The Hidden Symbolism in Nosferatu’s Animals Foreshadowing Its Tragic Ending

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As a cinephile, I can’t help but be captivated by the symbolism-rich 2024 rendition of Nosferatu. In this chilling remake, directed by the brilliant Robert Eggers, who continues to cement his status as a Master of Horror, there’s a fascinating detail about Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) and Count Orlok’s (Bill Skarsgård) fate that left me intrigued. This 2024 version is a modern take on the 1922 German expressionist film Nosferatu, an unofficial adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which has become a timeless horror classic under the direction of F.W. Murnau.

In the remake of “Nosferatu” by Eggers, several modifications were made to the 1922 version, each one serving to enhance the overall narrative and create a more chilling atmosphere. The story revolves around Ellen Hutter, who as a child accidentally summoned a haunting presence due to her loneliness. When Ellen’s husband, Thomas (played by Nicholas Hoult), is dispatched for work to encounter Count Orlok, they all find themselves under the malevolent influence of this vampire. In “Nosferatu,” both Ellen and Count Orlok meet a tragic fate, though the outcome was subtly hinted at throughout the film.

Ellen & Von Franz Being Associated With Cats & Orlok Being Associated With Rats Foreshadowed Their Endings

Ellen & Orlok Aren’t Meant To Have A Happy Ending

In the movie ‘Nosferatu’, Ellen and Professor Von Franz (portrayed by Willem Dafoe) share a significant connection with cats. Professor Von Franz serves as a counterpart to Dr. Van Helsing in the original ‘Dracula’, and he plays a crucial role in identifying who is haunting Ellen and finding a way to eliminate this torment. His unconventional methods, coupled with his expertise in alchemy, mysticism, and the occult, make him a contentious figure within the world of ‘Nosferatu’. Controversial or not, it’s Professor Von Franz who warns everyone that Ellen is under Orlok’s spell and predicts more terrors to come.

In the film ‘Nosferatu’, it’s accurate that Von Franz suggests Orlok carries a plague, spread by multitudes of rats aboard the vessel he sailed on, which brought him closer to Ellen. Throughout the movie, Orlok is closely linked to rats, while Ellen and Von Franz are associated with cats. Ellen possesses a cat, which she mentions has no owner, a fact even noted by Von Franz. Interestingly, Von Franz too keeps a cat, symbolizing their roles in the story as they ultimately vanquish Orlok, much like cats do with rats.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Orlok shares a link with canines, given his guard-dogs at the castle. Yet, Orlok wields power over these dogs, which lends credence to Ellen’s observation about her cat having no master. In contrast, cats are independent, just like Ellen, who managed to resist Orlok’s influence as much as possible. On the other hand, the dogs were completely under Orlok’s sway and command.

Nosferatu’s Cats Also Reflect Ellen & Von Franz’ Openness To Magic & The Supernatural

Cats Have A Lot More Meaning Than They Might Seem

In the film ‘Nosferatu’, cats symbolize the mysterious and supernatural connections between Ellen and Orlok. This is based on the traditional significance of cats in folklore. Ellen has a strong affinity with the supernatural: she unknowingly summoned Orlok, formed a bond with him, and experienced unsettling trances. While Von Franz doesn’t possess any supernatural powers or ties like Ellen does, he is well-versed in the supernatural, having spent years studying it. He acknowledges, appreciates, and is receptive to its presence.

Instead of dogs symbolizing loyalty, protection, guidance, and a connection to the spiritual realm, rats in many cultures are often associated with death, disease, and cunningness – traits that perfectly suit Orlok’s character. As such, it is not surprising that he chose these animals for his protection. In the tale of Nosferatu, the rat represented the impending doom for Ellen and Orlok, while the cat ultimately triumphed over the rat, signifying the eventual resolution.

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2025-04-21 23:18