Robert Eggers

Ellen pleads with her husband Thomas not to leave on a long journey, haunted by a macabre premonition. She recounts a vivid dream where she married Death amidst a field of corpses, revealing a terrifying psychological connection to the darkness that threatens their future.

Ellen describes her history of psychic premonitions and 'spells' to Professor Von Franz, revealing a traumatic past and a growing sense of dread. She confesses that her dark visions have returned since her husband's departure, questioning whether the encroaching evil is internal or external.

Professor Von Franz attempts to convince the skeptical Harding that the supernatural threat they face is not a mere ghost, but a physical manifestation of death itself. Von Franz argues that modern science has blinded humanity to ancient evils, while Harding struggles to reconcile his rational worldview with the terrifying reality of the vampire.

Ellen confesses to her husband Thomas that she has been spiritually and physically haunted by the vampire Count Orlok, revealing a dark connection that threatens their marriage. As Orlok's influence takes hold of her, Ellen descends into a demonic frenzy of rage and seduction, forcing Thomas to confront the terrifying reality of the evil that has followed him home.

Thomas Hutter completes a real estate transaction with the mysterious Count Orlok in his dark castle. The tension rises as Orlok becomes obsessed with a locket containing a photo of Thomas's wife, eventually forcing Thomas to remain at the castle against his will.