Nosferatu:The Real Story – Review

Nosferatu – The Real Story, directed by Robin Bextor, is a compact documentary that delves into the legacy of the 1922 silent film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, often heralded as one of the most influential horror films of all time. Clocking in at just 71 minutes, it is both an accessible watch and a thoughtful exploration of the vampire genre’s roots and evolution.  

Part historical analysis and part homage the film looks at the making of Nosferatu, its legal battles (notably the copyright infringement with Bram Stoker’s estate), and its enduring cultural influence. It touches on the modern reinterpretation in Robert Eggers’ 2024 remake and positions the original film as a touchstone for contemporary horror.  

Through interviews with historians, filmmakers, and cultural critics, it dissects how the imagery of Count Orlok became a symbol of primal fear. It also discusses the technical innovation and artistic boldness of the original, which went on to inspire countless horror films. The documentary juxtaposes this historical backdrop with clips from more recent films like Shadow of The Vampire and of course Eggers’ visually lush retelling, adding a fresh layer of relevance but making this documentary, again, feel like a DVD extra rather than a standalone feature.

 

Visually, the documentary is polished, with a mix of archival footage, film clips, and modern interviews. Its pacing is brisk, aided by a well-chosen score that nods to both the eerie silence of 1920s cinema and modern horror soundscapes. However, at times, the documentary feels a bit rushed, skimming over some of the juicier anecdotes about Nosferatu’s troubled production and its enigmatic director, F.W. Murnau and mysterious star Max Schreck. The audio is unfortunately pretty bad overall, with the score overpowering the voiceover which makes it easy to miss some of what’s being said.

The film features compelling insights from experts who discuss not just the artistic merit of Nosferatu but its broader impact on horror cinema.  It effectively captures the Weimar-era anxieties that shaped the original, such as fears of plague, death, and societal decay, linking them to modern interpretations of horror.  

For all its strengths, the documentary occasionally sacrifices depth for brevity. I feel in the running time they could have given more detailed accounts of the original cast and crew (it’s clear the people speaking know their stuff) or a deeper dive into how Nosferatu fits into the socio-political fabric of the 1920s.  

Nosferatu – The Real Story is a captivating primer for those new to Nosferatu, and a nostalgic revisit for those who hold the original film dear. While it may not qualify as an exhaustive examination, its focus on the transition from past to present makes it a timely and entertaining companion piece to the 2024 remake.  

With Robert Eggers’ highly anticipated Nosferatu about to arrive in cinemas, sink your teeth into the untold story behind the iconic ground-breaking horror film that will never die in Nosferatu – The Real Story when it hits UK digital on 16 December 2024, courtesy of Reel 2 Reel Films.