Lily-Rose Depp’s Transformative Experience in ‘Nosferatu’

During her audition for the upcoming reimagining of «Nosferatu,» actress Lily-Rose Depp reportedly left director Robert Eggers in tears. Depp’s ability to convey intense emotions, even over a grainy Zoom call, has been highlighted as a significant factor in her casting for the film.

Depp, the 25-year-old daughter of actors Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis, has emerged as a force in the acting world. She has previously gained attention for her performances in projects such as the French period piece «Planetarium.» Her role in «Nosferatu» as Ellen, a character developed beyond its original inspiration in Dracula’s Mina Harker, promises to be a remarkable addition to her repertoire.

The Zoom audition presented challenges that Depp overcame with creativity and commitment. «I was really nervous,» Depp confessed during an interview while enjoying a cappuccino in Beverly Hills. She elaborated on how she prepared for a demanding scene by preparing objects around her to throw in a fit of emotion, showing the depth of her emotional range: “I made sure that I had a bunch of stuff to throw…I wanted to show that I wasn’t scared to go there.”

Director Robert Eggers, acclaimed for films like «The Lighthouse» and «The Northman,» has reputedly re-envisioned the «Nosferatu» story to make Ellen its central, complex character. In crafting this narrative, Eggers sought a «fearless» performer to embody the role, which Depp has taken on with dedication.

To prepare for the film’s physically demanding scenes, Depp trained in Butoh, a form of Japanese dance characterized by its intense physicality and dramatic expression. She worked closely with movement coach Marie-Gabrielle Rotie to map out the choreography. «Butoh is this Japanese dance discipline…it really feels as though they are not there anymore,» Depp explained, describing how the technique helped her portray her character’s possession more authentically.

The collaboration with Eggers created a unique, immersive filmmaking experience. According to Depp, one of the film’s technical aspects included highly choreographed scenes that required precise movements and timing. «It’s not the kind of thing where you do whatever and the camera will come find you,» Depp noted. This meticulous planning culminated in performances that are described as «astounding» by co-star Nicholas Hoult.

Depp’s journey into «Nosferatu» appears to have been both professionally rewarding and personally challenging. The role required her to tap deeply into emotional reserves, which she likens to a form of therapy: «I like emotional scenes because they’re challenging. I feel stimulated by that.» Her commitment to «Nosferatu» has allowed Depp to further establish her individuality and prowess as an actress, even while navigating the expectations associated with her famous lineage.