When director Robert Eggers set out to remake the iconic 1922 film Nosferatu, expectations were understandably high. Eggers, known for his chilling narratives in The Witch and The Lighthouse, embraced these expectations, transforming them into an opportunity to innovate and frighten anew. This time, his arsenal included an unexpected yet eerily fitting choice: 5,000 live rats.
In what could be one of the most ambitious uses of live animals in cinema, Eggers decided that the remake of F.W. Murnau’s gothic masterpiece wouldn’t shy away from a challenge. During a recent Q&A, Eggers revealed the logistics of working with such a large number of rats, noting, “There’s 5,000 real rats. So basically, if there’s rats in the foreground, they’re real, and then they thin out and become CG rats in the background.” This blend of practical effects and CGI not only adds depth to the visual horror but also a tangible, unnerving presence that CGI alone could not achieve.
Bill Skarsgård, who stars in the titular role, was surrounded by these eerily disciplined creatures. Eggers commented on their training, stating, “Not all of them were trained, we only trained like one or two hundred of them to kind of enter on cue.” This partial training ensured that while the rats had structured interactions, there was enough unpredictability to keep both the actors and the audience on edge.
The Cast’s Rat-Infested Ordeal
Nicholas Hoult, another key player in the film, shared his bewilderment and humor regarding the rodent co-stars during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show. “I think we had like 5,000 rats,” he exclaimed, highlighting the surreal nature of filming. He humorously added that while some rats were trained, “They were all trained, and I was like, ‘You couldn’t have trained all of them.’ There were certain pockets of them that were trained.”
Adding to the complexity, Hoult mentioned the less glamorous aspect of working with so many animals: “And they were incontinent rats, so it was kinda stinky,” a detail that certainly adds a layer of authenticity (and discomfort) to the set’s atmosphere.
Critical Reception and Awards Buzz
Despite the logistical nightmares and the olfactory challenges, Nosferatu has been met with critical acclaim, boasting a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s unique blend of historical horror elements with modern filmmaking techniques makes it a standout. However, it faced a surprising snub from the Golden Globes, though it remains in the running for several Oscars, reflecting its artistic merit and the industry’s recognition of Eggers’ daring vision.
Eggers’ Nosferatu is more than just a film; it’s an experience that melds the surreal with the supernatural. With its innovative use of trained rats, the film pushes the boundaries of traditional horror, making audiences squirm not just from the eerie storyline but from the crawling reality of its scenes. This remake is a testament to Eggers’ mastery in creating atmospheres that are as immersive as they are disturbing, ensuring that the legend of Nosferatu remains as haunting today as it was a century ago.