Directed by Robert Eggers, the film quickly became one of the year’s most anticipated due to Eggers’ resume and the reputation of the original, one of the first horror movies ever made back in 1922. Even with high expectations, the film delivers as both an entertaining experience and a new take on the original.

The film follows Ellen Hutter, played by Lily Rose-Depp, as she deals with the horrific Count Orlok, portrayed by Bill Skarsgard.

Robert Eggers is a director known for making his audience uncomfortable, and “Nosferatu” is no exception. The film opens with loud shrieking, immediately letting the audience know what they are in for. Disturbing imagery is also common, with shots such as Orlok stalking his victims in the darkness being prominent.

The atmosphere of the film is i^[a]mmersive. Most of the castle scenes are shot in a single take following Thomas, played by Nicholas Hoult, as he makes his way through the castle halls. These shots place the audience directly into the action, almost leading to feel as if they are in the castle. Furthermore, the director opted to use candles instead of traditional lighting, adding to the realism of the sequence.

Another highlight of the film is Bill Skarsgard’s performance as Count Orlok. Skarsgard plays Orlok as an unforgiving monster that will stop at nothing to make Ellen his bride. His raspy voice, aggressive movement and heartless personality come together to create one of the most convincing and believable antagonists in recent memory. The only downside is the lack of recognition from the industry his performance has received this awards season.

Lily Rose-Depp also delivers a strong performance as Ellen. Ellen is a character who suffers from disturbing nightmares, a trait that can come off as cheesy or unrealistic if it is not portrayed correctly. Depp rises to the challenge and portrays her perfectly as a victim haunted by a situation out of her control.

The film’s focus on expanding on the material from the original is what truly allows it to stand out. Scenes such as Orlok sneaking onto a boat and attacking its crew are extended, and characters such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Frederich Harding are given more screen time. The extended runtime allows the movie to feel different while simultaneously following the original story.

Most remakes released today, such as 2019’s “The Lion King”, tend to focus only on recreating the original movie. “Nosferatu” sets itself apart from these movies as it further develops concepts from the original movie while also offering an entertaining experience for horror fans.