Nosferatu (1922)
Silent horror at its purest — Murnau’s shadowy vampire defined the visual language of dread.
F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu stands as one of cinema’s earliest, and most haunting, expressions of horror. Adapted unofficially from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the film’s eerie atmosphere and unforgettable imagery have defined vampire lore for over a century.
With its expressionist shadows, gothic architecture, and the unforgettable visage of Count Orlok, Nosferatu is less a narrative film than a fever dream of pestilence, obsession, and death.
Modern viewers may find its pacing slow, but its cinematic grammar—cross-cutting, framing, and stark contrasts—laid the groundwork for generations of filmmakers.
Final Verdict:
A timeless nightmare. Nosferatu is the beating heart of horror cinema. ★★★★★
Silent horror at its purest — Murnau’s shadowy vampire defined the visual language of dread.