More than 100 years ago, F.W. Murnau released his unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Nosferatu, making cinema history. The German Expressionist horror movie has become one of the most influential films of all time. Robert Eggers, known for The Witch and The Lighthouse, is set to give us another chilling take on this classic.

A Modern Take on a Gothic Classic

Eggers’ Nosferatu is described as a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake. Lily-Rose Depp stars as Ellen Hutter, plagued by visions of a great evil. Willem Dafoe plays Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz, trying to uncover what torments her. Ellen becomes the latest obsession and target of Count Orlok, played by Bill Skarsgård.

The trailer demonstrates how Eggers’ film delves into Orlok’s presence, setting off slow-burn hysteria that shakes people’s beliefs and faith. It includes disturbing imagery such as rats overtaking streets and crazed individuals.

A Stellar Cast with Depth

Eggers assembled an impressive cast with Nicholas Hoult playing Thomas Hutter, who travels to Transylvania to visit Count Orlok and brings him back home. Ellen’s nightmarish scenes are intensified by Hoult’s presence as her husband, unwittingly enabling Orlok’s reach.

Willem Dafoe’s involvement adds a layer of depth due to his previous portrayal related to Nosferatu. In 2000, he starred in Shadow of the Vampire, a fictionalized account of making the 1922 classic. Dafoe stated, I just love working with Robert Eggers…I think it’s a very good movie…He’s a great filmmaker, and I enjoy his company.

The Legacy Continues

Eggers doesn’t shy away from honoring Werner Herzog’s 1979 remake while instilling his unique dark vision. The cast and crew aim to bring an intensified experience that not only pays homage but also elevates the story into modern horror aesthetics.

An Anticipated Release

With its December 25 release date, Eggers’ Nosferatu will be dissected by critics and fans alike. Whether it stands up to Murnau’s original or Herzog’s version remains to be seen, but given Eggers’ previous work, it promises to be an intense ride.