Why Nosferatu is the Must-See Remake of the Year

Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is the visionary reimagining of an iconic classic we didn’t know we needed in 2025. If you still haven’t seen it, here’s a list of reasons why you should.


17/01/2025

By Rebecca Ceccatelli. Cover image by Iulia Ecaterina Paraschiv.

Nosferatu is back again. It’s impossible to ignore the true Renaissance that the horror genre has experienced in the past century. At the same time, we should ask ourselves how far we are really pushing the boundaries of the term horror. Spiritual possessions, exorcisms where poor rural priests must face a demon every day armed with sacred texts, vampires who have attended the same city high schools for centuries without anyone noticing, and stories of girls who move from Arizona to their father’s town and fall in love with them.
The horror element has increasingly shifted toward horror-themed content but fails to evoke genuine fear, leaving us with countless examples of films labelled as “horror,” where the only thing we look forward to is the closing credits, waiting for a sigh of relief from that experience.
What has happened to the historical context of storytelling? Where are the intricate details that, while not directly advancing the plot, still manage to create a profound sense of unease?
Robert Eggers, with his passionate embrace of Gothic nostalgia, finally brings a fresh vision to the screen. His highly anticipated folk Gothic nightmare, “Nosferatu,” has the potential to stand out among contemporary works. Let’s finally allow him the opportunity to address the long-neglected realm of Gothic horror in cinema, a masterful genre in its own right.
Here’s a list of compelling reasons why you should get up from your chair and head to the theatre in the coming days if you haven’t already done so. Let’s reclaim the magic of storytelling!

@sevendipity95 this is my favorite vampire movie now #nosferatu #nosferatuedit #lilyrosedepp #billskarsgård #roberteggers #vampire ♬ original sound – J⋆。˚♡

The Harsh Task of Remaking a Master: A Job for Another Master

Having Eggers’ name attached to a movie is certainly a good face card. This is especially true as he continues to prove himself worthy of this reputation. After his successful debuts with The Witch (2015) and The Lighthouse (2019), expectations were high for his comeback to cinema following the announcement of his remake of the century-old Nosferatu by F.W. Murnau.
Eggers revitalises horror cinema by returning to a more classic dimension while also considering current times and audience expectations. He embraces gothic atmospheres, and the horror elements he employs are not created from scratch. Instead, they follow a framework established by previous versions of the film, which are impossible to surpass or forget about.
Nosferatu speaks its own language. First and foremost, its coherence stems from the foundations laid by Bram Stroker’s Dracula in 1897. Murnau understood the importance of being true to the original novel, which is clear from his failed attempts to claim that his film was not at all inspired by Dracula. These assertions led to legal issues and resulted in many copies of the film being destroyed. Fortunately, one has survived and is available to us today.
However, today, there’s a new opportunity to create a remake without facing immediate accusations of plagiarism. This is possible through the development of a distinct personal style. Although the story may be the same, approach to telling it can be entirely different.

@thefilmscritic [dir. Robert Eggers] Name your favourite(s) #thewitch #thevvitch #anyataylorjoy #thelighthouse #robertpattinson #willemdafoe #thenorthman #alexanderskarsgård #nosferatu #billskarsgård #lilyrosedepp #nicholashoult #aarontaylorjohnson #emmacorrin #roberteggers #thefilmscritic #fyp #fyppp ♬ original sound – The Films Critic

The Colours of a Horror Fable: Eggers’ Signature

In our discussion about the proper grammar of filmmaking, it’s clear that Eggers pays meticulous attention to detail. He incorporates specific camera movements, colours and soundtracks that pay homage to classic masters of cinema. However, his true talent lies in his ability to build immersive worlds, which is something that cannot be easily replicated. Obsessively detailed backdrops serve as a stage for the characters, highlighting the inevitable struggle between shadows and light. The shadows seem to threaten the figures, while the light rescues them from oblivion in key moments. This ongoing battle evokes a profound sense of melancholy and sadness.
The film’s photography alternates between stark, cold images and warm, yellow-tinted scenes, which help convey the emotional tone of each shot. Even in moments filled with candlelight that evoke a hellish atmosphere—such as in the Knock’s scene, without revealing any spoilers—the overall environment of the film is consistently perceived as cold and unwelcoming.
Silhouettes also play a crucial role in conveying the essence of the characters they represent. One of the most striking and nostalgic moments occurs when Count Orlok’s hand is projected over Wisburg as he brings the plague.
Several elements contribute to the overall sense of dread. It’s not just the storyline; it’s also the anticipation of something impending, the characters’ voices building expectations, and the 1800s atmosphere filled with folk beliefs and rituals. While the jump scares remain consistent, they don’t necessarily provoke a visceral reaction. Instead, they serve a precise narrative function, becoming a distinctive stylistic hallmark of the film.

@iratofilm happy new year! [sc flazzescenes] #lucyharker #nosferatuthevampyre #nosferatuthevampyre1979 #isabelleadjani #isabelleadjaniedit #nosferatuedit #edit #foryou @sher ⋆。˚ @evie✩ @fingerface @bonjivia @Joshua Rosfield ♬ original sound – e *:・゚✧

A Cinematic Tribute to Horror Classics Through Quotation

As previously mentioned, Eggers’ connection to the work of Murnau, as well as filmmakers like Werner Herzog or Francis Ford Coppola, was not only necessary but also inevitable. When cinematic greats have already paved the way, paying homage becomes unavoidable. Certain stylistic choices have become so ingrained in cinematic language that straying too far from them would be an admission of inferiority.
The castle scenes were filmed at Pernstejn Castle in the Czech Republic, the same location used for Herzog’s Nosferatu of 1979. The exteriors of Orlok’s castle were shot at Hunedoara Castle in Romania, where the real Vlad Dracula was imprisoned for a while. The colour tints in certain scenes are reminiscent of Murnau’s version, and the phrase that Knock utters while holding a pigeon—“the blood is the life”—comes directly from Murnau’s version of the film, which itself draws from Stroker’s novel. Likewise, elements from Coppola’s adaptation resonate in several scenes.
At the same time, Eggers enriches this path with his unique touch, contributing to the language of cinema and incorporating folk imagery that distinguishes his work in the field.

@cinnalexz quitenle el hear me out cake a ellen, btw this is obviously a joke #nosferatu #fyp #cine #letterboxd #CapCut #xyzcba #humor ♬ original sound – ☆☆

A New Face for Nosferatu: the Most Accurate Version Yet

Count Orlok, often described as having “one foot in the grave,” takes on a new form in Eggers’ adaptation. His Nosferatu sets itself apart from previous interpretations by staying true to Bram Stoker’s depiction of Count Dracula. As a result, it is both the most authentic version of the character and the most challenging to portray because of his non-cinematic face.
However, it is precisely this departure from traditional representations that makes his character resonate so effectively.
Eggers’ work is characterised by subtraction; the vampire’s teeth are never shown, a deliberate omission that creates an unsettling atmosphere. Additionally, the presence of a moustache on Orlok—a detail not previously seen—highlights a theme of addiction. This element has been criticised and mocked, yet it directly references the original novel, specifically the author’s first description of the monster.
The rendition of the Count is another crucial aspect. His presence is felt physically; every breath he takes is accompanied by an echoing wind from outside, as if the natural surroundings of the castle are breathing with him. His breath is laboured, making the environment oppressive: you want to escape, yet everything around serves as a reminder of the Count, creating a sense of inescapability. The only sound effect that contributes to the horror is the wind, which becomes symbolic of his power.
Within the castle, the Count also seems to control the movements of the space itself, manipulating the set pieces like pawns on a chessboard. He dominates the environment with an invisible force, leading Thomas to be tele-transported from one room to another without even realising it, intensifying the tension.

@cinema.seminar Count Orlock voice reveal. #nosferatu2024 #movies #movieclips #fyp ♬ original sound – Trist

Wardrobe Design as an Act of Knowing Deep History and Characters

One of the reasons for the success of Nosferatu is likely the work of Linda Miur. As the costume designer for the film and a key collaborator with Robert Eggers on his latest projects, Linda describes the extraordinary work she has done for Nosferatu as a “fantastic combination of horror films, historical dramas and otherworldly characters”.
With her work, she completely embodies the gothic atmosphere of the 1830s. The historical accuracy is impressive, not only respecting the time factor but also the social strata of the characters. Count Orlok, a nobleman from the 1500s, wears clothing that is far more luxurious than the simple coat we typically associate with vampires. His attire reflects his elevated status, offering a more complex and opulent portrayal than one might expect.
Dressing Ellen (played by Lily-Rose Depp) involved blending ethereal elements with a touch of hysteria, with lilac emerging as a recurring motif throughout the entire film. Orlok has a vivid memory associated with lilacs; he can smell them whenever he comes into contact with Ellen’s hair. Additionally, Ellen often re-wears the same outfits, reflecting her social status.
Among the most iconic elements in the film are the cuffs worn by female characters, designed using techniques from the historical period. All costume designs are inspired by studies of German fashion, spanning from the Regency to the Victorian age.

@norafawn

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