Robert Eggers reveals shocking secrets of his one-shot sequence in Nosferatu

On December 25, 2024, the horror film Nosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers, was released in the United States and quickly became a box office success, grossing $11.5 million in its first day. The film features notable actors including Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok, Willem Dafoe, Lily-Rose Depp, and Nicholas Hoult. Eggers discussed a particular scene he had decided to remove before the film's release, describing it as a 'demented' moment that unexpectedly appeared comical. The final shot showing Skarsgård's character locked in an embrace with Depp's character was always intended to remain. However, Eggers noted that certain visual effects—like bleeding from Orlok’s eyes, ears, nose, and an unusual comic element involving bleeding from his anus—ultimately influenced his decision to cut the scene, as it detracted from the film's intended atmosphere. Critics have praised Nosferatu, and The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey commended it for its dark representation of the vampire lore, calling it a significant reinterpretation from past portrayals in cinema. Additionally, Eggers has inspired discussion through a carefully executed one-shot scene that captures Nicholas Hoult’s character navigating a Transylvanian village, filmed in the Czech Republic. This sequence was enriched by authentic local cultural elements and involved Roma non-professional actors, contributing to the film's unique texture and immersive atmosphere.