How Robert Eggers Crafted Two of Horror’s Most Iconic Leading Ladies
Robert Eggers has a talent for creating memorable female horror heroines. His films feature multi-layered, multifaceted women who take the stage, going against the conventions of their genre. Women have always been emphasized in horror, especially through the “final girl” cliché, but Eggers takes his main female characters above the level of simple survivors. In his most recent movie, ‘Nosferatu’, viewers are introduced to Ellen Hutter, a character whose uncanny bond with Count Orlok propels the story.
‘The Witch’, Eggers’ 2015 debut film, introduced Thomasin, a young lady who changes from a helpless victim to a force of supernatural freedom, proving that he has experience crafting a strong female lead.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
The emotional centre of ‘Nosferatu’ is Lily-Rose Depp’s character, Ellen Hutter. In contrast to earlier adaptations, which centred on the vampire himself, Eggers refocuses the narrative on Ellen’s battle against Orlok’s sinister influence. Her destiny is set when she begs for a guardian angel and is met by Orlok instead. Ellen’s internal and exterior suffering is brought to life by Depp’s eerie performance and powerful physical acting influenced by the Japanese Butoh dance.
Ellen is not going to give up on Orlok’s might. She offers herself to the vampire as a last sacrifice, guaranteeing his demise and rescuing her community. She remains one of the most potent heroines in horror thanks to her tragic yet victorious ending.
Image Courtesy: Mashable
Thomasin experiences tyranny, metamorphosis, and ultimately empowerment in ‘The Witch’. She is isolated and betrayed after being accused of witchcraft by her own family, and she eventually accepts the evil powers in her life. The desperation and ultimate acceptance that characterize Thomasin’s trajectory are captured in Anya Taylor-Joy’s excellent performance. Ellen and Thomasin both reinterpret horror heroines as women who take charge of their own lives, rather than merely as survivors. These outstanding performances, together with Eggers’ brilliant writing, have solidified his position as one of the genre’s top female leads.
–Farheen Ali
