Fans of gothic horror are abuzz with questions after the chilling conclusion of Robert Eggers’ reimagined classic Nosferatu. This haunting tale follows a young woman and the vampire who becomes dangerously mesmerized by her. As audiences unravel its gothic layers, many are eager to delve into the Nosferatu ending and understand its grim finale. So, did Count Orlok die at the end of Nosferatu?

Here’s the explanation of the ending of the horror story.

Does Count Orlok die at the end of Nosferatu?

Yes, Count Orlok dies at the end of Nosferatu.

The vampire’s journey culminates in tragedy after his arrival in Germany. Orlok’s bloodlust leads him to kill Anna and her daughters, while a devastating plague sweeps through the city. Meanwhile, Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz devises a plan to destroy Orlok’s coffin.

The plague claims Harding after Anna’s funeral. Thomas and Ellen, along with a few others, manage to locate their bodies and end up burning them. With Ellen safely home, the others go to Orlok’s castle, where they discover a sarcophagus. Believing Orlok lies within, they stake him through the body, only to find Herr Knock, Orlok’s servant, in his place. He reveals that Orlok has gone to Ellen.

Meanwhile, Ellen waits for Orlok in her bedroom, where she has decided to put her plan into action. When Nosferatu sees Ellen, they begin to kiss. However, the entire plan is to distract him until sunrise. Overcome with desire, Orlok fails to notice the breaking light. As the sun rises, his eyes bleed, and he perished atop Ellen, breaking the vampire’s curse.

Does Ellen die in Nosferatu?

Unfortunately, Ellen also dies in Nosferatu.

Over time, Ellen comes to the understanding that she has the power to take Orlok down, perhaps the only one to do so. This means she must willingly offer herself to him and allow him to drink her blood, which she does. However, when Orlok drinks her blood, Ellen weakens and ultimately dies due to blood loss, sealing her fate as the story’s tragic hero.