Lily-Rose Depp recently opened up about her experience working on the highly anticipated Nosferatu during a post-screening discussion in Los Angeles.
Starring alongside Bill Skarsgård, who plays the infamous vampire, Depp revealed that his terrifying costume and makeup brought an eerie realism to the set. According to the actress, the fear visible on her face in the film wasn’t acting—it was genuine. She described how Skarsgård’s transformation, particularly the intricate makeup around his eyes, made him unrecognizable, creating an unsettling presence that deeply affected her during filming.
The original 1922 Nosferatu is a German Expressionist silent film and one of the earliest defining works of the horror genre, directed by F.W. Murnau. The film is an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, in which the vampire Count Orlok replaces Dracula due to copyright issues. Its unsettling visual style and creative use of shadows introduced innovative filmmaking techniques to the silent film era. Although initially overshadowed by legal disputes and attempts to destroy all copies, Nosferatu is now regarded by film experts as one of the most influential masterpieces of the horror genre.
Skarsgård, known for his meticulous approach to roles, not only embodied Nosferatu visually but also altered his voice to suit the character. Director Robert Eggers had played early audio recordings to the cast, offering a glimpse of the monster’s chilling voice. However, Depp explained that it was seeing Skarsgård in full costume that completed the horrifying transformation.
Together, the voice and look created an unforgettable on-screen menace. Depp, a fan of the Dracula and Nosferatu stories, expressed her fascination with the historical period in which the film is set, something she shares with Eggers, the director.
Depp took an unconventional approach during the press screening, watching the film with the audience rather than from backstage. While she admitted feeling uneasy seeing herself on the big screen, she shared her excitement about the project and the honor of working with Eggers. Reflecting on the film’s production, Depp said it felt like a dream come true to collaborate with the acclaimed director.
With its blend of historical intrigue, chilling performances, and Eggers’ signature attention to detail, Nosferatu promises to be a haunting reimagining of the classic tale. Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Skarsgård’s powerful performances are set to bring this iconic vampire story to a new generation of audiences.
– Virág Vida –
