Nosferatu: Gorgeously crafted, but its heart beats too faintly to make it a true classic

Nosferatu (2024)

Nosferatu is a visually captivating reimagining of the iconic vampire tale that excels in style but falters in substance. The film’s strongest elements—its costume design, production design, makeup, and score—work in harmony to evoke the eerie, gothic atmosphere of its period setting with remarkable authenticity. The painstaking attention to detail in these areas brings the world to life, transporting viewers to a shadowy, hauntingly beautiful past.

The costumes are masterfully crafted, each piece rich with texture and historical accuracy, enhancing the believability of the characters and the era. The production design, too, is a triumph, featuring meticulously designed sets that immerse the audience in dimly lit, claustrophobic interiors and fog-laden landscapes. The makeup team deserves special mention for their chillingly effective work on the titular vampire and other supernatural elements, lending the film a sense of menace that lingers long after the visuals fade. The haunting score further underscores the film’s gothic tone, weaving through scenes with an ominous elegance that elevates the tension and mood.

However, as breathtaking as the film is on a surface level, its core feels disappointingly hollow. The dialogue lacks the sharpness or depth needed to make the characters memorable, while the story leans heavily on recycled tropes and shock moments rather than delivering a fresh or meaningful narrative. This reliance on spectacle over substance undermines the film's potential, leaving it feeling more like a collection of beautifully curated moments than a cohesive, impactful whole.

Ultimately, Nosferatu is a frustrating experience—a film that showcases the immense talent of its production team but fails to back up its aesthetic accomplishments with compelling storytelling. It’s an example of style triumphing over substance, leaving viewers to marvel at its visuals while lamenting its lack of narrative weight.

Score: 6/10