Is 'Nosferatu' Actually As Scary As Everyone Is Saying?
While ushering in the new year with a generous dose of suspense and terror may not have been at the top of your mind, there's every reason to brace yourself for a truly chilling cinematic experience with the release of director Robert Eggers' latest film, Nosferatu.
The film is a reimagination of the 1922 silent classic, a journey into the world of vampires, obsession and the unsettling ways of the occult. Lined up is an equally spellbinding cast that includes Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgård, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emma Corrin, their performances will leave you hooked.
Intrigued? Here's everything that there is to know about Nosferatu including the plot line, reviews, cast and inspiration behind the film.
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What Is The Plot Of Nosferatu?
The official summary of the film follows as: 'A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.'
Set in the small town of Wisborg, Germany in 1838, the plot line follows a young woman named Ellen (Depp) who is tormented by unsettling nightmares and visions. Her husband Thomas is tasked with selling a remote castle to the mysterious Count Orlok. As Thomas travels to the castle and meets Orlok, strange events unfold, unveiling Ellen's disturbing connection to Orlok and a dark past she's long tried to forget.
What Is Nosferatu Based On?
Director Robert Eggers' 2024 American gothic horror film is a remake of the 1922 silent classic film, which originally drew inspiration from Bram Stoker's novel Dracula.
Who Is In The Cast Of Nosferatu?
Created with a star-studded line-up of actors, the cast of Nosferatu includes Bill Skarsgård (Count Orlok), Nicholas Hoult (Thomas Hutter), Lily-Rose Depp (Ellen Hutter), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Friedrich Harding), Emma Corrin (Anna Harding) and Willem Dafoe (Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz).
During an interview with Vanity Fair in November 2024, Depp admitted that she had felt a level of 'imposter syndrome' after landing the role of Ellen.
'Somebody asked me the other day what was the hardest part of the role, and I said, "Getting over the imposter syndrome of, like, why am I here and why do these people think that I can do this?" Getting to a place where I felt confident enough within myself to be like, "I can do this and I am here for a reason," I definitely have struggled with that,' the star opened up.
Continuing on, she stated: 'And I’m surrounded by all these amazing actors who I’ve always looked up to. I definitely was walking in being like, "Oh my God, I am so out of my depth." But you just have to be like, “You know what? I may feel this way, but I have to go to work tomorrow."'
What Are Reviews Saying About Nosferatu, And Is It Actually Scary?
The film scored an impressive 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and has been applauded for its artistry and cinematography, lining the film up to potentially to win during awards season.
On social media, the positive reaction to the film is no different.
NOSFERATU is nothing short of a miracle. An occult tapestry come to life that brings the vampire legend into the modern with astounding results. Pays tribute to the original while adding new elements that will linger with me for years to come. This is a perfect film. pic.twitter.com/cNkTvpqzsX
— Reyna Cervantes (@Jfcdoomblade) December 3, 2024
One X user stated that the film was 'perfect', while other shared similar sentiments.
Everything about this movie was so impressive. NOSFERATU is the best movie of the year. Don’t miss seeing this one in theaters…
My ★★★★★ spoiler free review on @letterboxd: https://t.co/eIxLgOx1VW pic.twitter.com/hKpI4s2bCb— 𖤐 Bri 𖤐 (@BriAnimator_) December 26, 2024
nosferatu is genuinely one of the best films i’ve seen, it’s visually stunning and all the performances are beyond amazing, the atmosphere is just perfect, pleading that yall go see it in a theater https://t.co/1G3WgPuzpr
— jade🖤 (@macher1996) January 1, 2025
As for whether the film will have you peeking through your fingers, that depends on your personal scare tolerance. As per social media, many were left with post horror film chills, while others felt as though it was a partially formed horror film.
#Nosferatu is a horror epic! This feels like the perfect culmination of Eggers career thus far. Rose-Depp delivers one of the best performances all year while Skarsgard was perfect casting in the iconic role. The movie is bleak but it is scary with tons of suspense. pic.twitter.com/uE2YzS4Zj5
— Max Dinenberg (@DinenbergMax) December 28, 2024
As the user above describes the film as a 'horror epic', others agree, while another fan calls it 'horrifying'.
NOSFERATU is next level. Wow. A beautifully horrifying exploration of human desire and autonomy oozing with dark romanticism and overwhelming dread. Old school gothic horror of the highest order. I will never be the same. Robert Eggers forever. pic.twitter.com/lf0ZZU6dUZ
— cob (@sillierdeadite) December 4, 2024
But again, the question of whether Nosferatu is actually scary or not, definitely depends on how easily (or not so easily) you scare, but going by the reviews, its jumpscares, plot lines and cinematography are most likely creepy enough to leave most people feeling fairly spooked out.
just saw nosferatu. banger 4/5 stars could’ve been scarier but still enjoyed and was very unsettled the whole time pic.twitter.com/vGd0fsjIcb
— caitlin ౨ৎ 🍉 (@D3T0XR3T0X) December 31, 2024
Is There A Trailer For Nosferatu?
Yes, you can watch the trailer for Nosferatu at the top of this article!
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