For many horror enthusiasts, Max Schreck’s legendary vampire character is the standout element of the 1922 silent film classic “Nosferatu.” However, in the recently released high-profile remake, it’s Lily-Rose Depp’s portrayal of the tormented young woman that takes center stage, offering a deeper emotional connection.

Unlike the original film, set a century ago, Ellen Hutter, played by Depp in Robert Eggers’ updated version of “Nosferatu” (hitting theaters on Christmas Day), is depicted as a character with a more active role and emotional depth. Despite still being the object of dark desire, Ellen faces a host of terrifying challenges.

“This role felt like a gift in every way,” shares the 25-year-old Depp. “I have always been fascinated by this myth. It’s special for Ellen to be the focal point, adding layers to the narrative that weren’t previously explored.”

Set in 1838 Germany, Ellen is a bride tormented by disturbing visions featuring a monstrous figure with whom she shares a perilous psychic connection. Despite her warnings to her husband Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) against traveling to Transylvania for an appointment, he dismisses her fears.

As Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård)—who is bound to Ellen through their “contract”—draws closer, Ellen suffers fits and seizures, yet her distress goes unacknowledged by the men in her life, including her best friend (Emma Corrin). Eventually, the truth is revealed as they witness firsthand the destruction and sickness Orlok brings with him.

Eggers aimed to reimagine “Nosferatu” from Ellen’s perspective to infuse the story with “emotional and psychological depth.” He describes it as a tale of a haunted lover, similar to “Wuthering Heights,” questioning whether Heathcliff’s love for Cathy is genuine or if it’s merely about possession and destruction. In a story this dark, it holds up a mirror to aspects of ourselves that are often unrecognized.

Depp also interprets “Nosferatu” as a tale of “a woman confronting her feelings of shame and isolation.” She emphasizes the relatability and timelessness of this struggle. Despite advancements in women’s rights since 1838, many issues of oppression and the importance of believing women persist even today.

The manifestations of demonic influence serve as external reflections of Ellen’s internal chaos, Depp explains. She collaborated with a movement coach to embody the character’s emotional state and physicality, something Eggers recognized during her screen test: “She exuded raw intensity and I knew she would deliver a powerful performance.”

The director admits to losing much sleep over a critical scene where Ellen reveals her connection to Orlok to Thomas, followed by a confrontation where she challenges him with cruel taunts. Depp’s performance includes an explosive breakdown that features physically demanding actions and intense emotional expression.

“The portrayal needs to feel credible,” explains Eggers. “If it veers too far into the realm of the artificial, it stops being frightening. The fear comes from imagining if that could happen to someone we know.”

Lily-Rose Depp, known as the daughter of Johnny Depp, has appeared in HBO’s “The Idol” as well as films like “The King” and “Voyagers.” However, her role in “Nosferatu” stands out as her most significant to date. After just a few days of filming, she faced a pivotal moment—“It was challenging, but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. It’s an exciting project,” she remarks.

To unwind post-filming, Depp says, “I just take off the corset and slip into something comfortable. After tackling intense scenes, I enjoy relaxing with some sweats and watching something light-hearted. That’s my routine.”