Vampires have been romanticized for decades, and any film or series featuring a vampire was followed by the lustful romantic craving they have, demeaning the point of the horror character. But the newest adaptation of Nosferatu, starring Lily Rose-Depp and Bill Skarsgard, takes a different take on vampires.
Curiously released on Christmas Day, Focus Films / Universal Pictures did not market the film very well. As a fan of vampire movies, I had always searched for a new adaptation of this pre-Dracula character first portrayed in a 1922 silent film. The original was a trailblazer, but it desperately needed a revamp. Director Robert Eggers’ remake did not disappoint, delivering a phenomenal gothic-style horror film with a truly evil villain.
Without giving too much away about the film’s plot, Count Orlok is ‘Nosferatu.’ Portrayed by Bill Skarsgard, the character truly embraces the evil side of the creature. Vampires typically have two sharp fangs and suck blood from the neck, possibly adding to the romanticizing of them. But Count Orlok has many sharp teeth and goes right for the heart. When a character is bitten by or killed by the creature, it’s a bite mark on their chest rather than a snake bite on the neck. I find this much more horrifying and, yet again, adds to the nightmare-ish character.
While the movie’s point may seem like a sexual drive, it is simply not. Rather, it’s an undead blood-craving creature struggling to stay alive, taking whatever means necessary. Orlok is not lustful or romantic but immensely evil in every way. Unfortunately, many viewers turned the film into a crazed romance again, completely dismissing the focal point of Nosferatu.
Many were left confused by this film based on when it came out and what goes down in the plot. Some were even left disturbed, originally thinking it was less terrifying for being a winter release. But that was the point, the film takes place in the winter. This was the best choice because if it were released around Halloween, it would be shadowed by the typical vampire craze people have. The attempt was for it not to be another vampire or typical scary movie coming out in October. Director Robert Eggers’ style relies on his films’ lack of color and light. He teases heavily on the unknown of his films, adding to the anxiety that builds throughout his films. With no shock, Nosferatu was a very dark gothic-style film, leaving many true horror lovers pleased with his work.
Lily Rose-Depp did a phenomenal job portraying Ellen Hutter, who, seeking a guardian angel, unknowingly opens the connection to Nosferatu. There were some unsettling scenes where she gets possessed, in a way. Knowing that she could do that by herself with no acting coach is a testament to her ability. Nepo baby or not, Depp was incredible in Nosferatu.
Playing the title character, Bill Skarsgard also comes from a family of actors, and he puts on his best performance yet. The costume and makeup designers did an amazing job to make him look terrifying and be engulfed by the character visually. Not only did Skarsgard look horrifying, but his acting skills showed out. The actor said he worked with an opera coach to get his voice low and raspy enough for the role. Hearing Orlok’s low-pitched voice for the first time was nothing short of shocking coming from Skarsgard.
I greatly enjoyed this gothic horror movie, but it is not for everyone. While there is no cursing in the film, there is a reason it is rated R. There are some strange and inappropriate scenes; however, it adds to the scare factor. Nothing is excessive.
Orlok is a horror character that hasn’t received much focus in films. While he isn’t an original character, getting a character not often portrayed in TV and film was relieving. Most horror film directors strive to find a weakness in their main characters that helps viewers understand that it is all fiction, helping them sleep at night in peace and, not worry about what is under their bed or in their closet. But Nosferatu flipped the script. Count Orlok is such a feared figure that it’s hard to find that weakness in him.
I highly recommend this movie. But be warned. You might be sleeping with the light on for a while after seeing the film.
