Ella Purnell explains why Sweetpea is the most “nervous” she’s been about a role

Ella Purnell explains why Sweetpea is the most “nervous” she’s been about a role

As a seasoned cinema enthusiast who has witnessed countless performances, I can confidently say that Ella Purnell‘s portrayal of Rhiannon in Sweetpea is nothing short of extraordinary. Her dedication and commitment to this role are evident in her candid remarks about the challenging nature of this project.


Ella Purnell, prior to Sweetpea’s debut on Sky Atlantic this week, has shared that portraying a serial killer was a challenging role for her.

She stated, “This was undeniably the toughest shoot I’ve encountered, and arguably so. It’s also the project that matters most to me. Normally, I don’t get worked up about results. But for this one, I’m feeling quite apprehensive.

In a six-episode run, Rhiannon, portrayed by an actor known for Fallout and Yellowjackets, takes center stage. This character, a woman who has long been disregarded and belittled, finds herself overwhelmed by suppressed anger when her father becomes ill and a former tormentor returns to their hometown.

In my opinion, as I delve into this chilling cinematic experience, we find ourselves following a protagonist who struggles with uncontrollable aggressive urges. This internal battle leads her down a dark path where she resorts to a brutal killing spree. Remarkably, these actions seem to bolster her self-assurance at first, creating an intriguing dynamic that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve found myself intrigued yet puzzled by her character evolution on screen – compelled to delve deeper and unravel the mystery behind it.

Purnell emphasized that he had given it his all and truly made an effort,” he stated. “The filming was demanding, both physically and mentally. I was on set every day, enduring lengthy hours – nights, wet conditions, constantly drenched in stage blood, come rain or shine.

This subject matter isn’t trivial; it’s heavy with stress, tears, and trauma. Spending half a year immersed in such a state – which is no quick endeavor – involves rage, immense anger, and adopting the mindset of a serial killer. Needless to say, it’s not a joyful period.

While it’s enjoyable, it’s crucial to safeguard your mental wellbeing since neglecting it could lead to potential harm. Consequently, it proved to be a tough task.

Ella Purnell explains why Sweetpea is the most “nervous” she’s been about a role

According to Purnell, she gained a lot of self-understanding by working on Sweetpea.

She declared, “When Rhiannon made her first kill, she completely loses control.” Her behavior turned ferocious. It seemed like there was a hidden part of her that emerged. I hadn’t realized I had such capabilities within me. I wasn’t sure if I could do it.

“I was eager to take on this role and feel deeply invested in it because I yearned for stimulating experiences.

In addition to playing the role, the actor needed to avoid forming any judgments towards Rhiannon, who was portrayed as a morally intricate, dislikable, and almost sociopathic figure, marking a completely fresh acting challenge for Purnell.

She noted that all actors abide by a specific guideline: avoid judging their characters. She admitted that she hadn’t struggled as much previously to keep such judgment at bay, but this particular role demanded effort throughout. In essence, the entire project presented a continuous challenge right from the beginning.

Sweetpea is available to watch from Thursday 10th October on Sky Atlantic and NOW.

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2024-10-08 17:34