Lily-Rose Depp’s portrayal of Ellen Hutter in Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu remake delves into themes of desire, oppression, and guilt. In an interview with IndieWire, Depp shared that she relied on the book Péhor by Remy de Gourmont, which explores demonic sexual awakening and psychological torment, as her “Bible” throughout the film. She credited the book with helping her navigate Ellen’s internal struggle under Count Orlok’s influence.
Director Robert Eggers also provided cinematic references, but Depp emphasized that Péhor was crucial for portraying Ellen’s duality—her sensuality mixed with suffering. The book’s exploration of desire and corruption guided her through emotionally and physically demanding scenes. Depp also compared Ellen to her role as Jocelyn in The Idol, noting that filming Nosferatu shortly after The Idol helped her carry over Jocelyn’s intensity into Ellen’s torment.
Nosferatu premiered on December 25, and fans have praised Depp’s layered portrayal of Ellen. Her preparation using Péhor and the themes of psychological oppression add new depth to the classic horror story, making the film a compelling reimagining.
