Nosferatu

REVIEW:

Nosferatu (2025) – A Masterpiece of Gothic Horror

This is the first movie I have watched in 2025, and it was phenomenal. Nosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers, is a hauntingly beautiful remake of the 1922 silent classic. I am ashamed to admit that I have not seen the original film, so I walked into the cinema with no preconceptions about the type of horror or the story that awaited me. That blind experience made this chilling tale all the more gripping.

Horror movies are usually a hit-or-miss genre for me, as very few succeed in genuinely scaring me. However, Nosferatu shattered my expectations, keeping me on edge and gripping the arms of my chair throughout its runtime. It delivered terror not through excessive gore or an overload of jump scares but by masterfully building an atmosphere of dread. I jumped out of my skin on more than one occasion, proof of how effective the film’s horror elements were.

One of Nosferatu’s greatest strengths lies in its dark, eerie atmosphere. From the opening frames, the movie plunges the audience into a shadowy world that feels oppressive and sinister. Eggers has a knack for crafting tension, and here, he has honed that skill to perfection. The Gothic aesthetic is so immersive that I felt transported back to the 1800s, with every cobblestone street and flickering candlelight meticulously rendered.

This film is clearly a dream project for Robert Eggers, and his passion for the material shines through in every frame. His attention to detail is remarkable, from the period-accurate costumes to the stunning set designs that evoke a decaying, otherworldly elegance. Every scene feels carefully composed to heighten the sense of unease, and the result is a horror film that feels both timeless and fresh.

The performances are outstanding across the board. Nicholas Hoult and Lily-Rose Depp deliver captivating performances, while Willem Dafoe brings his signature intensity to his role. Yet, it is Bill Skarsgård who steals the show as Count Orlok. His transformation is extraordinary—his eerie design, coupled with a chillingly menacing voice, sent shivers down my spine. Skarsgård’s portrayal cements Count Orlok as one of the most terrifying figures in modern horror.

If there’s one minor flaw, it’s that the movie loses some momentum in the second act. The pacing slows slightly, but this brief lull is quickly rectified by a nail-biting final act that brings the story to a thrilling conclusion. This slight dip in energy does little to detract from the film’s overall quality, as it maintains its grip on the audience’s attention.

Nosferatu is a different breed of horror—one that leans heavily into psychological dread and atmospheric tension. I urge everyone to experience this film in the cinema, where its haunting visuals and sound design can be fully appreciated. I cannot wait to watch it again and immerse myself once more in this beautifully crafted nightmare.