One of the most frightening and compelling films directed by Robert Eggers which has more terror than what audiences might expect. Nosferatu is a dazzling sensation where horror meets its maker. During the Christmas holiday season, Nosferatu is a folk-tale portrait that will be remembered for ages. With Gothic moments of grandeur found in an environment with purpose—Nosferatu weaves its elements of darkness vividly. There are frequent moments which go awry which lead to one harsh awakening in Nosferatu.

The film takes place in the late 1800s and was filmed around Romania, the Czech Republic, and Canada. Many of the castle scenes are from the region surrounding Romania and the scenery and cinematography are the perfect environment for scares. The film is centered around a young woman who has the elements of a vampire soaked inside of her. The victim is Ellen Hutter (played by Lily-Rose Depp), and her husband is Thomas Hutter (played by Nicholas Hoult). The cause of the disease is perilous and monstrous. Their friends, Friedrich Harding (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Anna Harding (played by Emma Corrin) try to be of help, but it is not of much use. The horrid and detrimental factors only worsen which calls for a doctor who is an expert to find ways to tackle the disease. His name is Dr. Wilhelm Sievers (played by Willem Dafoe). The vampire effects may continue to strengthen, but how long will it take to fight them off before they become deadly?

The direction combining a story of both fantasy and horror delivers in Nosferatu. The tones of evil and respect centered around a plague remove typical boundaries leaving not just Ellen at risk. While political factors play a role, there is layer of frustration where the volume of suspense increases. Eggers develops a characterization of loyalty that may have deadly consequences.

Nosferatu continues to be inspired by its tragedies that help define its greatness. The exploration of the impact of a disease in a time of limited resources, but plenty of politics and connections. Depp, Hoult, and Dafoe turn in dynamic performances. Their characters being deal with life or death which creates tensions to tango with. Time is of the essence in Nosferatu.

As the scary moments multiply, Nosferatu may be one of the most perilous and historic films of the year.  The cinematography contains layers of lighting, eerie colors, and the many technological factors which blend well together for a memorable effect. Nosferatu is treacherous in nature. It is not a pleasant experience, but it is engrossing. It is a brutal and chilling ride causing fear to run through the audience’s bones.

In comparison, the older version (from 1922) came to my mindbecause it was also viewed as very creepy back then. Eggers takes the creepiness factor up a notch. He brings in all the important evidence to consider in Nosferatu. He utilizes his skills and class to make Nosferatu enthralling. The alternating layers of terror in Nosferatu thrive. The terrors of Christmas among the scenery of Romanian castles is the ultimate holiday ride of a vampire waiting to rise. The monster hiding is one cinematic champion. Four out of four stars for Nosferatu.