A Feminist Review of Nosferatu (2025)
Nosferatu (2025) Robert Eggers' Nosferatu (2025) is more than just a reimagining of the classic vampire mythos—it’s an eerie, profound exploration of the complex dynamics between gender, desire, and power. By grounding the horror in the oppressive structures that have long subjugated women, Eggers crafts a feminist critique of toxic obsession, patriarchal control, and the fear of female autonomy. Yet, despite its haunting beauty, the film stumbles in key areas where it could have delivered more nuanced empowerment. 1. The Monster as Patriarchal Power At its core, Nosferatu is a story of predatory male fixation. Orlok’s obsession with Ellen isn’t a romantic yearning—it’s a destructive hunger. Eggers leans into this by portraying Orlok as the embodiment of patriarchal entitlement: an undead force driven by the belief that a woman’s life and body can be possessed, controlled, and drained of vitality. What sets this version apart is Ellen’s resilience. She isn’t a passive v...