Review by John Larkin
Aesthetically, this take on the classic Dracula story is masterful, exuding an atmosphere of constant dread while, at times, echoing nearly all of its Dracula-themed predecessors, whether through tonality or production design.
What sets this adaptation apart is its grounding in the cultural and historical milieu of the Dracula legend. Eggers delves into the folkloric roots of vampirism, bringing to life a world steeped in superstition and terror. Eggers’s clear leanings into the historical figure of Vlad the Impaler as an inspiration for his monster, add an intriguing layer of authenticity to the film. This grounding in real-world history enriches the lore without overshadowing the supernatural horror at its heart.
Yet, for all the film’s technical brilliance, it struggles to connect on an emotional level. The characters feel like archetypes rather than fully realized individuals, leaving their fates disappointingly hollow despite the dire circumstances they face. Eggers’s cold, clinical approach to storytelling has always been a double-edged sword: it results in a meticulously crafted world that is visually and thematically rich but often feels emotionally distant. As a viewer, it’s hard to truly invest in the unfolding drama when the characters remain at such a distance.
The Kubrickian visual influence in Eggers’s work is evident and, for some, may feel overbearing. The narrow framing and rigidly staged compositions, while striking, contribute to the film’s emotional detachment. Eggers’s reliance on these techniques can feel like an homage that borders on mimicry, occasionally robbing the narrative of its own unique flow.
Still, the performances elevate the film beyond its emotional shortcomings. Lily-Rose Depp delivers a haunting turn as the wife of Nicholas Hoult's Renfield inspired character, imbuing her character with a blend of vulnerability and strength that keeps us engrossed. One particular sequence has her exploring the limits of 17th-century body horror, reminiscent of THE EXORCIST. Bill Skarsgård—completely unrecognizable in the titular role—is chilling to the bone. His character is best photographed in the dark however, as clearer and brighter glimpses of him detract from the menacing impression he builds along the way.
Willem Dafoe, a frequent collaborator with Eggers, remains a perpetual scene-stealer. His portrayal of an occultist doctor provides a fascinating and, at times, humorous lens through which the audience can view the Dracula mythos. Dafoe’s ability to balance eccentricity with gravitas makes his character one of the most memorable aspects of the film, serving as a grounding presence amidst the chaos.
Ultimately, NOSFERATU stands as Robert Eggers’s most accessible work to date. Its atmospheric intensity, cultural authenticity, and masterful production design and cinematography make it a standout in the horror genre. While it may not fully resonate on an emotional level, it succeeds in creating a satisfying movie-going experience, worthy of a trip to the theaters this holiday season.
Comments