You have to have some cajones to make a Nosferatu film in 2024. This isn’t Interview with a Vampire or some other vampire tale that has its fans but is generally not cemented in film history; this is Nosferatu. Robert Eggers knows he is making a film that will be compared to the F.W. Murnau original and the Werner Herzog remake. He’s forcing himself into the same conversation as these undisputed masters. But will this end well for him?

We’ve heard a few murmurs from test screenings already suggesting the film might be more divisive than previous films like The Lighthouse; like his last film, The Northman, this could be the sort of film which has impassioned fans but generally leaves mainstream audiences untouched. Yet, it’s hard not to get excited about this one. Eggers is one of the most impressive modern talents; all his films are worth watching.

In case you’ve never heard of Nosferatu before, here’s a quick synopsis. It’s a gothic tale of obsession set in 19th-century Germany, intertwining the lives of a haunted young woman and a menacing Transylvanian vampire. Drawing inspiration from Murnau’s iconic 1922 film and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Eggers promises a fresh perspective on this classic horror narrative. The director’s vision aims to portray a more folkloric version of the vampire, offering audiences a unique take on the undead nobleman.

The film boasts a star-studded cast, with Bill Skarsgård taking on the role of the vampiric antagonist. Lily-Rose Depp steps into the shoes of Ellen Hutter, the woman at the heart of Orlok’s terrifying pursuit, while Nicholas Hoult plays Thomas Hutter. The film also features performances by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Simon McBurney, Ralph Ineson, and Willem Dafoe, adding depth and versatility to the ensemble. That’s an impressive cast.

Production of “Nosferatu” took place in Prague, providing an authentic Old World backdrop for this vampire tale. The shooting commenced in March 2023 and concluded in late May of the same year. Will this setting provide the right gothic ambience for the legend?

Eggers’ commitment to historical accuracy has always been his trademark across all his films, so expect that here. His previous works have been critically acclaimed for their atmospheric depth and commitment to historical accuracy. While it’s not a simple retelling of a classic tale, its biggest threat will be comparisons. If the film is weak or lacks that spellbinding quality, it’ll be easy to get a negative narrative going. How will Bill Skarsgård be as entrancing as Klaus Kinski? With a release date coinciding with the holiday season, it’s poised to offer a chilling counterpoint to traditional festive cheer.

Release Date: December 25, 2024

Will It Be Any Good?

Eggers has three films under his belt and three great films at that. Was The Northman a disappointment on a commercial level? Yes, but on an artistic level, it was a huge success. There’s not really any reason to suspect this film will be bad. It only has two hurdles to hop over. 

1. Will the anticipation of the film crush it?
2. How will it compare to other versions?

As long as audiences are on board with the idea and it doesn’t steer too closely to the originals, I can’t see it capsizing.

Will It Be Worth Watching? Yes