Nosferatu 2024 Movie Review: A Modern Masterpiece of the 102 Year Old Original?

When it comes to iconic horror films, few stand as tall as Nosferatu. First released in 1922, this silent film shaped the vampire genre and remains a significant piece of cinematic history. As we inch closer to the release of Robert Eggers’ 2024 Nosferatu remake, fans and critics alike are questioning: Can this modern interpretation surpass the original? And how does it compare to Werner Herzog’s 1979 adaptation, Nosferatu the Vampyre, which is often considered superior to the 1922 version?

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the legacy of Nosferatu, explore how both remakes reinterpret the iconic story, and discuss whether Eggers’ upcoming film has the potential to eclipse its predecessors.

The 1922 Classic: A Monument of Cinema History

Let’s start with the obvious 1922’s Nosferatu is nothing short of legendary. Directed by F.W. Murnau, the film was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, changing the names of the characters to avoid legal trouble. But despite its shaky legal foundation, the movie became a cultural phenomenon, influencing the German Expressionist movement and inspiring countless filmmakers over the decades.

However, as much as Nosferatu is celebrated for its innovative use of shadows, framing, and atmosphere, it’s not a perfect film. Being a silent movie, much of its emotional depth relies on exaggerated gestures and the eerie physical presence of Count Orlok. The plot, while ground breaking for its time, lacks the character depth and narrative complexity modern audiences often expect.

Yet, these limitations are part of what makes Nosferatu so timeless. Its haunting visuals, minimalist storytelling, and atmospheric dread have ensured its place in horror history.

1979’s Nosferatu the Vampyre: A Superior Remake?

Fast forward 50 years, and Nosferatu gets a serious upgrade with Werner Herzog’s Nosferatu the Vampyre. Unlike the original, Herzog’s version benefits from sound, allowing for more nuanced character interactions and a richer narrative experience. The film also borrows heavily from the original’s visual aesthetic, yet it injects a sense of personality and emotional complexity that was lacking in the 1922 version.

One of the biggest strengths of Herzog’s film is its depiction of Count Dracula (not Orlok, as the names were changed back to align with the Dracula novel). Played by Klaus Kinski, the vampire is no longer just a terrifying creature of the night but also a tragic, lonely figure. This added layer of emotional depth made Herzog’s film more than just a remake; it was a reinterpretation that expanded the mythology of the vampire story.

Many fans, myself included, would argue that Nosferatu the Vampyre is the superior film, at least in terms of storytelling and emotional resonance. The characters feel more fleshed out, the pacing is more consistent, and the horror is less about jump scares and more about existential dread.

Eggers’ 2024 Nosferatu: A Blend of the Old and New

Now, with Robert Eggers’ 2024 version on the horizon, many are wondering if it can top either of its predecessors. Eggers is known for his meticulous attention to historical detail and his ability to build slow-burning, atmospheric tension a style that’s perfect for a Nosferatu remake.

The trailer for Eggers’ film has already generated buzz, showcasing a return to the Gothic horror roots that made the original so iconic. The visual style, heavily influenced by German Expressionism, mirrors the shadowy and foreboding aesthetic of the 1922 film. However, unlike the original, Eggers’ remake promises to deliver more well-rounded and complex characters, a trick that Herzog’s 1979 version also pulled off successfully.

In terms of casting, Eggers’ choice of Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok has piqued a lot of interest. Known for his chilling performance as Pennywise in IT, Skarsgård is no stranger to playing terrifying creatures. Yet, it’s his ability to imbue his characters with a sense of vulnerability and sadness that makes him a perfect fit for the role. Skarsgård’s Orlok will likely bring a new dimension to the character, blending the monstrous with the melancholic, much like Kinski did in 1979.

Character Depth: A Key Ingredient for Success

One of the biggest challenges for any Nosferatu remake is making the characters feel alive and relatable. The original film, while visually stunning, often falls short in this regard. Thomas and Ellen Hutter, the film’s human protagonists, are relatively flat characters, serving more as archetypes than fully developed individuals.

Herzog’s Nosferatu the Vampyre made significant strides in this area, particularly with the character of Lucy Harker (renamed from Ellen Hutter). Herzog’s Lucy is a far more active and complex character than her 1922 counterpart. She becomes the emotional and moral core of the film, which adds a layer of tragedy to the story.

Eggers seems poised to follow Herzog’s lead in this regard. From the trailer, it’s clear that the characters in the 2024 version will have more defined personalities and motivations. Many of the supporting characters, who were little more than extras in the original, have been recast with well-known actors, hinting that they will play more significant roles in the new film.

Visuals and Atmosphere: A Return to Gothic Horror

If there’s one thing Eggers excels at, it’s atmosphere. His previous films, The Witch and The Lighthouse, are masterclasses in building tension through visuals, sound design, and slow-burn storytelling. The 2024 Nosferatu trailer suggests that Eggers will bring this same level of atmospheric dread to his latest project.

In particular, the imagery in the trailer evokes a sense of creeping terror. There’s a shot of Orlok’s clawed hand casting a shadow over an entire town a simple yet highly effective visual that encapsulates the looming threat of the vampire. Much like the 1922 original, Eggers’ film seems to rely heavily on the power of suggestion, using shadows and silhouettes to create fear, rather than relying on graphic horror.

Another standout feature is the decision to keep Count Orlok’s face hidden for most of the trailer. By focusing on his shadowy figure, the trailer builds anticipation and heightens the mystery surrounding the character. This approach mirrors the 1922 film, where the monster’s presence is felt long before he is fully revealed.

A Faithful Adaptation or a New Interpretation?

While Eggers has clearly drawn inspiration from both the original Nosferatu and Herzog’s Nosferatu the Vampyre, it’s important to note that his film will likely forge its own path. Eggers is known for his unique storytelling approach, blending historical authenticity with psychological horror.

Interestingly, one of the biggest changes in Herzog’s Nosferatu the Vampyre was the decision to make Count Orlok a more traditional Dracula figure, complete with the name change to Count Dracula. Eggers, however, seems to be sticking with the original characters and story from the 1922 version. By doing so, he may be able to offer a more faithful adaptation while still injecting his own creative flair into the narrative.

Will Eggers’ Nosferatu Eclipse Its Predecessors?

So, will Eggers’ Nosferatu be the definitive version of this iconic story? It’s hard to say. The 1922 original remains untouchable in terms of its impact on the horror genre and cinema as a whole. Herzog’s 1979 remake, meanwhile, is a poetic reimagining that deepens the emotional complexity of the characters.

Eggers’ version, with its talented cast, stunning visuals, and atmospheric dread, has the potential to stand alongside these two classics. But whether it surpasses them will depend on how successfully it balances homage with innovation. One thing is certain: Nosferatu will continue to haunt our screens and imaginations for many years to come.