I absolutely LOVED The Northman, and I'd say it's still my favourite Robert Eggers movie because of the Norse mythology. As a lover of Bram Stoker's Dracula, the novel and of course the movie, I was very excited for this.
Nosferatu delivered all that I have come to expect from the visual style of a Robert Eggers film, but what really enhanced that in this particular movie was the camera movement within those moments of cinematic decadence. I believe it's difficult for many horror filmmakers to pull off traditional gothic horror, however this does it so well. From the opening of the film, I was reminded very much of Possession (1981), and in many ways both films feel like a commentary on the position of women in modern society.
Lily-Rose Depp delivers a fantastic Butoh-esque performance. As much as I want to love her connection to Count Orlock, and despite there being a focus on consent when it comes to physical acts of intimacy, I would like to highlight that when given an ultimatum, we cannot fall into the trap of considering this 'yes' to be an actual act of consent. Willem Dafoe is incredible and gets to say all the best lines. What I especially loved about his character, was that he was the only one to really see Ellen for who she really was. I particularly enjoyed the scenes of dialogue between both characters. And of course I loved the huge black wolves!
I hope Nosferatu serves as a reminder to wild women, that we need not tame ourselves and we must not feel shame when we hunger.
