Every Major Difference Between ‘Nosferatu’ 2024 and the Original Silent Film

One of the buzziest films on this year’s Christmas release docket was Robert Eggers’ long-anticipated Nosferatu (2024). Starring the likes of Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, and Bill Skarsgård in the titular role, Nosferatu (2024) is a remake of the 1922 silent German classic Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror. The original was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula (the character’s name was changed to Count Orlok/Nosferatu, which translates in German to “offensive one” for copyright reasons).

Despite Stoker’s family’s attempts to have all copies destroyed, Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror survived and went on to become a seminal blueprint for the horror genre. Thus, in re-vamping (pun intended) and paying homage to such an influential piece of cinema, Eggers truly had his work cut out for him. So, how specifically does Nosferatu (2024) draw from its source material, and what are the major differences between them?

A Rather Faithful Adaptation

Generally, Eggers adheres rather diligently to the source material. It pays homage to the visual landscape established by the parameters of the time (black and white, shadows, etc.), as well as the distinct style used by original director F.W. Murnau. The plot also has the same rough shape: a real estate broker’s wife is preyed upon by Nosferatu, and a plague is brought upon Germany. In fact, multiple quotes are pulled straight from Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (for example, from Ellen: “Why would you kill them…the lovely flowers?”).

Of course, with spoken dialogue, about an additional hour of runtime, and a century’s worth of technological advancements at Eggers’ disposal, there are bound to be ample material differences. There are many minor deviations.

For instance, the 1922 version is split into a five-act structure, as is traditional of the silent film era, which Eggers foregoes. In the original, Hutter finds a book in his inn that warns him of vampires, and instead of being transported to Count Orlok’s castle by an enchanted carriage, he is picked up by Nosferatu himself. The plague also spreads rather differently in Murnau’s version.

It is difficult to imagine how Eggers might have adapted Nosferatu without making these kinds of beat-by-beat changes, considering the medium of film differs so drastically today (thanks to movies like Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror). Therefore, here are the broader ways modern Nosferatu alters the story.

More/Deeper Characters

There are multiple side characters in Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror that are more fleshed out in Nosferatu (2024). Notably, the friends that Ellen (Depp) stays with, Friedrich (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Anna (Emma Corrin), are given much more meat in Eggers’ version. Friedrich becomes characterized as a skeptic and becomes a pseudo-obstacle to Ellen’s treatment, while Anna becomes her best friend.

The entire plotline about Friedrich and Anna losing their children and suffering the plague is also an addition. Nosferatu’s henchman, Knock (played in the 2024 version by Simon McBurney), is also given much more content. His worship of the Count is expounded upon, as is the carnality of his bloodlust. Willem Dafoe’s character, an occult professor and vampire hunter, did not exist in the original film at all.

Ellen and Orlok

Perhaps the largest way that Nosferatu expands upon its source material is in its handling of Ellen’s character. In the original, Ellen is still Orlok’s obsession and the object of his desire, but she is not an active participant in any way. Unlike in Eggers’ Nosferatu, Ellen’s past does not connect to Orlok; she has never had dreams/visions of him and does not summon him. Rather, Hutter (her husband) simply meets Orlok when selling him real estate, setting off a chain of events that leads Ellen to sacrifice herself to Orlok.

Nosferatu (2024) gives much more backstory to a long-lasting, dark romantic connection between Ellen and Orlok, allowing Ellen to have much more agency in the story. The two also end up having a much more explicit erotic relationship in this version. This, as well as the additional time the audience spends with Ellen and Thomas, makes the final act all the more devastating.

The Mustache in the Room

The design of Count Orlok himself is one of the most distinct differences. In Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, Nosferatu is identifiable by his pointy ears, buck teeth, and hunched shoulders. Those qualities are present in an unrecognizable Bill Skarsgård’s Orlok, with a few key differences. Most strikingly, he now has a mustache. Nosferatu’s skin is now decayed and festered compared to the original, which was covered in a pristine cloak.

Eggers’ version of the ancient vampire is undoubtedly harder to look in the eye. He is more terrifying. Also, as opposed to the original Orlok, who classically sucks blood from his victims’ necks, this Nosferatu does so from a much more viscerally felt chest. Viewers see him do this while convulsing nakedly, covered in sore-ridden flesh, over their unconscious bodies. Eggers creates a more overtly disturbing version of a horror villain through these character design choices than was possible in the early 20th century.

Nosferatu is now playing in theaters everywhere.

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Release Date

December 25, 2024

Runtime

2h 12m