Since his debut film in 2015, director Robert Eggers has become a well-known name in the horror genre. The New York City-born 41-year-old, who relocated with his family to New Hampshire as a child, found inspiration in New England for his first two films, The Witch and The Lighthouse, creating themes he’d take with him through every film to date. While he started with independent distributor A24, Eggers transitioned to bigger budgets while working with Focus Features and other companies for his third and fourth films, The Northman and Nosferatu, the latter of which just released in theaters today. Though Eggers’ filmmaking evolution has certainly changed in the past near-decade, he’s remained a distinct voice in the genre.
I'm fortunate enough to have seen all four of Eggers’ films in theaters, including Nosferatu, which I saw an early screening of at the start of the month. While discussing his latest project, it’s hard not to reflect on his past works. Which one is the best? Well, of course, that's subjective. But here’s my ranking in case you’re curious. This post does not contain major spoilers for any of the four films.
4. The Northman
Eggers’ historical fiction epic The Northman (2022) was his first foray into the mainstream after upgrading to a bigger budget and studio. As a follow-up to The Lighthouse (2019), arguably the least accessible title in his filmography, I was hoping for something just as absurd and abstract. Well, that was probably my own fault for having those expectations. While the film, which stars Alexander Skarsgård as a Viking out to avenge his father, is certainly unique—this is still Eggers, of course—it just isn’t that compelling. The cast, which also consists of Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, and other familiar faces, is undeniably strong, and the cinematography is great. But I couldn't help but leave the theater considering this as nothing more than an elevated blockbuster.
Eggers has talked about his experience working with a big studio for The Northman multiple times, even going as far as to tell The New Yorker that he didn’t think he’d “do it again.” He clarified his comments a bit with Indie Wire, explaining that when going into the film, not having the final cut "was a risk was willing to take." And while he called the process "painful," he also "needed the pressure of the studio to make the most entertaining version of this movie." I don't know; for me, I don't go into an Eggers movie looking for entertainment. And that's why The Northman fell short for me.
3. Nosferatu
Though Eggers nearly swore off big studios after making The Northman, he teamed up with Focus Features again—this time just for the U.S. distribution—with 2024’s Nosferatu. The new release, which is a remake of the 1922 film of the same name, is probably the filmmaker's most accessible movie to date, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing this time around. Starring Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, and Bill Skarsgård, the latest version of the familiar story focuses on Ellen as the protagonist, leaning into her psychic abilities. Depp is great in the leading role, a part that was originally given to Anya Taylor-Joy, and the film as a whole is pleasant. But it lacks the depth and darkness it could've really tapped into with such a macabre and iconic storyline. It's a well-made period drama, I'll give it that... but for Nosferatu? I wanted it to push the envelope.
And as much as I love Skarsgård, his portrayal of Count Orlock is distracted by the overuse of prosthetics and I don’t buy the character's connection to Ellen whatsoever. Isn't Nosferatu supposed to be suspenseful and sexy? The film, instead, is a bit flat and dull, and while Eggers no doubt was going for bleak and cold with this one, there's just very little to absorb.
2. The Lighthouse
Speaking of bleak and cold, The Lighthouse is certainly that. But it’s made in such a compelling way that it’s impossible to look away from the screen—as if you’ve been caught in a trance. The 2019 movie might be Eggers’ most ambitious, and it’s exactly what I love best about his filmmaking style. Starring two of the best actors working today, Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, his second movie is a two-hander, which would work incredibly well on the stage as well as on film. Following two lighthouse keepers in the 1890s, we follow along with their days as they begin to lose their minds. A master class in cinematography, dialogue, and acting, The Lighthouse is a near-flawless arthouse film that will stay with you for a while.
Shot all in black-and-white and in a 1.19:1 aspect ratio, every choice behind The Lighthouse is deliberate, making for a watch that challenges you and forces you to become fully immersed in the experience. It's absolutely one of a kind, and is a very, very, very close second to my favorite Eggers film of all time.
1. The Witch
Of course, Eggers’ greatest movie to date is his first, The Witch (stylized as The VVitch), which came out in 2015. If you’re looking for psychological horror, this is one of the best of the past decade, taking place in 1630s New England. Following a Puritan family whose lives are disrupted by a witch in the woods, the film is a slow burn that's incredibly effective in filling you with anxiety and dread. Eggers' meticulous filmmaking style here creates an undeniably creepy, atmospheric story that also comments on religion, nature, and humanity. It's almost unbelievable that this is a directorial debut.
Complete with an all-star cast of Anya Taylor-Joy (in her breakout role), Ralph Ineson, and Kate Dickie, along with striking cinematography, The Witch is truly something special.