Nosferatu: A Haunting Asthetic Oozing With Gothic Charm

I recently paired this film with the original “Nosferatu,” and wow, Robert Eggers truly captured the essence—both the aesthetic and the atmospheric tension—from the classic. This movie is nothing short of a visual masterpiece; it’s drenched in dark, luscious tones that ooze gothic charm. I could easily lose myself in the moonlit scenes for hours on end.

The addition of side stories featuring Frederick Harding and Professor Eberhart Von Franz was a brilliant touch, enriching the narrative and providing deeper layers to the plot. Nicholas Hoult has reached a point where he could excel in any role, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson shined throughout the film. As for Skarsgård—he is mesmerizing as Orlok, bringing his signature brilliance to an already iconic character.

However, I did have a couple of small gripes. Lily-Rose Depp’s performance felt a bit amateurish in comparison to her seasoned co-stars; it wasn’t terrible, but it occasionally drew me out of the experience. And then there’s the mustache—what’s up with that? I understand the historical context and Vlad’s symbolism, but it distracted me from Orlok’s intimidating presence. Despite these little hiccups, they didn’t diminish the film’s overall impact for me.

If you’re planning to watch, I highly recommend experiencing it alongside the original film or even the Herzog version for a fuller journey. And don’t forget to watch it in a pitch-black room—trust me, it really amplifies the haunting aesthetic. This isn’t a daytime flick. If blood isn’t your thing, maybe give it a pass. Overall, though, this is a definite must-watch from 2024!

Nosferatu is available on Streaming and VOD now.

About The Author

MrSniDBits

Mr SniDBits is the founder and host of the Reel Study, a movie review and analysis podcast. He is a life long movie enthusiast and film buff. Mr SniDBits studied some film, has reviewed hundreds of films. He gives honest reviews even if the reviews may sting a bit. His film tastes range from art house to cliché Hollywood films. Mr SniDBits may be as likely to be as predictable as the next critic, but can offer some unique takes. He will try to find what positives that can be found in most film. See if your tastes align with Mr SniDBits and check out the Reel Study for more in depth reviews.

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