Why are villains so hot? Maybe it’s the danger, maybe it’s the power, or maybe it’s just that we have a thing for people who are emotionally unavailable and morally bankrupt. (Looking at you, Damon Salvatore and Chuck Bass.) Villains have always had that inexplicable chokehold on us. Whether it’s Killmonger’s righteous rage or Scar’s lowkey (but highkey) sexy voice, they’re the ones who make us think, Am I okay???
But TikTok has taken things to a new level. These days, the girlies are making “hear me out” thirst edits for… Nosferatu. Yep, the vampire with a face like a bald catfish and the creepiest vibes imaginable. The recent streaming release of the Nosferatu has the internet in a horn-storm, with fans thirsting over his dark, obsessive energy. In fact, searches for “BDSM role play” increased 43% in the past month, while searches for “villain sex” have gone up 23%.
@jc_12302 just watched this for the second time def my fav movie of the year#nosferatu #nosferatu2024 #gothic #gothicromance #darkromance #vampire #vampireromance #hearmeout ♬ Angel – Massive Attack
In a viral TikTok, user Gabrielle Bennett admits lines like “I am an appetite, nothing more” would absolutely work on her. Another user wrote the movie helped her realize, “I need someone to be that obsessed with me.” Because what’s more romantic than someone threatening to unleash the plague if he can’t be with you?
@gabrielle_writes hear me out #nosferatu #countorlok ♬ original sound – boycrazy
In Nosferatu, Lily-Rose Depp plays Ellen, a woman whose repressed desires manifest in the form of the titular vampire. He’s not just a monster; he’s a mirror for her own forbidden fantasies. As Leah Levi, psychologist, and dating expert at Flure, explains, “Villains like Nosferatu captivate us because they tap into our deepest fantasies, blending fear, desire, and the seductive thrill of the forbidden.”
@lizacanread Is nosferatu the standard? #hearmeout #nosferatu2024 #nosferatu #plaguecore ♬ sad SpongeBob music – michael
Nosferatu’s allure lies in his possessive and obsessive nature. He’s willing to destroy everything to claim Ellen as his prize, embodying the ultimate predator-prey dynamic. As terrifying as that sounds IRL, in fantasy, it’s… kinda intoxicating. Power dynamics like these let us explore submission fantasies in a safe, fictional way. Because let’s be real: there’s something thrilling about the idea of being pursued to the ends of the Earth by someone who sees you as irresistible.
How Can You Practice “Villain Sex”?
Villains aren’t just for the screen — you can bring that dark, steamy energy into your bedroom. Levi says it’s all about leaning into power dynamics and exploring fantasies where dominance and submission take center stage. Think playful roleplay, consensual “capture” scenarios, or even just letting your partner take control for the night.
“Whether it’s a gothic vampire seduction or a forbidden captor-and-prey fantasy, acting it out makes the experience more exciting,” Levi says.
There’s also a huge power play aspect, where one partner takes control, and the other enjoys the “thrill of surrender,” as Levi puts it. So how do you bring that into the bedroom?
Start by talking it through with your partner. Use prompts like, “What’s something that feels taboo but exciting?” or “Want to try a dynamic where one of us is in charge?” Set clear boundaries and use safe words to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
“To make it even more intense, sensory play and bondage can turn up the heat,” Levi says. “Whispered words, blindfolds, and slow, deliberate touch create suspense, while light bondage (silk ties, cuffs, or gentle restraint) adds a playful captured feel.”
And if you’re flying solo, you can still channel your inner villain. Explore fantasies through erotica, guided meditations, or even journaling about what dynamics turn you on. Nosferatu might not be everyone’s cup of tea (I’m not into the slimy and bald), but if you’re digging the whole villain thing, you’re definitely not alone.
