In the annals of cinematic history, few characters have been as frequently revisited as Dracula. From countless remakes to spin-offs, Bram Stoker's iconic vampire has graced screens in various forms. However, F. W. Murnau’s 1922 film Nosferatu, a German expressionist masterpiece, stands out for its unique interpretation. Robert Eggers, known for his eerie films like The Witch and The Lighthouse, takes on this monumental challenge with his latest adaptation. Unlike other directors who might offer a fresh take on Dracula, Eggers delves into the heart of Murnau’s original vision, presenting a darker, more primal version of the vampire legend. His approach is not just a retelling but a profound reimagining that plunges viewers into an unsettling world of shadows and fear.

Embracing the Shadows: Eggers' Visionary Approach

Eggers’ adaptation is characterized by its relentless darkness and oppressive atmosphere. The director creates a world where Count Orlok (played by Bill Skarsgård) is barely visible, often shrouded in shadow. This deliberate obfuscation aims to recapture the ancient, arcane terror of the vampire, making him truly unsettling after a century of cinematic depictions. The film maintains a nightmarish ambiance throughout, with Skarsgård’s frightening makeup kept hidden for much of the runtime. Eggers’ choice to keep Orlok in constant shadow serves to heighten the sense of dread, emphasizing the character’s monstrous nature rather than any seductive charm.

The story follows Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult), a real-estate agent who travels to the Carpathian Mountains to finalize a property deal with Count Orlok. Upon arrival, Hutter encounters the peculiar aristocrat, whose cryptic hints about his connection to Hutter’s wife Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) set the stage for a chilling narrative. Ellen, prone to spells of psychosis, becomes increasingly entangled in Orlok’s dark influence. Her erratic behavior and psychic link to the Count add a layer of complexity to the story, transforming it from a tale of dark seduction to one of primal fear. Eggers masterfully builds tension through these elements, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.

Redefining Characters: Ellen's Haunting Transformation

In Eggers’ rendition, Ellen emerges as a pivotal figure, her role evolving beyond the traditional damsel in distress. Her frightening behavior begins to resemble demonic possession, challenging the perceptions of those around her. Initially dismissed as hysterical by the men in her life, including her husband and nobleman Friedrich Harding (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), Ellen’s mysterious connection to Orlok becomes more menacingly intimate as the film progresses. Lily-Rose Depp’s performance is both wild and disturbing, bringing a raw intensity to the character that resonates deeply with the film’s themes.

Eggers uses Ellen’s transformation to explore the themes of seduction and sexuality, contrasting them with the chaste, Christian virtues of her adversaries. With Orlok portrayed as an imposingly unsightly figure, Ellen serves as the conduit for this exploration, making for one of Eggers’ boldest gambles with the source material. Her fits of delirium and uninhibited rage unsettle high society, adding a layer of psychological depth to the narrative. The film’s portrayal of Ellen’s relationship with Orlok highlights the director’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the classic vampire tale. Despite occasional lapses into tedium, Eggers succeeds in evoking a profound sense of fear, proving once again his mastery of the genre.