It's hard to beat the immaculate horror of the OG Nosferatu. While the latest attempt from Robert Eggers is nothing to sneeze at, there’s a true Eldritch terror to F.W. Murnau’s original that’s nigh impossible to beat. Count Orlok might not be the first onscreen vampire, but he sure was the template for everything to come. The only thing that could increase the tension? David DiDonato’s atmospheric accompaniment. It always feels better seeing silent movies as they were intended – with live music – and the creativity of DiDonato’s guitar work is a perfect nod to classical roots, with electric bursts of pure metal inserting modern madness into the score. It blends the best of the past with a uniquely Austin edge. – Cat McCarrey
