How Scary is ‘Nosferatu’? An in-Depth Look at the Classic Horror Film
The 1922 classic is reimagined in Robert Eggers’ ‘Nosferatu’, which offers a gothic horror that deviates greatly from conventional vampire stories. The film is an unsettling exploration of one of the most significant vampire tales in history while being rated R for violence, nudity, and graphic material. Although many would think about taking their family to see it, this film is not appropriate for young audiences because it is more of an artistic work than a typical horror film. Nosferatu offers a view of vampires that differs from the lovable, sexy monsters of contemporary pop culture by pushing the limits of gore, eroticism, and darkness.
The focus of the film is Ellen, played by Lily-Rose Depp, whose viewpoint adds a novel element to the narrative. Bill Skarsgård’s Count Orlok is a hideous, rotting creature that heavily draws from the horror of early vampire folklore, rather than the usual handsome vampire.
Image Courtesy: People
‘Nosferatu’ is shown as more of a corpse than a monster, which goes against accepted ideas of vampirism. By delving deeply into the horrifying portrayal of vampires in ancient stories—beings “engorged with blood” and “decaying” rather than seductive—Eggers aimed to make the movie as scary as possible.
The way Skarsgård transforms into Nosferatu is both amazing and horrifying, demonstrating his dedication to creating a monster that is truly terrifying. Rats, which are directly related to Nosferatu’s entrance and the spread of illness in the town, are also used extensively in the movie. The usage of these actual rats throughout the movie heightens the unsettling images and adds another level of discomfort.
Using tradition as inspiration, Eggers created a vampire that was pure death—unable to survive in the sun but driven by an insatiable need. The film uses Ellen’s contrasted innocence to heighten the horror as it depicts a complex interplay between want and fear. As a result, Nosferatu is a profoundly frightening yet intriguing film that is visually unnerving but artistically captivating.
–Farheen Ali
