Ten Questions with Ella Purnell

As a fervent admirer of Ella Purnell, I find myself consistently amazed by her remarkable journey and resilience. Her life experiences, from nearly abandoning acting to become a teacher to moving across continents in pursuit of opportunities, are testament to her indomitable spirit and unwavering determination.

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I’m proudly hailing from London, despite my recognition as a leading actress in some of this year’s biggest Amazon Prime shows like Fallout (an adaptation of the post-apocalyptic computer game) and Yellowjackets’ first season. However, it’s been years since I’ve showcased my native accent on screen, but that changes with my latest role in Sweetpea, a captivating English drama where I get to bring my London roots back to life.

Were you contemplating quitting acting at the age of 18 to pursue teaching instead? Looking back now, how grateful are you for sticking with your acting career?

Overjoyed with the current situation, I must admit there’s still a dream in the works – teaching someday. However, it’s delightful to have more independence and creative freedom now, deciding how my characters should look and the roles I want to play. After years of persistent knocking, I’ve finally entered the rooms I’ve longed for.

What made you choose to relocate to America – was it because the job opportunities seemed larger and more enticing there?

To be honest, it wasn’t so much a matter of strategy; it was more about the availability of components. Regrettably, I wasn’t finding the necessary parts here.

In Sweetpea, it seems like you’re acting in your native accent for the first time since Belgravia in 2020. Does this mean one fewer aspect to consider during your performance?

I must admit, I do feel quite remorseful about my tendency towards an American accent. When I return home and find myself using American words, it feels like a betrayal of my own nation. While filming Sweetpea, I sometimes unconsciously slipped into an American accent. This was both eye-opening and humbling for me, as it highlighted areas where I had been relying on autopilot in my acting. It’s made me realize that perhaps I’ve overlooked some of my innate instincts, and I now find myself needing to return to the basics.

The show is described, memorably, as a “coming-of-rage” story. What does that actually mean?

In my humble opinion as a film critic, this tale, minus its darker elements of violence, is a heartwarming journey. My character, Rhiannon, was a victim of childhood bullying, which left her perpetually trapped in a state of adolescence. To escape her tormentors, she learned to blend into the background, shying away from experiences that others take for granted. No dates, no friends, no nights out clubbing – her life was a solitary one.

She gains a sense of strength from confronting and overpowering those who intimidate or wrong her. What would be an appropriate description for the tone?

This work has a strong roots in the genre of dark comedy, and there’s something particularly appealing about its distinctly British flavor.

It’s a relatable thing for a woman to feel underestimated

What does Sweetpea say about the life of a woman in the modern world?

For Rhiannon, initially, feeling underappreciated and undervalued isn’t solely tied to her gender. However, what intrigues me as I delve into her character, particularly the serial killer aspect of her mind, is recognizing that she’s not a psychopath. Instead, she possesses empathy, which sets her apart in my quest for unique roles.

Was Yellowjackets a significant shift from all your previous work, or did you still choose to watch the final scene of it?

In regards to “Yellowjackets”, I must admit that nothing quite as raw has ever been part of my experience before – now, let me share something private: I haven’t seen the finale yet, because it could give me nightmares. Frankly, I find it unsettling for humans to observe their own demise… During the filming of “Fallout”, I was bombarded with selfies from the cast and crew of “Yellowjackets” featuring a model of my burnt and disfigured corpse. That was a bit unnerving.

was there a great deal of excitement surrounding Fallout early on, due to its connection with a popular video game franchise? And did the response exceed all predictions, leaving you astonished?

We put in a lot of hard work for that job, it was quite challenging but definitely worth the effort. I didn’t truly appreciate its success until after the show premiered when I returned to LA. People would often approach me on the street, expressing their admiration for it. That was an entirely novel and rather overwhelming experience for me.

When Fallout was released, you were in the UK shooting The Scurry, a forthcoming comedy horror that features Craig Roberts alongside Rhys Ifans and Paapa Essiedu.

Absolutely! Now, I’m all set to jet off and create a quirky six-week British indie movie about lethal squirrels in Wales! Immediately after the release of Fallout, I hit the road for Wales. It couldn’t have been more perfect to seclude myself in the outskirts of Bridgend and craft a truly absurd yet enchanting horror-comedy.

And finally, Sweetpea’s Rhiannon has a kill list. Who would be on yours?

Oh my! It appears someone has removed a mirror from the side of my vehicle without leaving a message behind. If you happen to be that individual, I’d appreciate it if you could get in touch.

2024-10-01 19:38

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