Robert Eggers’Nosferatujoins an elite league of beloved adaptations, with its early Rotten Tomatoes score closely trailing F.W. Murnau’s silent masterpiece. The 2024 adaptation, set to release in U.S. theaters onChristmas Day, reimagines Murnau’s iconic 1922 silent horror classic. Starring Bill Skarsgård as the chilling Count Orlok and Lily-Rose Depp as his tormented obsession, the film follows a gothic tale of love and terror. WithNosferatu’s stellar cast, which includes Nicholas Hoult and Willem Dafoe, Eggers’ adaptation pays homage to its predecessor while incorporating the director’s signature historical authenticity and atmospheric horror.
Eggers’Nosferaturemake has debuted to critical acclaim,earning a stellar 96% onRotten Tomatoes, nearly matching the original film’s revered 97% score. This score could change as more reviews come in; at the time of writing, 51 reviews have been counted. The originalNosferatu, based loosely on Bram Stoker’s 1897 gothic novelDracula, is considered one of the most influential horror films of all time, a defining masterpiece of the silent era. Praised for its haunting imagery and groundbreaking use of shadow and light, the film’s influence continues to resonate across generations as the established foundation for modern horror cinema.
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What Nosferatu’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Means
Eggers' Nosferatu Upholds A Century-Long Horror Legacy
The glowing reception of Eggers’Nosferatunot only underscores the enduring legacy of one of cinema’s most iconic horror stories, but also highlightsEggers’ growing reputation as a master of dreamy, atmospheric and historically grounded movies. “Continuing his filmmaking journey of creating eerily atmospheric works,“Screen Rant’s Patrice Witherspoon wrote in a reviewfor the vampire film, “Nosferatu is a stunning achievement for the director.”
The folkloric director’s decision to revisitNosferatuis fitting, given his penchant for supernatural, character-driven narratives rooted in historical realism.
Murnau’s 1922 film was an unauthorized adaptation ofDraculaand introduced audiences to Count Orlok, a grotesque and nightmarish reimagining of the vampire archetype. Despite legal battles with Stoker’s estate,Nosferatusurvived and became a defining work in the horror genre, earning a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score. In 1979, Werner Herzog’sNosferatu the Vampyrereinterpreted Murnau’s work with a more humanized portrayal of the vampire and a sensual, dreamlike aesthetic. Herzog’s film, which holds a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifiedNosferatuas a rich cinematic myth that could be adapted and reimagined for different eras.
The folkloric director’s decision to revisitNosferatuis fitting, given his penchant for supernatural, character-driven narratives rooted in historical realism.Eggers' previous movies, such asThe WitchandThe Northman, explored similarly isolated, unsettling environments, emphasizing psychological tension and meticulous period detail.The Witchbrought 17th century Puritan fears of witchcraft to life, whileThe Northmanblended Norse mythology with existential dread.These elements make Eggers an ideal candidate to reinterpretNosferatu, as he combines the gothic sensibilities of Murnau’s original with his own unique storytelling style.
Our Take On Nosferatu’s Rotten Tomatoes Score
Eggers’ Vampire Is A Modern Triumph For Horror Fans
Eggers’Nosferatuearning a near-perfect score is a testament to the director’s dedication to crafting immersive and historically authentic films. His ability to modernize the eerie, gothic horror of Count Orlok while respecting the legacy of Murnau and Herzog isan achievement that few filmmakers could match. The 96% Rotten Tomatoes score signals that Eggers has struck a balance between reverence for the source material and creating something fresh for modern audiences. As the film prepares for its Christmas release, it seems poised to join the ranks of timeless adaptations, reaffirmingNosferatuas one of the most enduring and haunting tales in cinematic history.
Nosferatu
Cast
Nosferatu is a remake of the 1922 silent film of the same name from director F. W. Murnau. Robert Eggers is crafting his own version of the story for the reboot as writer and director, with Bill Skarsgård stepping into the shoes of Count Orlok. Nosferatu tells the tale of a young woman who falls victim to a vampire utterly infatuated with her.
