The holiday season is a busy time for new releases in the movie industry. Popular titles are released for families and friends to spend time in the theaters during the holidays. Films with themes of horror and the supernatural are always thrilling during this time, as they contrast the typical jolly images of Christmas. One of the most exciting films being released this season is Robert Eggers’s remake of Nosferatu.
The History of Nosferatu
Nosferatu is famous among film scholars as a silent film produced in 1922 by German director F. W. Murnau. Murnau was considered one of the most influential silent film creators of the time, and Nosferatu was on top of the list. The plot is very similar to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, so much so that the producers changed some details to avoid copyright infringement with Stoker’s estate.
The original tale of Nosferatu follows businessman Thomas Hutter, who is employed by a strange individual named Count Orlok to settle a real estate deal. However, during the course of the film, Hutter finds out his client is an undead vampire with an unhealthy obsession with Hutter’s wife, Ellen.
The New Edition of Nosferatu
While Nosferatu has been remade several times, it never seems to have risen to the popularity level of Dracula. However, the buzz for the new film releasing this Christmas has been quite positive. So far, the critics are giving the movie a 93 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. The Guardian is praising the film, saying:
This is an elaborate, detailed love letter to the original, intelligently respectful and faithful.
Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
With a brilliant cast and production crew, how can this film not be good? Director Robert Eggers is building a legendary filmography with his spooky hits, The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman. Count Orlok is played by none other than Bill Skarsgård, known for his nightmare-inducing role as Pennywise in the 2017 rendition of Stephen King’s It. The role of Thomas Hutter goes to Nicholas Hoult, who has been featured in X-Men: First Class, The Menu, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Warm Bodies. The illustrious Willem Dafoe (Spider-Man, Finding Nemo, American Psycho) plays Professor Albin Eberhart von Franz. Finally, rising star Lily-Rose Depp takes the role of Ellen Hutter, the beautiful object of obsession for Count Orlok.
This is sure to be a hit and a new favorite for horror movie fans. Don’t miss your chance to catch it on the big screen. The release date is set for December 25, 2024 — Christmas Day.
To read a bit more about the connection between Dracula and Nosferatu, check out our article, Bite Into This Thrilling List of Immortal Dracula Depictions!
Craving some tales about vampires? Check out our Bookshop bookshelf for some fang-tastic book recs: Vampire and Werewolf Books to Sink Your Teeth Into!
