Movies

‘Nosferatu’ Announces Streaming Premiere Date

BBG News

Get ready to sink your teeth into one of the best horror films of last year on streaming.

(I’m sorry. I’m legally required to include at least one bad pun in every blog post I write.)

In a surprising turn of events, Robert Eggers’ modern adaptation of the timeless horror film “Nosferatu” (originally released as a silent movie) proved to be a box office sensation in 2024, raking in over $175 million globally. Now, after only about two months in cinemas, it’s slated for its streaming premiere in February.

In this modern take on F.W. Murnau’s classic film Nosferatu, which was an unofficial remake of Bram Stoker’s famous novel Dracula, Bill Skarsgård plays Count Orlok, a vampire with a fascination for a young, beautiful woman named Lily-Rose Depp. It falls to her husband, Nicholas Hoult, and a professor versed in the supernatural, Willem Dafoe, to thwart the creature’s sinister plans before he can feed on his intended victim.

Eggers, known for his directorial works such as “The Witch”, “The Lighthouse”, and the latest “The Northman”, is recognized as one of our promising young filmmakers within the genre. While I have reservations about considering “Nosferatu” as his finest piece, my previous review from December suggests otherwise.

Eggers’ Nosferatu maintains numerous visual similarities with Murnau’s original from a century ago, notably through the use of moving shadows to depict Orlock’s sinister presence within Friedrich and Thomas’ dwellings. Add some authentic, grotesque gore effects and a few heart-stopping surprises, and you get a chilling horror movie that blends modern sensibilities with a timeless tradition that has captivated audiences for more than a century.

Nosferatu is set to premiere on Peacock streaming on February 21.

The Best Movies of 2024

20. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

Instead of a high-tech film, wouldn’t a traditional stop-motion animated movie be more fitting to portray the risks of unrestrained artificial intelligence? The new Wallace & Gromit tale not only harmoniously combines method and message, but it also delivers the cleverness, visual creativity, and heart that we’ve come to associate with this resilient series. In our digital age filled with chaos, it’s comforting to realize that certain analog aspects continue to function flawlessly.

19. Close Your Eyes

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve just discovered that Spanish director Víctor Erice has returned to the big screen after 30 years with a film that beautifully blends the enigma of mystery movies. In this intriguing tale, the detective is not a typical gumshoe, but rather the filmmaker himself, on a quest to find a lost actor. This journey isn’t just about uncovering the whereabouts of an individual; it’s also a reflection of how cinema can guide us in discovering ourselves.

Entitled “Close Your Eyes“, this deliberate and leisurely paced film, spanning nearly three hours, may test your patience, but trust me, the wait is worth it!

18. Nosferatu

In this fresh take, Robert Eggers showcases his prowess as a contemporary grandmaster of classic horror, with an affinity for the ancient. His latest work is a remake of the 1922 German silent horror film, Nosferatu. Unlike a typical update, he enriches the content with more: increased gory scenes, heightened symbolic imagery, and a few (or many) spine-tingling sound effects. (The noises Count Orlock — portrayed by the delightfully grotesque Bill Skarsgård — makes as he consumes his victims are reminiscent of a Capri-Sun pouch being sucked dry.)

Additionally, I found it intriguing that Willem Dafoe’s character calls Nosferatu “The Night Demon.” This resonated with me, as I used to call my oldest daughter by that name when she was a fussy newborn. Every sunset would signal her refusal to sleep, opening up a whole new layer of meaning for the narrative. We should all be cautious around The Night Demon.

17. The Wild Robot

I can hardly imagine anyone not getting emotional, at the very least once (or even multiple times), while watching “The Wild Robot,” a beautifully crafted and emotionally intense animated tale from DreamWorks. This story follows a robot (played by Lupita Nyong’o) who washes up on an island populated by animals. In an effort to follow its programming, it takes care of an orphaned gosling as if it were a mother. I certainly found myself moved by the story.

16. Black Box Diaries

In a compelling fusion of journalism and personal video storytelling, Shiori Ito – the film’s protagonist – is also its director. After persistent obstacles from the police in pursuing rape charges against a high-profile figure in Japanese media, Ito took matters into her own hands, launching an independent investigation into her case. The documentary, titled Black Box Diaries, chronicles Ito’s relentless pursuit of justice. Its innovative blend of investigative journalism (tracing leads and interviewing possible witnesses) and introspective segments (containing selfie videos shot by Ito during her most challenging times) sets it apart as one of the most remarkable documentaries of the year.

15. A Real Pain

Jesse Eisenberg makes his directorial debut with the compelling film “A Real Pain,” where he not only takes on the role behind the camera but also co-stars alongside Kieran Culkin. They portray two cousins who travel through Poland to honor their late grandmother, a Holocaust survivor who immigrated from Poland to the U.S. The movie is both humorous and heartbreaking, with a runtime of approximately 90 minutes, making it an impactful short narrative. The film resonates particularly well in its portrayal of the struggle experienced by Jesse’s character, David (also Eisenberg himself), as he yearns to be like Kieran’s character, Benji, only to discover that being a Benji comes with its own hardships as well.

14. Juror #2

I don’t possess any secret details about why Warner Bros. didn’t seem to invest much in the cinema release of Clint Eastwood’s ‘Juror #2’. However, let me tell you, it was one of the most enjoyable films I watched in a theater this year, offering robust entertainment with a touch of deeper meaning, reminiscent of movies that used to be common in cinemas decades ago. Sadly, such films seem to be becoming increasingly rare nowadays. If ‘Juror #2’ turns out to be Eastwood’s last film, it certainly made for an impressive farewell performance. From what I gather, most people who saw it in a theater seemed to appreciate it quite a bit.

13. I Saw the TV Glow

Although the central theme of the chilling movie “I Saw the TV Glow” may not be its primary focus, I was astonished by the precise depiction of ’90s and early 2000s suburban solitude in this film: Co-existing with your parents, prowling deserted cinemas and amusement parks under the cover of darkness, burning the midnight oil to watch eccentric TV shows that seem like they’re only watched by a handful of people worldwide.

The movie carries elements reminiscent of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” if they were directed by David Lynch; the visuals become so hauntingly surreal and bizarre. Yet, there are scenes that could almost be mistaken for a documentary of that era and locale. That’s an incredibly delicate balance to maintain, and director Jane Schoenbrun makes it seem effortless.

12. Love Lies Bleeding

In this fashionable crime movie by British director Rose Glass, a fitness center manager (Kristen Stewart) develops feelings for the latest bodybuilder in town (Katy O’Brian, delivering a breakout performance). However, just when you think it’s following familiar patterns, Love Lies Bleeding takes an unexpected turn and becomes something entirely different from what you might expect. If David Cronenberg had directed the classic bodybuilding film Pumping Iron and blended elements of Fargo and Showgirls, it could resemble this darkly amusing and suspenseful thriller.

11. Hit Man

The title seems ironically sad, yet this film ought to have been a massive box office success. However, “Hit Man” went directly to Netflix following a theatrical release that seemed like a quiet sneeze – but this doesn’t diminish Richard Linklater’s latest comedy’s brilliance in any way. In fact, watching “Hit Man” on Netflix has its perks, such as the ability to rewatch it repeatedly, since this is indeed a movie worth multiple viewings.

Plot: Glen Powell delivers an irresistible charm as a psychology teacher who takes up a side job impersonating hit men for the New Orleans Police Department. However, things get complicated when he finds himself developing feelings for one of his clients in “Hit Man.” This film is humorous, sensual, unexpected, and even insightful about the fluidity of our personal identities. Don’t let it get lost among the countless other titles in the Netflix streaming library!

10. Rebel Ridge

In September last year, I can’t help but feel that Aaron Pierre’s exceptional performance as an honorable Marine entangled with corrupt cops in “Rebel Ridge” should have been the center of cinematic discussions. Unfortunately, amidst the dozen new movies on Netflix that month, it didn’t quite reach the limelight as expected.

However, this doesn’t diminish Pierre’s brilliance or Jeremy Saulnier’s, the talented director behind “Blue Ruin” and “Green Room,” delivery of another masterful action film. This movie, reminiscent of “First Blood” but viewed through the distorted lens of our contemporary society, is undoubtedly another outstanding piece from Saulnier.

9. Anora

In essence, the movie “Anora” initially seems similar to the classic film “Pretty Woman”, where a prostitute is hired to pretend as a wealthy man’s girlfriend for a week, and they both develop feelings for each other. However, director Sean Baker didn’t realize the similarities between his film and “Pretty Woman” until halfway through production. Interestingly, it’s around this midpoint in “Anora” that the storyline veers significantly from the “Pretty Woman” formula, becoming more intriguing.

What sets “Anora” apart is its exceptional cast, led by Mikey Madison in the title role, and its unique mix of tones, as scenes transition seamlessly from comedic to tragic moments within a heartbeat, emphasized by the dramatic use of heavy makeup. The director’s sensitive approach, reminiscent of his previous works like “Tangerine” and “The Florida Project”, adds depth to the portrayal of sex workers’ everyday lives.

8. The Substance

This Cronenbergian blend of horror and comedy features Demi Moore, delivering some of her most thrilling work in years, as a declining television personality who experiments with a bizarre drug called “The Substance.” This transformative serum turns her into a younger duplicate (Margaret Qualley), poised to rejuvenate her acting career.

I strongly recommend experiencing this exhilarating film on Blu-ray or streaming platforms. However, if you didn’t catch it in theaters, you’ve missed an extraordinary experience. Watching it among a crowd, as part of an audience collectively uncovering just how far writer/director Coralie Fargeat was prepared to push her commentary on the absurd beauty standards in show business, was a truly captivating sight. (Caution: She went extremely far with this allegory.)

7. The Fall Guy

Just as an aged muscle car with faulty brakes, “The Fall Guy” gains momentum swiftly and maintains it steadily. Its most captivating scenes possess the same vivacious charm as a classic Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland musical, where they exclaim, “Let’s put on a show!” This series is so heartfelt in its adoration for cinematic enchantment that it incites a desire to create one’s own film or simply indulge in watching one.

In reality, the term “movie magic” may be somewhat deceptive. When a production like “The Fall Guy” captivates audiences as it does, the experience feels magical. However, for the filmmakers, crafting that magic is a blend of illusion and grueling effort, with many aspects attributed to the hardworking technical crew members that this series esteems. At one juncture, Emily Blunt’s character Jody Moreno informs Ryan Gosling’s stuntman Colt Seavers that she desires their action sequences to embody the idea, “How far would you go for the one you love?” If you imagine “the one” represents the exhilarating euphoria of exceptional cinema, you’ll grasp the driving force behind this engaging film.

6. Dune: Part Two

In an impressive feat, Denis Villeneuve successfully gathered his cast and crew once more to finish his take on Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’. Reflecting on my initial review, I realize that all the praise bestowed upon it – “the future it portrayed felt so complete and tangible that some scenes resembled a documentary of a future world”, “it was crystal clear in its premise, politics, and grand sci-fi narrative”, “it captured the epic grandeur and unique charm that ‘Dune’ fans have long associated with the original work” – applies equally to ‘Part Two’. ‘Dune: Part Two’ is not only one of the most ambitious science fiction film series of the century but also a fortunate exception given the challenges posed by the pandemic and uncertain financing in Hollywood.

5. His Three Daughters

I’ve been there, experiencing the loss of a loved one earlier this year. It’s not something I’ve shared much, but I’ve realized that my feelings towards Azazel Jacobs’ film, “His Three Daughters,” are intertwined with that tragic event. This movie, and cinema in general, has a unique way of portraying death from the viewpoint of those who witness it, such as the three sisters superbly played by Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen, and Natasha Lyonne.

I’m not entirely convinced that the film’s central argument—that the most authentic portrayal of death on screen is through its omission—resonates with me. However, the final 20 minutes of Jacobs’ tense family drama always leave me in tears whenever I watch it.

4. Hard Truths

In this film “Hard Truths,” directed by Mike Leigh, Marianne Jean-Baptiste delivers an impressive performance as the fiercely angry character, Pansy. Remarkably, she manages to transform Pansy, who spends the entire movie venting her anger at those around her, into a sympathetic figure that evokes immense empathy. This is achieved despite the fact that the script does not provide explicit details about the roots of Pansy’s trauma or rage. Interestingly, Pansy’s sister Chantelle, played by Michele Austin, appears to be well-adjusted, even though they both experienced a challenging upbringing with a troublesome mother.

The true depth of Pansy’s character lies not in her angry outbursts at the grocery store clerk or dental hygienist, or her scoldings of her husband for ordering chicken (which she dislikes). Instead, it is found in the small, intimate moments when Jean-Baptiste skillfully portrays Pansy’s solitary instances, allowing the camera to capture Pansy’s inner turmoil through subtle glances or facial expressions.

3. The Brutalist

It’s delightful to find that it’s still possible to create a film like “The Brutalist,” an introspective, captivating four-hour American epic. Unlike stories about alien civilizations or magical stones, this one follows the interconnected journeys of two men uniting to construct something. It’s also worth noting that the film is deeply concerned with the challenges in bringing such a deeply personal artistic project to life. The success or failure of such endeavors often lies at the mercy of the whims of their financiers. In the coming months, you can anticipate much discussion about Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce (portraying the artist and patron respectively). They truly merit all the attention they receive.

2. Challengers

In 2024, among my top ten favorite films, two stand out for having a similarity: Outstanding acting by Zendaya in movies where she portrays a woman who develops feelings for and guides potentially flawed men. One of these movies is called “Challengers.” In this film, Zendaya navigates the complexities of not one but two gifted yet troubled individuals, skillfully played by Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor. Despite their turbulent dynamics, she acts as a mediator in their tennis rivalry and romantic entanglement.

Not only does “Challengers” boast an impressive ensemble cast, but it also showcases excellent cinematography, editing, tennis sequences, and a brilliant screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes. It was particularly intriguing to me when I discovered that the film was penned by Celine Song’s husband, who, in the past two years, has produced movies featuring convoluted love triangles involving a talented and attractive woman questioning her marital choices – this revelation left me quite astonished.

1. Nickel Boys

In this line of work, I often come across many excellent and exceptional films. However, it’s rare to encounter one that feels refreshingly unique, pushing the boundaries of the medium into unexplored territories. Fortunately, a film like “Nickel Boys” occasionally graces us. This is not just an original production, but a bold and thought-provoking piece, offering two distinct perspectives.

The reason for its uniqueness lies in the daring choice made by co-screenwriter and director RaMell Ross. He decided to film most of his adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel using point-of-view shots, primarily from the viewpoints of the two main characters. This innovative POV camerawork, masterfully executed by Ross and cinematographer Jomo Fray, immerses the audience in the minds and experiences of two young men enduring a Florida reform school in the 1960s. If misused, this technique could become a distracting novelty. However, under Ross’ skillful direction, it offers a fresh perspective that may also hint at the future of cinema.

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2025-02-14 19:55

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