Nosferatu Ending Explained: How Does Ellen Defeat Count Orlok?
Nosferatu marks a possible turning point in the career of Robert Eggers, an author with a distinctive set of recurring themes and motifs that make him immediately recognizable to those who frequent his cinema. Still, up to now little is known to the general public precisely for the originality of his vision and the stories he tells. In other words, he is much loved by those few who have given his films a chance, sometimes ignored because they cannot be traced back to well-known characters and franchises. As much as we like to complain about how today’s cinema lacks originality and always proposes the same stories, Eggers will leap to the mainstream with a film that tells a story present in the cinema from the dawn of ninth art: that of the vampire Nosferatu, one of the forerunners of the genus.
“Nosferatu” (2024), directed by Robert Eggers, is a reinterpretation of the 1922 horror classic. The film follows Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), a young woman caught in a dark bond with the vampire Nosferatu, Count Orlok. Through her past relationship and the recurring nightmares that haunt her, Ellen discovers that to free herself from the monster that consumes her, she must face him and use her own body as a weapon. Eggers delves into Ellen’s psychological nuances, giving her agency and humanity that were not present in the original version. In this remake, Ellen is not just a passive victim, but a woman who decides to face her past and find redemption on her terms.
Nosferatu Ending Explained: How Does Ellen Defeat Count Orlok?
At the climax of the film, Ellen understands that the only way to defeat Count Orlok is to voluntarily relive her relationship with him. This is not an act of submission, but a conscious decision to use your body and your past connection to attract it to its end. Ellen tricks the vampire into believing that she has accepted his influence again, guiding him into an intimate encounter in which he seems to succumb to his wishes.
However, while Orlok drinks from her, Ellen keeps him in the light of dawn. As the sun’s rays consume her, she holds her position firmly, even as she feels her life fade away. In a moment of personal triumph, Ellen looks at the Count as he disintegrates, proving that he has not only defeated the monster but has claimed his own story. Finally, her husband Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) arrives too late, finding her in her last moments of life, with an expression of victory and peace.
What Differentiates this Version of Nosferatu From the Original?
Nosferatu’s 2024 version gives Ellen emotional depth and agency that did not exist in the 1922 film. In the original classic, Ellen was a woman defined solely by her sacrifice to save her husband, where she presents herself as a complex protagonist. His sacrifice is not for the love of Thomas, but a way to redeem himself and overcome the trauma of his past relationship with Nosferatu. Eggers also introduces supporting female characters, such as Anna (Emma Corrin) and the nuns who help Thomas, who reinforce the issue of strength and solidarity among women. These figures complement Ellen’s narrative, showing a world where women face their destinies with courage and determination.
The Symbolism Of The Relationship Between Ellen And Nosferatu
The relationship between Ellen and Nosferatu is addressed as an allegory of abuse, manipulation, and control. Presented as an obsessive stalker, Orlok depicts the ghosts of Ellen’s past that continue to haunt her. His decision to confront him is not an acceptance of his power, but an act of defiance. By using her vulnerability as a trap, Ellen not only destroys the vampire but also frees herself from the guilt and pain she carries.
Conclusion of Nosferatu
Robert Eggers’ reinterpretation of Nosferatu transforms a classic horror story into a reflection on consent, autonomy, and redemption. Ellen is not a passive victim; she is a heroine who takes charge of her destiny and bravely faces her past. The outcome, while tragic, is a reminder that even in the deepest darkness, there is room for acts of resistance and personal empowerment.
