When The Invitation came out in 2016, Karyn Kusama (Jennifer’s Body, XX) was invited to be a guest curator for Shudder, where she handpicked some of her favorite horror films to feature in a collection. One of her choices was Werner Herzog’s extremely underrated Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979). “If you like vampire films,” she said. “This beautiful film is a must.”
I’ve been a fan of Kusama’s since I was in high school, so in my eyes, she can do no wrong. And when it comes to vampires, Kusama, who was tapped to direct a new version of Dracula (the project was scrapped three weeks before filming), knows what’s worth watching.
Watch the trailer below:
While every version of Nosferatu has its own merits, Herzog’s stands out because it’s a great example of “how a remake can be fantastic when done the right way by the right people.” Kusama, meanwhile, explained her reasoning with just four words: “Herzog. Kinski. Adjani. Ganz.” (See why I love her? She gets straight to the point!).
It’s also beautiful. Every frame is drenched in bold, swampy, almost jewel-toned color. Even Isabelle Adjani (Possession), who is as white as a ghost, glows on screen.
But Nosferatu the Vampyre isn’t the only overlooked version of this story. In our cover story earlier this year, we interviewed icon Doug Jones about his starring turn in Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (2023), another underseen vision of the Vampyre worth a watch. So, if you’re looking for a version that pays homage to the original but with a “somewhat punk”, “experimental” edge, this is worth a watch as well.
Kusama is correct. Stream Nosferatu the Vampyre on Tubi, and be sure to check out Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, as well. And, if you’re still thirsty for more vampires but need a break from our favorite bald-headed, cameo-making Count, you should meet his Irish cousin, Abhartach.
And as always, if you love vampires, think Jennifer’s Body should be part of the Criterion Collection, or you want to talk about that video of Herzog having a bad time in the Amazon, you can find me on Instagram and X: @ashjenexi.
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