Lily-Rose Depp reveales similarities between her Nosferatu and HBOs Idol character

Lily-Rose Depp has danced with darkness and stardom, slipping into two radically different roles that somehow echo each other’s shadows. As Jocelyn in HBO’s The Idol, she embodied the fragility and fire of a troubled pop star navigating the toxic tides of fame. Then, as Ellen Hutter in Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, she surrendered to gothic terror and supernatural seduction.

While one basks in neon lights and the other wilts under candlelit gloom, Depp herself notes the parallels:

“Jocelyn and Ellen could not be more different characters, and the worlds that they have could not be more different from each other,” she said. “But both are very specific, demanding roles, and I definitely brought that with me.”

A tale of two transformations

Depp’s duality in these roles highlights her ability to oscillate between eras and energies: modern-day pop glitz and gothic dread. This duality speaks to her range as an actress and to the timeless themes she explores: vulnerability, obsession, and transformation.

Between vulnerability and obsession

Depp’s Jocelyn is a star on the verge of implosion, consumed by the pressures of performance and power.

In contrast, Ellen experiences a new type of collapse. Her mystical attraction to Count Orlok is just as overwhelming as Jocelyn's self-destruction.

Reflecting on Ellen’s descent, Depp shared:

“The torment that she’s going through is the meat of the movie. The darkness she’s carried within her since she was younger is now coming to a head.” It’s a torment that parallels Jocelyn’s own internal breakdown, giving both roles a raw emotional weight.

While Ellen's anguish is engulfed by darkness and fluttering candlelight, Jocelyn's descent is framed by neon reflections and mirrors. Both characters battle with internal demons that show themselves externally. Both roles are kept from becoming caricatures because to Depp's talent for anchoring these feelings.

Physicality as performance – Dancing with darkness

Depp's physique serves as a foundation in both roles. In The Idol, the delicate vulnerability behind Jocelyn's sexually charged and commanding choreography is exposed. In Nosferatu, the increasingly primitive and unnerving nature of Ellen's motions becomes apparent. For the part of Ellen's possession in the latter, Depp went so far as to study Japanese Butoh, an avant-garde dance style known as the "dance of utter darkness," so that the use of CGI could be avoided.

Depp credits her recent work on The Idol for helping her tap into that physical intensity:

“We shot Nosferatu like only two months after I wrapped The Idol. So I feel like I had that in my body, the physicality and the emotion and everything.”

Her commitment to movement adds layers of depth. Jocelyn’s controlled choreography mirrors her attempt to hold her life together, while Ellen’s unraveling gestures expose the fractures in her psyche. Depp’s physical transformations become narrative tools, telling stories beyond words.

Sexuality and power dynamics

Jocelyn struggles with power because of her toxic relationships, whereas Ellen struggles with power because of her susceptibility to Orlok's predatory charm. Neither character is able to assert complete dominion thanks to Depp's intense portrayal of desire and submission.

When asked about her fascination with Nosferatu, Depp revealed:

“This one in particular was big for me, because my brother and I were super obsessed with Dracula when we were younger. I’m a sucker for a crazy love story.” That obsession feeds directly into Ellen’s arc, where seduction blurs with danger.

The blurred lines between consent and coercion echo through both performances. Jocelyn fights for her independence in the face of a music industry obsessed with appearances, while Orlok manipulates Ellen for his sinister purposes. Depp skillfully handles these complex dynamics without providing either character with simple solutions.

Art imitates life – Behind the camera

The rapid-fire transition from The Idol to Nosferatu gave Depp little time to reset, forcing her to carry emotional and physical echoes between the roles.

“I definitely brought that with me, even though, you know, it’s a very different style of filmmaking,” she explained.

While The Idol may have faced backlash, Depp defended it, saying:

“It’s okay that it’s not for everyone.”

In Nosferatu, the same eagerness to take chances comes through.

The way Depp works emphasizes her commitment to emotionally charged characters. Her rapid turn-around between projects not only demonstrated her breadth but also let her draw on residual emotions, so blurring the boundaries between performance and actual experience.

Conclusion – A star in two shadows

From the heights of contemporary pop celebrities to the darkest corners of gothic horror, Lily-Rose Depp passionately delves into the depths of power and vulnerability. She possesses a genuine talent that knows no boundaries, whether she's the center of attention or one of the background players.

The uncontrollable influences of fame, passion, or even darkness follow Jocelyn and Ellen. Even if their roads diverge. Depp further establishes herself as an emerging star who is not afraid to expose her soul. One shadow at a time.

Art is a reflection of life, and Depp's work captures the beauty, terror, and mayhem of metamorphosis. Because she's not afraid to challenge conventions, her performances will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled.