Movie Review: Nosferatu

The much-anticipated remake of Nosferatu promised to bring the haunting tale of Count Orlok to a new generation of horror fans, and while it certainly excelled in some areas, it fell short of delivering true terror.

Visually, the film is stunning. The gothic sets, dramatic lighting, and moody colour palette make for a feast for the eyes. Every frame feels like a painting, drenched in atmosphere and steeped in a sense of eerie foreboding. The cast also delivers strong performances, with each actor committing to their roles in a way that adds weight to the story. The titular vampire, in particular, is portrayed with an air of menace, though it never quite reaches the chilling heights of past interpretations.

That said, as a horror movie, Nosferatu left something to be desired. Despite the impressive visuals and strong performances, the film wasn’t scary. Not even a little. The original 1922 silent classic, with its grainy black-and-white imagery and unsettling shadow play, manages to outdo this modern retelling in the chills department. There’s something about the raw simplicity of the original that this polished version just couldn’t replicate.

Adding to the disappointment was the fact that this remake seemed to pale in comparison to other Dracula adaptations. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), starring Gary Oldman, remains a high-water mark for the genre, with its rich storytelling and genuinely terrifying vampire. In comparison, the Nosferatu remake felt like a watered-down version, lacking the same intensity and impact.

And then there’s the moustache. Why did the vampire have a moustache? It was a baffling creative choice that felt out of place and detracted from the character’s menacing presence. A clean-shaven Orlok—or even one with grotesque facial features—would have been far more effective in creating unease.

Overall, Nosferatu is a visually captivating and well-acted film, but its lack of genuine scares and its failure to live up to the legacy of both its original and other vampire films left it feeling underwhelming. It’s a good movie, but not a great one—a beautiful façade that never quite sinks its teeth into the viewer.

7/10