Movies

Sweetpea’s Ella Purnell on the challenges of depicting female rage on the show

BBG News

As a gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in diverse digital worlds, I can confidently say that Sweetpea is a breath of fresh air. The character Rhiannon Lewis, portrayed brilliantly by Ella Purnell, is an anti-hero so rare in female characters, making her all the more intriguing.

In a refreshing change, the lead character Rhiannon Lewis in Sweetpea, portrayed by Ella Purnell, exhibits traits more commonly associated with an anti-hero, a rarity among female characters onscreen.

In Sky’s latest series, we follow the transformation of a shy woman who, after reaching her breaking point, reveals a hidden talent for lethal actions. This thought-provoking story revolves around her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

During a unique conversation with Digital Spy, I enquired about Purnell’s method of crafting a character like Rhiannon who evokes compassion in some scenes yet leaves viewers shocked at her actions in others, maintaining that delicate equilibrium.

Truthfully, I’m genuinely delighted by your words. That’s precisely the outcome we had envisioned, recalling all our discussions from earlier,” replied the main actor, reminiscing.

She explained, “What initially drew me to this character and this project was realizing it would be tough to convey the narrative as intended – to provoke a sense of internal struggle within the audience. We aim to empathize with Rhiannon’s emotions and motivations, yet not condone her actions…

In essence, Purnell pointed out that narrating a story from a female perspective requires a different approach compared to a male one.

I’ve realized there are unconscious biases we have towards women, which can lead us to judge them more harshly and find it tougher to empathize. This discovery worried me, as I wasn’t sure if I could overcome these biases.

I’ve developed a deep interest in psychology, particularly focusing on its connection to childhood trauma. The research I’ve delved into has significantly impacted me, as it showcases how such experiences can shape us in various intricate ways.

Perhaps the intensity displayed by Rhiannon is unsettling to some, as it’s not commonly observed in women. This rarity makes it seem unpredictable because we are less familiar with it. Since what we don’t know or see can be hard to predict, her reaction could have manifested in various forms.

Ella Purnell additionally commended the efforts of the production crew, as they skillfully assembled the clips for the concluding version of the show.

Ultimately, the outcome is greatly influenced by the editing and direction, as demonstrated by Director Ella Jones. We filmed numerous takes, and it was her decision to find the perfect balance – showing more emotional and vulnerable moments versus the tougher, stronger aspects of our character.

As a devoted admirer, I must say, Ella Jones skillfully navigated the delicate balance in the editing process, and her performance was nothing short of extraordinary.

Sweetpea is available on October 10 in the UK on Sky and streaming service NOW.

Read More

2024-10-10 13:18

Previous post Dawn French makes political statement as she shares photos of her ‘refugees welcome’ jewellery after previously declaring that a robust debate is the ‘best thing in the world’
Next post Outer Banks season 4 episode 1 review: The Pogues’ path to a new treasure hunt feels forced