Experienced the Nosferatu Ordeal with io9
io9 was invited to the "Nosferatu"* Experience to dive into the universe of the upcoming Focus Features film directed by Robert Eggers (The Lighthouse). The hauntingly vampiric walk-through was a limited event put together by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment's Director of Immersive, Jon Braver, who led the team behind the interactive play series Delusion.
Picture: Sabina Graves, io9/Gizmodo
The late-night event took place December 16-18 at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. The Masonic Lodge was transformed into the mansion of one Count Orlok (in Eggers' movie, he's portrayed by Bill Skarsgård), inviting you for a somber tour of his estate for some business dealings. The transformation into the world of Nosferatu was furthered by an eerie soundtrack from the film's composer, Robin Carolan.
A tour, you say? That sounded harmless—what could really be the issue of checking out a collection of screen-used props and costumes, along with occult objects and fiercely dark magic relics?
However, this wasn't just an exhibit; the environment came alive with actors who embraced the gothic tone of the film in chilling and unsettling ways. For instance, they were quite insistent that I sign a contract drawn up by Orlok's reckless associate—even though it was in a language indecipherable to my eyes. And yes, I signed it—what can I say? I'm an inquisitive person with a passion for vampires and I wanted that Nosferatu coffin more than anything. So I disregarded any warnings not to from diseases-ridden rats and devoutly innocent young women.
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This film tie-in experience was definitely a lighter version of the Delusion team’s annual interactive haunt productions which do not permit video recording. As such, if you've ever been curious about one of their shows, this was definitely a taster of the West Coast’s immersive theater scene. At the Nosferatu Experience, we managed to capture the unsettling ambiance of the film's atmosphere on camera as the macabre inhabitants led us through various corridors to observe elements of the film's plot without much context, including moderately graphic black magic rituals and the palpable dread surrounding certain artifacts like Orlok's coffin and books of dark magic.
Two women cowered in unhinged terror at the shadow of the vampire cast upon the walls as if he were approaching and it pushed the plague victims even further over the edge. By then, the ink had dried on my contract so it was too late—I had to confront my fate as I drew closer to meeting the Count. I can only vaguely recall what transpired thereafter but I do have two distinct fang marks on my neck and a strange aversion to the light. So Focus Features, when does my Nosferatu coffin bed arrive?
Picture: Sabina Graves, io9/Gizmodo
Nosferatu hits theaters on December 25th.
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Io9's unique experience at the "Nosferatu" Event, hosted by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment, provided a glimpse into the future of immersive storytelling, blending technology and horror. Attendees were transported into the Victorian-era and experienced a chilling encounter with Count Orlok, showcasing the potential of technology in enhancing cinematic experiences.
Posting the event on Instagram at @io9dotcom sparked interest in the immersive theater scene on the West Coast, paving the way for future collaborations between film production companies and interactive entertainment. With the buzz surrounding the "Nosferatu" Experience, fans are eagerly awaiting similar events that combine technology, horror, and the enchantment of the film industry's future.
