New Nosferatu trailer smartly keeps Bill Skarsgård's Count Orlok to the shadows

From the mastermind behind The Witch and The Lighthouse comes Nosferatu, the latest film by writer and director Robert Eggers. Premiering in theaters this December, Eggers' version is his take on the classic 1922 German Expressionist short that, along with Bram Stoker's Dracula, helped cultivate the enduring imagery and lore of the vampire mythology.

One of the key differences between these two formidable creatures is Count Orlok's deep-seated gloom and isolation. Traits that Eggers is heavily leaning into for this movie, along with a psychosexual element. Star Bill Skarsgård previously discussed his "sexualized" portrayal and the desire to cultivate conflicting feelings in audiences. The official trailer released on September 30 gives us an even better indication of what to anticipate from the film.

Along with providing a better look at the film's lush and dreary gothic atmosphere, the trailer smartly avoids showing us Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok in his full glory, instead opting for a subtler approach that keeps him in shadow: a haunting silhouette and ever-present dark passenger in the mind of Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp).

Focus Features describes Nosferatu as a "tale of obsession," one that takes place between Depp's character and Count Orlok himself. The story refers to Count Orlok's growing infatuation with Ellen, but interestingly, the trailer implies that Ellen might nurture her own secret desires for Count Orlok, which would align with Skarsgård's previous comments. In the original film, Ellen more or less acts as bait to rid the world of the monster.

Trailers are deceptive, so what looks like Ellen giving in to the creature doesn't necessarily indicate the truth. But I'm very excited to see Eggers' take on the story. If anyone can extrapolate and explore complicated feelings and illicit sexual desires, it's him.

In addition to the trailer, Focus Features has also shared details regarding the film's soundtrack, featuring music by Robin Carolan. The soundtrack will be released physically via Sacred Bones and digitally via Back Lot Music on November 22. Listen to the first two tracks, "Goodbye" and "Increase thy Thunders," here and pre-order the soundtrack here.

Besides Skarsgård and Depp, Nosferatu also stars Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson, Simon McBurney, and Willem Dafoe.

Nosferatu will be released in theaters nationwide on December 25.