[Watch the review above or read it below!]

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Nosferatu, a remake of the iconic 1922 silent film (itself an unauthorised riff on Bram Stoker’s Dracula), sinks its teeth deep into gothic horror with impressive results.

Robert Eggers, the filmmaker behind The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman, delivers a gorgeously crafted, gloriously melodramatic, and deeply atmospheric take on this classic tale of vampiric dread. It’s a dark brew of obsession, desire, possession, and evil—with thematic depth if you feel like unpacking. Or, you can just enjoy it as a sumptuous period piece about a creepy vampire fixated on one unfortunate young woman.

Speaking of that unfortunate soul, Lily-Rose Depp is great here. She gives a strong, exhausting performance, with one possession scene, in particular, standing out as equal parts gruelling and mesmerising. Then there’s Bill Skarsgård, unrecognisable as Count Orlok. His turn as the vampiric menace is a complete physical and emotional transformation – amplified further by Eggers’ sly direction, relishing in keeping Orlok’s full reveal tantalisingly at bay.

Let’s not overlook the stellar supporting cast, all of whom deliver top-notch work, or, for that matter, Jarin Blaschke’s outstanding cinematography. Eggers’ trusted D.O.P. once again delivers the goods, serving up a visual feast that’s both beautiful and haunting.

There is a slight drawback with the familiarity of this tale. It’s a relatively straightforward remake, narrative-wise, and the plot can sometimes feel the weight of predictability. I found that the pacing sagged slightly in the three-quarter mark, as we wait for the inevitable showdown with the undead terror.

Still, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise high-calibre work. Nosferatu is a gothic delight—creepy, tragic, and unapologetically operatic. It takes itself seriously, but with just enough self-aware humour to keep it lively. It’s another very fine addition to the striking filmography from Robert Eggers.