A Haunting Alternative: The Darker Ending of Eggers' Nosferatu Remake

Fans of Robert Eggers' Nosferatu remake have found themselves enthralled by the film's eerie ambiance and haunting storyline. In a recent discussion, Eggers revealed that the initial conclusion of the movie was much darker than what was presented to viewers. There was a scene intended to depict Count Orlok, played by Bill Skarsgård, experiencing a horrific moment, as blood streamed from his eyes, ears, nose, and other areas. Although this concept was designed to heighten the horror, it was seen as rather humorous and was ultimately excluded from the movie's concluding cut.

The remake features a talented cast, including Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, and Lily-Rose Depp, and remains faithful to the essence of the 1922 original, while Eggers injects his unique style into the ending. Unlike the classic film, which concluded with Orlok perishing in the sunlight, Eggers chose a more personal and nuanced finale. He describes the closing scene as an exploration of themes such as attraction and aversion, creating a sensual contrast between Ellen and Orlok that renders their relationship both unsettling and fascinating.

Even with the excised scene, the film’s conclusion maintains a chilling blend of allure and fear. This illustrates Eggers' talent in transforming even the most disturbing elements into something thought-provoking. The lingering question is: Would the inclusion of the original conclusion have made the film even more eerie? Would it have enhanced the overall unsettling feeling or taken away from the film’s dark atmosphere?