Nosferatu (2024), directed by Robert Eggers, is a chilling remake of the iconic 1922 silent film. Released on December 25, 2024, it reimagines Bram Stoker’s Dracula through a gothic lens. With this contemporary adaptation, Eggers, known for his atmospheric horror works, seemed to bring vampires back to their roots.
The story is about Count Orlok, a reclusive vampire, causing terrible things in the made-up town of Wisborg. The movie relied on historically significant and scary filming locations to create the dark, gothic look that was needed for such a story.
Filming primarily took place in Europe, particularly the Czech Republic and Romania. With Barrandov Studios in Prague as the central hub, the production also utilized historic castles and eerie landscapes.
The majority of Nosferatu was filmed at Barrandov Studios, one of Europe’s most renowned film production facilities. The studio served as the creative heart of the film, with production designer Craig Lathrop crafting over 60 intricate sets, including the streets of the fictional Baltic town of Wisborg.
Eggers’ desire to maintain full creative control led to the construction of entire city blocks within the studio.
The Baroque complex, once housing war veterans, added an authentic historical vibe to the movie. Known for its haunting architecture, Invalidovna has appeared in notable films like Amadeus and Hellboy. For Nosferatu, its gloomy corridors and weathered facades perfectly complemented the dark themes of the story.
The medieval castle of Rožmitál, built in the 13th century, was another key location. Its gothic architecture and timeless aura made it an ideal setting for pivotal scenes. The castle’s dramatic interiors and exteriors brought an air of authenticity and dread to the narrative.
Pernštejn Castle, another medieval marvel, contributed to the film’s visuals. Its stone walls and towering spires served as a backdrop for several scenes.
Corvin Castle was both Count Orlok's scary home and one of the most famous castles in vampire stories. Because of its dark past and great architecture, this gothic fortification in the middle of Transylvania was ideal for the horror film.
The Prachov Rocks provided natural backdrops for the scenes where Thomas Hutter, played by Nicholas Hoult, journeys to Orlok’s castle. Other rural areas, such as the beaches of Tušť and the Great America Quarry, added hauntingly beautiful landscapes that emphasized the film’s gothic tone.
The forests of the Czech Republic were also extensively used to depict the perilous journey through the Carpathian mountains.
Nosferatu (2024) traces the sad story of Thomas and Ellen Hutter. Living in the German town of Wisborg, the couple's life turns upside down when Thomas, a real estate agent, is assigned to guarantee the sale of a castle owned by Count Orlok. Despite Ellen’s foreboding dreams and warnings, Thomas travels to Transylvania, where he encounters the vampire Orlok.
The count’s sinister intentions unravel as he brings a plague and destruction to Wisborg. Ellen’s ultimate sacrifice becomes the key to defeating Orlok, but at a tragic cost, underscoring the story’s themes of love, death, and sacrifice.
The cast list of the movie includes:
Stay tuned for more news and updates on Nosferatu as the new year progresses.