- Nosferatu hi theaters on December 25
- But despite fans and critics alike going wild for the gothic horror, others were annoyed by the antics of fellow theater-goers
- The movie has a star-studded cast, including Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Willem Defoe and Bill Skarsgård
Nosferatu hit theaters on December 25 – and despite it not being the most festive of movies, fans have flocked to their local cinema to watch the gothic horror.
The movie was written and directed by Robert Eggers and features a stellar cast – including Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Willem Defoe and Bill Skarsgård.
But although die-hard gothic fans have gone wild for the flick – as have critics, who branded the movie “one of the most profoundly frightening horror films in years” – they have had one gripe in particular with other theater-goers.
But why are some Nosferatu fans annoyed at others?
“I came back from my local Nosferatu screening, and the most horrific part was the reaction of the audience,” wrote one fan via Twitter/X. “I think that, in part, the philistinism of today is a symptom of people not knowing how to react appropriately in front of a piece of art.
“Laughing at poignant scenes because you can’t manage discomfort, making snarky remarks out loud to show cool detachment and emotional impenetrability, truly awful stuff.”
They continued, “‘Theater etiquette’ sounds like such a pompous phrase when it only implies respect for the art and those around you.”
While the user’s comments may come as a surprise to some, others were quick to agree.
“That’s precisely the problem – people are treating moments meant to break tension as proof that the movie’s a comedy,” wrote another. “So they’re cracking up at, for example, Ellen’s convulsions, or that tableau at the very end. Going ‘HAHAHAHA’ at those ruins the suspense for everyone else.”
Another added, “Nosferatu is INCREDIBLE. But please, dear god, if you cannot take anything seriously, do not see this movie in theaters. The whole audience laughed at every single possession scene, genuinely why can none of you appreciate art anymore??”
‘Audiences have an appetite for art!”
Similarly, other viewers noted how the movie’s subject matter – vampires – should have been an indicator to others about the movie’s more adult themes.
“Vampires are inherently sensual creatures, in that they have been used to symbolize human sexuality and the forbidden since their inception, so I’m not sure why anyone is shocked Nosferatu is steeped in eroticism,” said one.
Another continued, “Nosferatu is an erotic film because vampires as mythology have always been the manifestation of repressed sexual desires!!! The perversion was necessary to accurately represent the folklore!!!”
Despite the negativity some have felt from other audience members, Nosferatu’s high viewing figures – grossing $48.3 million, with a budget of $50 million, so far in the worldwide box office – show that fans do want to see more movies like the gothic drama.
“One takeaway from Nosferatu’s box office success is that normie audiences actually do have an appetite for art that promises to show them something they haven’t seen before,” mused one. “Investment in actual artistry & muscular authorship is implicit in the marketing and it’s paying off.”
