposing and isolated castle in Transylvania.

A Haunting Journey

Once Thomas arrives, he is greeted by Orlok in his desolate castle, which Eggers filmed on location in Transylvania. The castle’s eerie exteriors and bleak interiors set the tone for the terror that unfolds. During a meeting with Orlok, Thomas accidentally cuts his finger, awakening the vampire’s thirst. It doesn’t take long for Thomas to realize he is in grave danger and must escape to protect Ellen.

Meanwhile, back in Wisborg, Ellen is plagued by seizures and visions as Orlok’s influence grows stronger. She finds herself under the care of the Hardings (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emma Corrin), though their roles are underdeveloped. When conventional medicine fails, the group turns to an occult specialist, portrayed by Willem Dafoe. Dafoe’s performance provides a much-needed break from the film’s otherwise stilted dialogue, injecting a touch of humor and levity.

A Climactic Confrontation

The film builds toward its inevitable conclusion: a climactic showdown between Orlok and Ellen. In a striking visual, Orlok is seen lying atop a drained Ellen, a scene that will likely satisfy hardcore horror fans. However, for others, the film’s emotional distance and stylized approach may leave them feeling more cold than terrified.

Verdict

Eggers’ Nosferatu is a visually stunning homage to the original, with picturesque 19th-century settings and haunting imagery. Yet, its deliberate pacing and overly theatrical performances may alienate viewers who crave more emotional depth. Fans of true horror and gothic aesthetics will appreciate the film’s artistry, but it may not resonate with broader audiences.

Nosferatu, a Focus Features release, is rated R for bloody violent content, graphic nudity, and some sexual content. The film runs for 133 minutes. Rating: 2.5 out of 4 stars.