Nosferatu

Nosferatu is a gothic horror film written and directed by Robert Eggers. It is a remake of F.W. Murnau's 1922 film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror and the second remake of that film following Werner Herzog's 1979 film Nosferatu the Vampyre. Like those films, it is loosely adapted from Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula. It was released on December 25, 2024.

Synopsis[]

A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman in 19th century Germany and the ancient Transylvanian vampire who stalks her, bringing untold horror with him.

Plot[]

In a country manor house, young Ellen tearfully prays for a guardian angel or spirit to hear her call and come to her. A voice replies in an unfamiliar language, telling her that she is not for the living or humankind and asking her if she will swear to be the one with it eternally. She swears that she will and follows the voice outside, laying down in the garden. She begins to feel blissful pleasure, but soon screams in fear and agony as a horrific creature grabs her by her throat.

Several years later in 1838, Ellen awakes one morning and calls out for her new husband, Thomas Hutter. He is dressing himself for work and asks her what is troubling her. She tells him that nothing is wrong and tries to tell him of a dream she had, but he hugs her and assures her that there is nothing to fear. She laments that their honeymoon was too short and attempts to seduce him, but he tells her that he cannot stay despite wishing that he could. Their cat Greta leaps onto the bed and Thomas tells Ellen not to let her do so, for his clothes will be covered in cat hair. He then declares that he must be off and once he leaves Ellen states that he has the position already and will be sent away.

Thomas makes his way through the streets of Wisburg until he reaches his place of work, Knock & Assoc. Estate Agents. A disapproving clerk tells him that he has kept their employer, Herr Knock, waiting a quarter hour. Thomas enters Knock's office and apologises for his lateness, to which Knock replies that it is providence. Knock congratulates Thomas on his recent nuptials and tells him that he has been corresponding with a foreign count who wishes to purchase a home in Wisburg. Thomas offers to escort the count and recommend properties to him, but Knock states that he has already chosen Grünewald Manor. Thomas knows it to be a ruin, but Knock states that the count has requested an old home and will pay handsomely for it.

Thomas offers to meet with the count the following morning, but Knock informs him that the count has not yet travelled to Wisburg and that Thomas must travel to his homeland of Transylvania. Knock promises that it will be a great adventure for Thomas, who asks if the count can execute the deed when he arrives in Wisburg. Knock tells him that the count is insistent that an agent be sent to visit him, assuring Thomas that if he carries out the task he will secure his official position in the firm. Thomas agrees, stating that he will not disappoint. He asks for the count's name and Knock replies that it is "Orlok".

Thomas returns home in the pouring rain, picking a bouquet of lilacs for Ellen as he goes. He gives them to her upon his arrival, telling her that he will be leaving on a six-week journey and that their friend Friedrich Harding has generously agreed to keep her at his home until he returns. Ellen grows upset at him for killing the beautiful flowers and orders him to throw them out. He asks her what is wrong and she warns him that he cannot leave. She tells him of the dream she had the previous night, despite him advising her that they must put such fancies behind them.

Ellen tells him that she dreamt of their wedding, yet it took place outdoors on a stormy day. When she reached the altar, her groom was not Thomas, but Death. They exchanged vows and all of the attendants, including her father, died. Despite the horrific sight and the foul stench of their bodies, she had never been so happy. She cries and he holds her close, urging her never to speak such things aloud, but she insists that it portends something horrible for them. He tells her that when he returns he will make something of himself, buy her a fine house with a maidservant and give her all that she deserves. She replies that they do not need such things urges him not to go.

Later that evening, they travel by coach to Harding's home. Thomas drinks brandy and smokes cigars with Friedrich while Ellen plays with his daughters Clara and Louise under the watchful eye of their mother Anna, her best friend. Thomas tells Friedrich that he envies him and that he has truly taken his father's place. Friedrich replies that the responsibilities of running the shipyard are crushing, despite the high wages. He informs Thomas that Anna is pregnant and Thomas congratulates him. Friedrich asks when he and Ellen will have a child and Thomas replies that they will do so once their financial situation improves. He promises to pay Friedrich back the money he owes him once he returns, but Friedrich refuses hear another word about it. Thomas asks him to take care of Ellen while he is gone, as he fears her past melancholy will return.

Anna informs the children that it is their bedtime and they fearfully beg not to be sent to bed, declaring that there is a monster in their room. Friedrich and Anna prepare to put their girls to bed, promising to stay with them until they fall asleep. Once they are alone, Thomas asks Ellen to forgive him and she assures him that she has put her fancies behind her before they kiss passionately on the floor of the drawing room. As Thomas sleeps later that night, Ellen cuts off a lock of her hair and places it inside her locket. In his office, Knock performs a ritual in which he writes a contract in his own blood.

The next morning, Thomas prepares to leave. Ellen tells him that she is proud of him and urges him to keep safe, prompting him to ask if she has so little faith in him. She gives him the locket, telling him that it is a show of her utmost faith, and urges him to write to her every day, which he promises to do. He assures her that he travels for all of them and bids farewell to her and the Hardings. He tells her that he loves her and kisses her goodbye before mounting his horse and riding away from Wisburg.

Several weeks later, Thomas reaches Transylvania. He arrives at an inn and finds a crowd of gypsies gathered outside it, playing music and dancing. He gives his horse to one to be taken to the stable and a crowd of them surround him as he approaches the inn. Once their song has finished, their leader laughs at him and the others join in, which confuses him. The innkeeper emerges and orders the gypsies to leave before telling Thomas that he brings trouble with him. Thomas tells him that he only wishes to stay for one night before continuing on to Castle Orlok. The innkeeper orders him not to speak that name and the gypsy leader tells him to return to his home country. The innkeeper tells Thomas to leave, but he promises to pay double the board.

Later that night, Thomas enters the inn's tavern and the tenants view him with suspision. An elderly woman leads him to his room and urges him not to go to Orlok's castle before handing him a wooden cross pendant and telling him to pray. Later in the night, Thomas is woken by noises coming from outside the inn. He ventures out and sees the gypsies travelling into the wood with a nude young woman on horseback. An old woman prays to God to bless the virgin and guide the stallion to the unclean spirit. Thomas follows them until they reach a grave. They exhume the corpse, which they believe to be a vampire, and the old woman urges them to look for a tail and cloven hooves. Their leader drives an iron stake through the corpse, causing it to spit out a torrent of blood. Thomas shouts at them to stop, drawing their attention to him.

The next morning, Thomas awakes in his room at the inn, his boots caked with fresh mud. He leaves the inn and discovers that the gypsies have left and stolen his horse. He makes his way to the Árnyék Pass on foot, passing a wooden shrine before crossing a bridge. Later that night, he reaches a crossroads and is approached by a carriage pulled by four black horses, with no coachman visible. The carriage's door opens as if by magic and Thomas climbs aboard. The carriage continues on towards Castle Orlok, with three huge black wolves chasing after it.

Once the carriage reaches the castle, Thomas exits and approaches a large set of double doors. He raises his fist to knock, but like the door of the carriage they open by themselves. He sees the shadowy figure of Count Orlok standing beyond an archway ahead of him and bows. Orlok turns and walks away and Thomas follows him inside. Orlok leads Thomas up a stairway, telling him that he is late, the midnight hour has passed and his attendants have all retired. Thomas aplogises for his lateness and Orlok leads him into the great hall, where the table is set for a feast. Orlok orders Thomas to lay out the deed and sit. Thomas asks if he wishes to wait until morning and Orlok urges him to do as he requests, insisting that Thomas address him as "my Lord".

As he sits, Thomas is disturbed by Orlok's sinister demeanor, deep, guttural voice and raspy breathing. The count moves with unnatural speed, suddenly appearing behind Thomas and pouring him wine, which he orders him to drink. As Orlok sits at the head of the table and reads the documents, Thomas asks him about what he saw the gypsies doing the previous night and Orlok calls it a "filthy ritual", telling Thomas that such superstitions may appear backward to one as educated as himself. As Thomas continues to ask questions, Orlok grows angry and orders him not to speak of it again.

Orlok tells Thomas that he looks forward to retiring to a city of a modern mind where the inhibitants do not believe in such morbid fairy tales. He orders Thomas to eat and as he begins to ask him about his marriage, Thomas accidentally cuts his thumb with a bread knife. Orlok urges him to take heed what he does, but Thomas insists that it is nothing. Orlok offers to ease his wound and invites him to sit by the fire. He does so, but notices a statue beside the fireplace turn its head and look at him. Shocked, he turns and sees Orlok approaching him and becomes consumed with utter terror.

The next morning in Wisburg, Ellen and Anna walk by the sea with Clara and Louise in tow. Ellen asks Anna if she ever feels as though she were not a person, but that someone or something had the power to breath life into her and move her. Anna is confused and Ellen elaborates that there may be something at play that cannot be explained. Anna thinks she is speaking of God, but Ellen asks her if she ever feels as though the sky or the sea are calling to her, calling it destiny. Anna calls her a sweet romantic and Ellen assures her that she is not mad, apologising for speaking in such a childish fashion. Anna replies that her words spring from her honest heart, which Ellen states is lost without Thomas.

In Castle Orlok, Thomas wakes face down on the floor in front of the fireplace. He looks around, but Orlok is nowhere to be seen. He calls out for him, but receives no reply. He explores the castle, but finds it deserted. He enters the bedchamber that has been prepared for him and takes a mirror. Pulling open his shirt, he finds two strange marks on his chest. He then notices several live rats on the floor, which causes him to drop the mirror in fright, breaking it.

Night falls and Thomas meets with the count again. Orlok signs the contract and places his wax seal upon it. He presents it to Thomas to do the same, for which Thomas apologises for his carelessness. He sees that it is written in a unfamiliar text, which Orlok states to be the language of his forefathers. Orlok notices the locket and asks if it is a token from his bride, which Thomas confirms. Orlok then asks to see it and Thomas reluctantly gives it to him. As Orlok examines it, Thomas asks if he may post letters to her and Orlok sniffs it, commenting in his mother tongue that it smells of lilac. He tells Thomas that he is fortunate in his love and instructs him to sign the contract. Orlok then opens a small chest overflowing with gold coins, taking a small sack of them and placing it in front of Thomas.

Thomas signs the contract and Orlok comments that they are now neighbors. Thomas declares it his good fortune, but asks Orlok why he wanted such an antique residence as Grünewald Manor. Orlok avoids the question and Thomas thanks him and congraulates him on his new home. Orlok offers him the chance to retire, but Thomas states that he wishes to depart as soon as his services are no longer needed, for he has been enduring irregular dreams and fears he is taken ill. Orlok tells him that hit is a black omen to journey in poor health and that he should remain and rest himself. Thomas objects, but Orlok orders him to obey his council. Orlok leaves and Thomas weakly states that he still has his locket.

The next day, Thomas awakes and finds two more marks on his chest. He tries to find a way out of the castle, but finds several doors locked. He goes out to the courtyard and tries to leave through the doors through which he arrived, but cannot get them open. He finds another door and breaks the lock with a large stone. He makes his way down a flight of steps into the crypt, where he finds several stone coffins and a large sarcophagus at the end. He approaches it and pulls the lid off, finding Orlok sleeping naked in soil, he body covered in maggots and with rats gathered around him. Thomas recoils in shock before grabbing a nearby pickaxe to kill the count. However, Orlok wakes and grabs it mid-swing before rising up to his full height, causing Thomas to flee in terror.

Thomas runs through the corridors, pursued by the three black wolves. He rushes into his bedchamber and locks the door behind him, sinking to the floor in despair as they try to smash through the door. Later that night, Orlok sniffs Ellen's hair and telepathically communicates to her that her husband is lost to her and she must only dream of him. In Wisburg, Ellen rises from her bed and sleepwalks. Orlok approaches Thomas' bedchamber, surrounded by his wolves and uses sorcery to force Thomas to open the door. He approaches with his hand outstretched as Thomas lies terrified on the bed. As the count stands over him, Thomas sees Ellen standing naked above him with blood leaking from her mouth and eye sockets. Orlok disrobes and climbs atop him, biting into his chest and drinking his blood.

Ellen is found and returned to her bed. Friedrich summons his friend, Doctor Wilhelm Sievers, who examines Ellen and advises that somnambuilism is often caused by congestion of the blood. Friedrich tells him that Ellen has had such fits in the past and Sievers advises that she should sleep in a corset to correct her posture, calm her womb and revive her circulation and that if her stirring escalates she should be tied to the bed. Ellen moans in her sleep that "he is coming to me" and Sievers douses a handkerchief with ether, placing it over her mouth and nose and silencing her.

The next morning, Thomas wakes and hears a beastly growl. The wolves rush into his room and one leaps onto his bed, causing him to climb through the window and onto the narrow ledge outside. As the wolves gather at the window, he looks down to see a river rushing beneath him. Knowing that he has no other chance of escape, he leaps into it.

Later that evening, Ellen is with the Hardings by the sea and asks if there has been any word of Thomas. Friedrich replies that there has been none and she asks about Knock, who Friedrich states is still missing, leaving his firm in daily chaos. She states that she never liked Knock and declares that she will go to his office herself, but Friedrich forbids her from leaving unaccompanied. He tells her that he is sensitive to her ardent nature and will not reprove her further in her error of judgement, but assures her that he will send someone daily until Knock is found, telling her that he is certain Thomas is well. Anna advises that they must return home as it is near sundown, but Ellen asks to stay for a moment longer.

Friedrich and Anna take a walk and he urges that they not be swept up in Ellen's fairy ways, as the entire household centres on her whims and he is tired of discussing her. Anna tells him that she is burdened too, that she loves Ellen and that she is not to blame for her malady. He asks her forgiveness and enquires about their unborn baby, whom they plan to name "Friedrich". She replies that he is hungry as always, like his father, and admonishes him for trying to kiss her in public. He states that he cannot resist her, but the moment is broken when they hear Ellen screaming. They run back to her and find her convulsing at the water's edge.

At his hospital, Sievers is approached by an orderly, who informs him that a new patient is being stored downstairs. Sievers tells him that he has forbidden the use of the old cells, but the orderly warns that this patient was found at a Christmas market killing sheep with his bare hands and eating them raw. They go to the cell, where Sievers asks the patient, Knock, who he is, only to receive a reply of "no one" and "his servant". Knock has killed several animals, which he declares to be gifts bestowed upon him by "his Lordship". Sievers asks who "his Lordship" is and Knock replies that he is "infinity", "putrecence", "asphyxience" and "devourance", as he bites the head off a live pigeon.

The orderly takes out a billy club and Sievers assures him that it is alright. He tells Knock that no one wants to hurt him. Knock tells him that he is coming and when Sievers asks who "he" is, Knock states that he was invoked by him, who will cast curses, confusion, affliction and rebuke upon them before reigning over their empty corpses. He then attacks Sievers and the orderly stikes him with his billy club, calling for help and causing more orderlies to come and assist him.

Later that night, Ellen is having another fit and Sievers tightens her corset as Friedrich holds her down, all while Anna watches in distress. Afterwards, Friedrich and Sievers retire to the drawing room, where Sievers informs Friedrich that Knock has been committed to his hospital, having gone mad. He also reveals that he lets out a mantra of "he is coming", identical to Ellen. He suggests that they contact a specialist, Professor Albin Eberhart von Franz, a physician and scholar whom he studied under in Zürich. Friedrich suggests that they send a message to Zürich, but Sievers replies that he is in Wisburg. Sievers states that Von Franz has a brilliant mind, but has been tossed out of his university and laughed out of his home country due to his obsession with the works of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa and Paracelsus. Friedrich is unfamiliar with these names and Sievers explains that they practiced alchemy, mystic philosophy and the occult.

In Bukovina, a young Orthodox nun is collecting firewood when she finds Thomas unconscious at the edge of a river. He is taken to a monastery, where several nuns treat and pray for him and a priest prays and douses him with holy water. Thomas suddenly wakes and calls out Orlok's name and upon hearing it, the elderly Schema-Abbess speaks to him in Romanian while the novice who found him translates. She tells him that in life Orlok was a Şolomanar, a black enchanter, and that the Devil preserved his soul so that his corpse could walk again in blasphemy. Thomas states that he must leave to stop Orlok, but the nun urges him to remain at the monastery, for Orlok's evil cannot enter it. He tells her that Orlok is travelling to Wisburg, but she dismisses this, stating that Orlok must return to the cursed earth in which he was buried. Thomas insists that Orlok is after Ellen.

As the Empusa crosses the Black Sea, Orlok rests within a crate below deck and communes with Ellen that soon he will no longer be a shadow to her, their flesh will embrace and they shall be one. He then summons a storm to quicken his journey. In the hospital, Knock has been restrained in a chair and cries out that he has not failed Orlok and that his promised gift awaits.

Harding and Sievers make their way to find Professor Von Franz, with Sievers stating that the scientific community is on a crusade to discredit the professor and that while he may be unconventional, he will know the source of Ellen's malady. Sievers knocks on the door and Von Franz shouts from within for him to leave. They enter and discover that the room is a mess, with books lying everywhere and cats wandering about. From his armchair, Von Franz speaks of astrology and Harding tells Sievers that they must leave. Sievers approaches Von Franz and upon recognising him, the professor is overjoyed to see his former pupil and becomes excited, stating that he knew something had drawn him to Wisburg all those years ago and that he sensed the time was approaching. He asks what is the matter and upon seeing Friedrich he correctly deduces that a young female house guest of his is experiencing protracted fits of somnambulism. He then tells Friedrich that he looks tired and offers him schnapps.

At the monastery, Thomas mounts a horse and rides off, despite the novice's warnings that he has not yet recovered. Aboard the Empusa, Captain Yusou is informed by his first mate that something has happened to crewmen Vasilyev and Redenko. As he inspects Redenko's corse, a deck hand tells him that he is afflicted with the plague. Yusou orders that the sick be quarantined and another deck hand warns that their cargo is cursed. A sailor begins to vomit up blood, which causes the others to retreat.

In Wisburg, Von Franz arrives at the Harding residence and orders that Ellen be untied. Friedrich replies that it was all that could be done to keep her from tearing the room to ribbons, but Von Franz insists. Once Ellen is untied, she asks Von Franz if he is the doctor that Sievers spoke of. Noticing her demeanor, he asks if she has been drugged and Siever states that he gave her an opiate so that she may rest by day to recover from the stress of the night. Von Franz declares that she cannot be clouded and orders the others to step away. He sits by her bed and confirms that he has come to help her. Seeing Greta, he asks if she is hers and Ellen replies that Greta has no master or mistress. He pets the cat and gives her a treat.

Von Franz asks asks her about her spells, which Sievers has told him him have been occuring since her childhood. She confirms this and he asks her to describe them. She tells him that she cannot always remember them and they are often like dreams, but she has known things that she should not, such as the contents of her Christmas gifts and that her mother would die. She states that her father would find her in the forests or fields and that as she grew older it worsened, with her father growing frightened of her. She wished for comfort and an end to her loneliness, but began experiencing nightmares and epilepsies. Her father found her unclothed and accused her of sin. It ended when she met Thomas, for whom she fears greatly. She tells Von Franz that her dreams grow darker and asks if evil comes from within someone or from beyond.

Later that night, Ellen is placed in a trance and Von Franz examines her vital signs. Inspecting her right eye, he sees that her pupil is expanded and does not contract naturally to light, which Sievers declares impossible. Von Franz states that she has a second sight and is no longer present before fetching a needle from his bag and driving it through her forearm. This shocks the Hardings, but he assures them that she cannot feel a thing, as she now communes with another realm. He removes the needle and has Sievers bind the wound. He urges Ellen to speak and she replies that "he is coming", with Von Franz demanding to know who "he" is. She goes through violent convulsions and utters threats in a hellish voice. She declares "you are promised to me", with Von Franz asking who she is referring to and Anna declaring it to be Thomas. Ellen then screams her help.

Von Franz, Sievers and the Hardings retire to the drawing room, where Von Franz lights his pipe with one of the Christmas tree's candles. He states that it is as he feared; that Ellen is cursed, perhaps by a demon. Friedrich is shocked by this, to which Sievers states that he is speaking in hyperbole, but Von Franz replies that he is not. The others are sceptical, but Von Franz tells them that demonic spirits obsess over those whose who are dominated by their lower animal functions. Sievers points out that he has seen women of nervous constitutions invent all manners of delusions. Von Franz insists that it is no delusion, but the Hardings still do not believe him. He concludes that Ellen is in grave peril and that he must return to his studies. Before he leaves, he advises Anna to sit with Ellen, observe her and report her behaviour. He tells Sievers not to give her any more ether, to which Sievers replies that she will rave all night and Von Franz states that she must rave, for a dread storm is rising.

Onboard the Empusa, Yusou and his first mate throw a dead crewman overbeard and the first mate grabs an axe, declaring that he will end the plague and the devil onboard before venturing below deck. Making his way through the all-consuming darkness, he approaches a large crate. Hacking it open, he finds it filled with rats. Orlok sneaks up behind him and bites into his neck, sending blood spewing from the wound.

The Empusa nears Wisburg as the storm rages around it. In the hospital, Knock has fallen sideways and cries out for help. He begins to foam at the mouth as a porter hears him calling and rushes in to help. As the porter undoes his restraints, Knock declares that his Lordship has come and bites the porter's neck, shouting that the blood is the life as it sprays into his face. Escaping from the hospital, Knock runs through the streets, raving as he goes. At the Harding residence, Ellen excitedly declares "he is here" and runs down the stairs and out of the house. She finds Thomas arriving on his horse and he collapses exhausted onto the ground, causing her to run to him hysterical with worry.

Thomas is brought inside and tells Ellen that she was right, he feared he would never see her again and that Orlok has her locket. There is a knock on the door and Friedrich orders Hartmann, his butler, to answer it. As the knocking grows more frantic, Friedrich answers it himself and finds a policeman and dockhands there. They take him to the harbour, where the Empusa has crashed and now lies in ruins, with hundreds rats crawling out of it. A dockhand warns that it is a plague ship.

Having recovered Orlok's sarcophagus, Knock sails it up the canal on a skiff towards Grünewald Manor. Once they reach it, Orlok stares out of the top window and declares that Thomas lives. Knock offers to stifle him out, but Orlok replies that he has use in him. Knock asks Orlok to instruct him and offers to bring Ellen to him, but Orlok states that she must willingly repledge her vow and cannot be stolen. Knock offers his services and Orlok strikes him and orders him to be silent, declaring his entreaties insolent and ordering him to crave nothing of him. Orlok comments that daybreak draws near, the city shall despair at his coming and he shall taste of Ellen, sniffing her hair in the locket.

The next morning, Ellen sits by Thomas' bedside and Anna asks how he is faring, to which Ellen replies that she fears he is no better than everyone tells her she has suffered. She asks Anna to forgive her for the trouble she has caused her and Anna tells her that she is glad she is herself again and perhaps Von Franz was wrong, that she only wished to see Thomas returned. She suddenly stops and Ellen deduces that she was about to blame her melancholy. She tells Anna that Thomas has seen something awful and she wishes to speak to Von Franz, but Anna advises against it, asking her to put superstition aside for the sake of the children. She asks why she must remain so contrary and Ellen replies that it is because she is in the right.

As the hospital's morgue, Sievers examines a corpse and Von Franz asks to see Knock. Sievers points out that the corpse he is examining exhibits all signs of a blood plague, but is entirely absent of blood and the wound was made by a creature much bigger than a rat. Von Franz examines the wound and is stunned, demanding to speak to Knock. An orderly informs them that Knock escaped the previous night, having killed a porter in the process. Von Franz insists that Knock be found and advises Sievers to meet him at his residence that night, for they are dealing with no mere plague.

Later that night, Orlok stands at the open window in Grünewald Manor's attic and holds out his hand, its shadow stretching over Wisburg and spreading terror among the citizens. Ellen and Thomas lie in bed together and he begins to talk in his sleep. He orders to get off of him, declaring that he cannot breathe. Seeing Orlok in his mind, he pushes Ellen away in a panic. As Anna puts Clara and Louise to bed, they beg her not to leave them. She promises not to let anything hurt them and tells them to kiss her goodnight and say their prayers. They do this and she returns to the darkened corridor, with her lamp the only source of light. Feeling uneasy, she looks around, only for Ellen to come up behind her and frighten her. Ellen asks her for forgiveness and asks if Friedrich has returned, to which Anna replies that he has not. Ellen asks to stay with her that night. As they lie in bed together, Anna tells Ellen that their friendship is precious to her and asks forgiveness for chiding her. Ellen thanks her for loving her and Anna gives her a cross pendant, promising her that God is with them.

At Von Franz' residence, Friedrich is in disbelief, declaring that he cannot yield to being haunted by a ghost. Von Franz replies that it is no ghost, for it manifests physically. Friedrich asks what it is and Von Franz states that its only desire is to consume all life on Earth and it is a force more powerful than evil, death itself. Having not slept in days and with his house in bedlam, Friedrich grows impatient, insisting that Von Franz cannot believe in such medieval devilry. Von Franz replies that he does not believe, he knows, having seen things in the world that would make Isaac Newton crawl back up into his mother's womb and has wrestled with the Devil as Jacob wrestled with the angel in Peniel. He declares that if they are to tame darkness, they must first acknowledge its existence. He tells them that they are encountering the undead plague carrier, the vampire; Nosferatu.

At the Harding residence, Ellen rises from her bed in a trance, goes to the window and opens it. Sensing a presence, she looks into the corner and sees Orlok standing there. Recognising him as the creature who attacked her years ago, she tells him that she has felt him like a serpent crawling in her body. He replies that it is not him, but her nature. She rejects this, declaring that she loves Thomas. Orlok declares love inferior to her, for as he told her, she is not of humankind. She calls him a villain for speaking such things and he replies that he is nothing more than an appetite.

He tells her that for centuries he was a loathsome beast that lay within the darkest pit until she, being an enchantress, stirred him from his grave. He calls her his affliction and she replies that she cares nothing for his afflictions, but he states that even now they are fated. He tells her that Thomas covenanted her to him for a sack of gold and she calls him a liar, but he insists that it is the truth and that she must fulfill the covenant of her own free will. She calls him a deceiver and he accuses her of deceiving herself. She states that she was an innocent child and he asks if she thought he would not return, declaring her passion bound to him. She states that he cannot love and he confirms this, adding that he cannot be sated without her.

He asks her to remember how they once were and she replies that she abhors him. Enraged, Orlok tosses her to the floor, declaring her false. He tells her that he will give her three nights to give herself to him, promising that those she loves will suffer on each night that she refuses. She accuses him of revelling in her torment and he tells her that on the third night she will submit to him or he will kill Thomas. Ellen awakes and finds herself alone in bed. Looking down on the floor, she finds Anna writhing and covered in rats, her nightgown torn and a vampire bite on her chest. She then hears Orlok's voice reminding her that she has two nights remaining.

The next morning, the hospital is overcrowded as citizens are desperate for medical attention and police have been brought in to keep order. A nurse tells Sievers that the plague is spreading unlike anything she has ever seen and he tells her that they cannot admit any more and that he has urged the city be placed in quarantine. She tells him that it is not Christian to do so and the citizens deserve pity, but he urges that they remain calm.

At the Harding residence, Anna is deeply traumatised from the night's events, telling Friedrich that their baby is eating her weary. She asks to see their daughters, hoping to assure them, but Friedrich tells her that all will be well. She asks Ellen what the insufferable darkness is, but the grief-stricken Ellen has no answer. Once they leave Anna, Ellen attempts to convince Friedrich that Von Franz is right, but he refuses to hear it, ordering that she and Thomas return home for their own sake. He tells her that he will pray for them and she kneels and begs him to listen to her so that Anna may be saved. He rejects her again.

Ellen demands to know why Friedrich hates her and he is appalled at her for speaking to him in such a way. She states that he has never liked her and he tells her to know her place, but she tells him she will to stand by and pretend at his superiority. He refuses to exchange reproaches with her, declaring that he has done everything in his power to be kind to her. She reminds him that he tied her up and he tells her to find the dignity to respect her caretaker, to which he asks how he can be so stupid and cruel. Unable to tolerate any more, he tells her that Hartmann will call her a coach at his expense and he prays that for her husband's sake she will learn to conduct herself with more deference. She angrily tells him that he, Anna and all of them are going to die.

At the hospital, Von Franz and Sievers visit Knock's cell, where they see occult symbols scratched on the walls. Von Franz asks why Sievers did not tell him of this before and Sievers declares himself a fool, saying that Knock's eating of living things should have made him realise. Von Franz replies that Knock is not the vampire, but has made compact with it. They then break into Knock's office and search it. Von Franz finds an occult manuscript and they pull up the rug, finding Orlok's sigil painted on the floor. Ellen and Thomas return to their home through the plague-ridden streets.

Von Franz and Sievers return to the Harding residence and tell Friedrich that Knock is in league with the vampire, that the Hutters are in grave danger and that Von Franz must speak with them. Freidrich replies that he sent them home and asks how the vampire can be killed, to which Von Franz replies that he does not know. Friedrich is shocked by this and Von Franz explains that he has never encountered Nosferatu firsthand. He elaborates that the means of destroying such a creature vary from region to region, but the one constant is that it must return to the earth in which it was buried before the first crow of cock. Sievers asks what will happen if it does not, to what Von Franz replies that this is the question.

Friedrich laughs and declares that he is shattering and breaking apart. He orders them to leave at once, declaring their beliefs to be superstition and that it is simply a real plague. He then declares that Ellen should have been locked up long ago and that Anna was bitten by rats and nothing more. He tells them that he and his family will leave Wisburg the following day, to which Sievers points out the quarantine, but Harding replies that he will not let a vain-madness kill his wife. Von Franz warns that the vampire has tasted his wife's blood and will return for the rest, but Friedrich orders them to leave. Once they are gone, he sits with his daughters in their room, holding them close.

At the Hutter residence, Ellen looks after Thomas and he tells her that they must flee the city, but she replies that they cannot. She admits that she must tell him something loathsome, but he tells her that nothing she can say would shake him, for there is a devil in the world and he has met him and he has come to Wisburg for her. Ellen replies that she knows, which shocks and confuses Thomas. She admits that she knows Orlok and has brought his evil upon them. She tells him what she has never told anyone, that she sought company and tenderness and called out. It was blissful at first, but later turned to torture.

Thomas does not understand and Ellen reveals that Orlok took her as his lover then and has now returned, having discovered their marriage. Thomas declares this impossible, but she tells him that Orlok stalks her in her dreams every night. He tries to comfort her, but she moves away from him, declaring that she should not be touched. She then accuses him of stopping his letters to her, asking if he thought of her in Castle Orlok. He insists that he did write and she calls him a liar. She admits that Orlok told her that he sold her to him for gold, which Thomas denies, but she accuses him of never listening to her.

She demands to know where the things he promised her are and he says that he left for her. She accuses him of priotitising wealth and material belongings ahead of their love before falling to her knees and ripping open her dress, declaring that they should never have married, for they are already dead. She drops to her knees and convulses and he makes to send for Sievers, causing her to crawl towards him, taking hold of his leg and promising that she will be good. She then looks up at him and tauntingly states that he could never please her as Orlok could.

Driven mad by jealousy, Thomas grabs her and throws her onto the bed. She orders him to take her and as he aggressively pushes inside her, she tells him to kiss her heart and cries out to him to let Orlok see their love. An image of blood seeping from her mouth and eyelids flashes into his mind and he pulls away from her. She cackles and then begins to cry. He holds her to him and she tells him to keep away from her, for she is unclean. He replies that he will never do this, promising to kill Orlok so that he may never harm her again.

In his residence, Von Franz reads the occult manuscript he found in Knock's office and learns that the Nosferatu can be destroyed if a fair maiden offers up her love to the beast and lies in close embrace with him until the first cock crow. Her willing sacrifice will break the curse and free them from the plague of Nosferatu. He realises that Ellen is the way to destroy the vampire. Orlok arrives outside the Harding residence and casts a spell on Friedrich that will prevent him from waking. Anna is woken by screams coming from the children's room and desperately tries to wake Friedrich, but to no avail. Rushing to their room, she arrives just in time to see Orlok kill Clara and Louise. He drops their lifeless bodies to the floor and advances on Anna, who is paralysed with fear.

The next morning, Anna, Clara and Louise are laid to rest. Friedrich is destroyed from having lost his entire family. Ellen, Thomas, Sievers and Von Franz observe from a distance, with Ellen declaring that she can no longer weep, for she has no more tears to shed. Sievers states that they must speak with Friedrich, but Thomas advises that they wait a moment longer, for his grief is too great. Von Franz requests to speak with Ellen. He warns her that more lives will be taken, for the Grim Reaper wields his heavy scythe with every change of wind. They each express a wish to speak with each other, but Friedrich sees them and angrily orders that they be taken away, blaming their diseased minds for all of the misfortune that has befallen him. Thomas and Sievers attempt to calm him, with the latter showing him that bite marks on his chest to prove the truth of their claims.

Later, they all travel by coach and the others ask why Thomas shows no signs of a blood plague, to which he replies that the Orthodox nuns nursed him back to health, but he fears that he is not free of the curse. Von Franz urges him to trust in God and his strength, for he prevailed when Orlok left him to the wolves. Friedrich admits that he has now accepted the truth of their situation, asking for their forgiveness. They make plans to meet at Harding's that night, go to Grünewald Manor and destroy Orlok's sarcophagus so that he will have no sanctuary. Ellen asks to come with them, but Thomas refuses. Sievers wonders what they will do once they find Orlok and Thomas vows to drive an iron spike through him. Ellen asks what will happen if it does not work, to which Thomas replies that it must.

Once they reach his residence, Ellen asks to walk Von Franz to his door. As they walk, she tells him that she knows she must be the one to destroy Orlok. He tells her that he is but a tourist in the occult world while she was born into it, so she will know the answer better then him. She admits that Orlok's pull on her is powerful and terrible, but concedes that her spirit cannot be as evil as his. He replies that evil must be known in order to be destroyed, so it must be discovered within oneself and crucified, or there is no salvation. Ellen declares that she needs none, for her entire life she has done no ill but heed her nature. He urges her to harken to it, for he fears that iron stakes will not destroy Orlok and believes that only she can redeem them.

Thomas calls out to Ellen that they must make haste. Von Franz tells her that in heathen times, she might have been a great priestess of Isis, but in the modern world she has a far greater purpose. Ellen thanks him as a tear rolls down her face. Von Franz promises to keep Thomas at bay that night and urges her to go home and make sure he is in good health for their false hunt, to which she nods in agreement.

In the evening, Ellen looks out of her bedroom window and sees coffins being carried through the street. Thomas approaches her and she asks him to promise to put an end to it and not return to her until Orlok is no more. He promises her and she tells him that Orlok has no power over him, that she places her utmost faith in him and that she loves him. He tells her not to fear, they kiss and she watches him go, letting out a mournful goodbye once he has left.

Thomas, Sievers and Von Franz to go the Harding residence and Hartmann tells them that Friedrich has departed. Von Franz suggests that they wait for him, but Thomas insists that they search for him. They take to the streets calling out for him, but he has gone to the cemetary. He enters his family's tomb and mourns for Clara and Louise. He then lays his head upon Anna's coffin, his cheek covered in boils and blood trickling from his mouth as he mourns her and their unborn son. Pushing the lid off the coffin, he takes his wife's corpse in his arms and kisses her.

The others reach the crypt and find Friedrich lying dead on top of Anna. Von Franz advises that they burn their infected bodies. Thomas declares that he cannot bear any more and urges that they make for Grünewald Manor, but Sievers points out that Orlok will have risen by now and asks if they should return to their homes. Thomas refuses to wait until morning and Von Franz commends his wisdom. Sievers and Von Franz pour oil on the Harding's corpses and all three of them then light them on fire.

As they take a skiff up the canal towards Grünewald Manor, Orlok looks out of the attic window, declaring that the third night has arrived. In her bedroom, Ellen lets down her hair and opens her window, telepathically communicating to Orlok that she is ready and bidding him to come to her. Thomas, Sievers and Von Franz arrive at the manor and make for the chapel in the rear, which is overrun with rats. Seeing the sarcophagus at the back, they use their torches to keep the rats at bay. Reaching the sarcophagus, they remove the lid and Thomas drives the iron stake into the torso of the occupant, who is not Orlok, but Knock. Knock declares that he relinquised his soul to Orlok, hoping to become the immortal Prince of Rats, but Orlok cares only for his pretty bride. Thomas realises that Orlok will go to Ellen and Knock asks him to strike again, declaring himself blasphemy. Von Franz drives it in with his sledgehammer, killing Knock.

Von Franz urges them to set fire to it all. Thomas states that Orlok has gone to Ellen and Von Franz insists that they destroy his habitation so that he will have no sanctuary. Thomas argues that there is no time, but Von Franz insists that it must be her, for Orlok cannot resist her blood. Realising that this was his intent all along, Sievers calls Von Franz a madman and Thomas states that he knew Orlok would not be there. Von Franz tells him that Ellen wills it and Thomas replies that it is not moral, to which Von Franz declares that God is beyond their morals. Thomas and Sievers rush out of the chapel and as he sets fire to it Von Franz shouts that they run in vain, for destiny cannot be outrun and Ellen's dark bond with the beast will redeem them all.

In her bedroom, Ellen is now in her wedding dress and veil. She watches from the window as Grünewald Manor burns in the distance. Orlok enters her home and makes his way up the stairs, using sorcery to open her bedroom door. He asks her if she accepts it of her own free will and she replies that she does. He declares the covenant fulfilled and her oath repledged, to which she agrees. He tells her that as their spirits are one, so too shall be their flesh, for she is his. He enters the room, places his taloned hand on the side of her face and they kiss lustfully.

They disrobe, she lays upon the bed and he climbs atop her. He then sinks his teeth into her chest and begins draining her blood. As the sun starts to rise, Thomas and Sievers rush through the streets of Wisburg, desperate to reach Ellen before it is too late. Orlok drinks Ellen's blood and notices the arrival of the dawn, but she takes hold of his head and urges him to continue. Unable to resist, he resumes feeding on her blood. The sunlight shines in through the window, a rooster crows and Orlok stares out at the first sunrise he has seen in centuries. He looks at Ellen and sees a triumphant look in her eyes. She holds him close to her and he cries out in agony as his eyes turn white and blood leaks from his orifices. He collapses on top of her, finally destroyed.

Thomas and Sievers arrive to find Orlok lying motionless on top of Ellen. Thomas kneels by the bedside and holds his wife's hand. She stares lovingly at him before she dies, with Thomas pushing her eyes closed once she does. Von Franz arrives and places his hand on Thomas' shoulder, begging him to forgive them. He then scatters a bouquet of lilacs upon the bed around Ellen and Orlok as he recites the text from the occult manuscript; that the fair maiden offered her love up to the beast and lay with him in close embrace until the first cock crow. Her willing sacrifice thus broke the curse and freed them from the plague of Nosferatu. He gathers Greta up in his arms and stares out at the sunrise as Ellen and Orlok lie dead upon the bed.

Cast[]

Lily-Rose Depp as Ellen Hutter
Nicholas Hoult as Thomas Hutter
Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok
Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Friedrich Harding
Willem Dafoe as Prof. Albin Eberhart von Franz
Emma Corrin as Anna Harding
Ralph Ineson as Dr. Wilhelm Sievers
Simon McBurney as Knock
Adéla Hesová as Clara
Milena Konstantinova as Louise
Stacy Thunes as Head Nurse
Gregory Gudgeon as Hartmann
Robert Russell as First Clerk
Curtis Matthew as Second Clerk
Claudiu Trandafir as Innkeeper
Georgina Bereghianu as Innkeeper's Mother-in-Law
Jordan Haj as Vampire Hunter
Katerina Bila as Virgin on Horseback
Maria Ion as Old Roma Woman
Tereza Duskova as Orthodox Novice
Liana Navrot as Orthodox Schema Nun
Mihai Verbitchi as Orthodox Priest
Karel Dobrý as Captain Yusou
Andrei Sergeev as First Mate
Matej Benes as Vomiting Sailor
Marek Pospíchal as First Deck Hand
Jan Filipenský as Second Deck Hand
Alex East as Sailor
Christian Dunkley-Clark as Hospital Orderli / Raving Maniac
Andrea Miltnerova as Hospital Nurse
Robin Finesilver as Hospital Porter
Paul Maynard as Dockhand
Charles Horne as Drunkhard
Ella Bernstein as Clara (voice)
Meredith Digings as Louise (voice)

Production[]

Casting[]

Anya Taylor-Joy and Harry Styles were initially cast as Ellen and Thomas Hutter, but both later dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.^[1] In September 2022, Bill Skarsgård was announced to portray Count Orlok, with Lily-Rose Depp replacing Taylor-Joy.^[2] Nicholas Hoult was announced to replace Styles the following month, with Willem Dafoe also joining the cast.^[3]^[4] Emma Corrin joined the cast the following month.^[5], with Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Simon McBurney and Ralph Ineson announced as filming began in late February 2023^[6]

Filming[]

Principal photography began in the Barrandov Studios in Prague at the end of February 2023.^[7] Some exterior shots were captured in Romania, with notable locations including 14th century Rožmitál Castle in Rožmitál pod Tremšínem and Prague's Invalidovna complex, a Baroque building registered as a national landmark.^[8] Filming wrapped on May 19, 2023, with cinamatographer Jarin Blaschke confirmed that the film was shot in color and was reminiscent of 19th century Romanticism.^[9]

Videos[]

Trailers[]

NOSFERATU - Official Teaser Trailer -HD- - Only In Theaters December 25

NOSFERATU - Official Trailer -HD- - Only In Theaters December 25

Featurettes[]

How Robert Eggers' Past Truly Crafted Nosferatu - Origin Story