Director Robert Eggers’ new Nosferatu is a long-awaited adaptation of a much-told tale that typifies much of his trademark filmmaking. It’s a relatively straight re-telling of the gothic story of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, in Eggers’ own inimitable style while at the same time feeling incredibly safe. If what you wanted from this revamp was the classic Dracula narrative feeling exactly like it was directed by Robert Eggers, that’s very much what you get.
Technically, Nosferatu is a wonder. Eggers’ films are well known for their authenticity and stunning visuals and, working again with his frequent collaborators, director of photography Jarin Blaschke and production designer Craig Lathrop, he has created a bold spectacle of 1800s Europe. The film is a grand vision, once again employing breathtaking lighting to create much of its dread: even daytime scenes feel overwhelmed by the dark shadow of the monster. The film’s sound design veers from subtle to assaulting – I absolutely recommend watching Nosferatu at the cinema with the best audio you can find to experience its cacophony.
