It’s finally here! Robert Eggers‘ wildly anticipated reimagining of the 1922 classic horror film Nosferatu has finally clawed its way to theaters. The Extended Cut includes some important scenes that deepen the film’s unsettling tone. This new restoration reunites you with thrilling scenes of shadow-play with Count Orlok. Those scenes were removed following test screenings per audience reaction. The new extended cut finally made it to 4K, Blu-ray, DVD and digital home video formats.
With a release that promises a slightly longer runtime. It features a magical shadow-play that brings to life Orlok’s villainous stature, reminiscent of the original 1922 silent film. The chiaroscuro shadow-play starkly underlines the film’s disturbing themes. Yet, 85% of the audience thinks that there is too much dark in this movie.
Nosferatu re-introduces us to a new Count Orlok. He is depicted as a bloodthirsty, undead nobleman, reanimated and returned to life from the grave, originally from Transylvania. Yet underneath all that irony, Eggers’ overall vision does remain the same as Solomon’s story. He brings new to the table, notably new dialogue in this updated edition.
Perhaps the most noticeable alteration, which has already riled audiences with protests, is that Count Orlok now has a moustache. This aspect was not included in the original 1922 silent classic. Now fans are arguing over the correctness of this lip-fuzz for the character. Their conversations reveal just how much it has become a line in the sand in the debate.
“But I also don’t care, because there’s just no fucking way that this guy wouldn’t have a moustache,” said Eggers, addressing the controversy surrounding Orlok’s appearance.
Eggers’ Nosferatu walks the line between paying reverence to its predecessor while incorporating modern cinematic techniques. The director has meticulously crafted a narrative that evokes the haunting essence of the original while infusing it with his own stylistic choices.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula fans will find plenty to love in this Extended Cut, so experience the chilling cut for yourself. The fresh scenes introduced in the film give a fresh take on one of horror’s most recognizable and prolific characters. The beautiful and stylish film brings new energy to the well-known story. It raises exciting conversations about character design and interpretation in contemporary filmmaking.