By Hannan Zeyde

Horror is not a genre for everyone, but, for some people like myself, horror comes with a thrill that you just can’t find in other genres. I like the creepy, captivating feelings that come with it– minus the jump scares. So I was looking forward to the brand new adaptation of the 1922 classic Nosferatu released in the U.S. on Christmas Day 2024. Nosferatu is a classic German horror film directed by F.W. Murnau. Its story follows the vampire Count Orlok and is known for being one of the earliest vampire films alongside Dracula. 

In the 2024 adaptation directed by Robert Eggers, the film brings similar qualities to it as the original.  A few changes have been made, however, which show the film’s growth. For example, obviously it’s no longer a silent film, though it’s still not as chatty as your average film today. The film is very intriguing, in my opinion. The director does a good job of creating a gothic atmosphere with its mise-en-scène like the dark lighting and vast landscape  that enhances the ominous feel of the film. The film also does a good job of applying psychological horror to the story with its unnatural movements and the film’s ability to make you feel the characters fall into a madness leaving a sense of unease. 

Local film buff Gabby Harrison ‘25 shares her opinion on how “the beautiful cinematography” failed to make up for the film’s other shortcomings. 

“Over the break, I went to see Nosferatu, and it was one of my highest anticipated films of the year, but after I watched it I was left unimpressed,” Gabby said. “From all I was hearing about it I felt it could’ve been more, but I still liked the cinematography”

Kira Taylor ‘25 seemed to feel differently about the film, though. 

“I really liked [the 2024] Nosferatu and thought it was cool,” Kira said. “I really like that director since I have also watched The Lighthouse, and I like how he makes things very atmospheric– like, it [his movies] really engages you and immerses you and puts you in whatever kind of world he is trying to put you in.” 

Nosferatu does a good job at engaging the audience, putting you on the edge of your seat. It doesn’t captivate the audience by jump scares but with the eeriness and slow burn the story brings. 

“This time in Nosferatu I was completely encaptured and it was a great experience,” Kira said. “I also loved the pacing and felt like it didn’t drag.”