Ella Purnell has lots of experience with bloody scenes. ‘Sweetpea’ is no exception

As I delve into this captivating narrative, I am struck by the depth and complexity of the protagonist’s journey portrayed by this talented actress. Her ability to embody a character as intricate and enigmatic as Rhiannon is nothing short of mesmerizing. The sheer dedication and research she put into understanding the psyche of a serial killer, coupled with her insights on female relationships, is truly commendable.

Ella Purnell has grown very comfortable with copious amounts of blood on screen.

Previously this year, the actor featured prominently in the debut season of Amazon Prime Video’s Emmy-nominated series based on the post-apocalyptic video game “Fallout,” portraying a sheltered young woman who braves a harsh wasteland to rescue her father. Currently, she can be seen as Rhiannon Lewis in Starz’s limited six-episode series titled “Sweetpea,” which premiered on October 10 and airs new episodes every Friday. In this role, Rhiannon is a shy and retiring individual who snaps after her father’s passing and embarks on a murderous rampage. The primary focus of Rhiannon’s wrath is her former tormentor (Nicôle Lecky), now a real estate agent responsible for selling her deceased father’s property.

Even though Purnell has been working since her childhood, her career has seen a remarkable surge in the past few years, with her role as Jackie on “Yellowjackets” significantly contributing to this rise. Yet, “Sweetpea” signifies a new milestone for Purnell, as she’s not only acting but also producing the series for the first time. Here, she shares about her aspirations and the process of preparing to portray a character who commits murder.

Why was “Sweetpea” a show you also wanted to produce?

A story about a female serial killer is intriguing enough, and then it’s a dark comedy, which is my favorite genre. The way that they wanted to tell this story was to make the audience feel conflicted. Attempting to get the audience to relate to her emotions and not necessarily her actions … it sounded challenging, and I wanted to be a part of it. I’ve always wanted to direct, produce and write, and I’ve been doing more of those things over the last couple years. I was just holding out for the right project because I want to do it properly, and I want to feel like I actually have something to contribute, and I wanted to wait for the project that I felt like I really understood. With “Sweetpea,” just right off the bat, I really connected with that character, and I also felt like I really knew what they wanted to do with it, and I felt like I had ideas for them.

In a more casual and conversational tone, here’s how I might rephrase your question: “Hey, I noticed you prefer dark comedy – something that seems fitting with your recent work. I’m curious, what is it about dark comedy that really appeals to you? For instance, ‘Yellowjackets’ and ‘Fallout’ both have a bit of that dark humor, right?

Mainly, I believe that’s my approach to dealing with life – finding humor in situations and laughing off the tough times. I use laughter as a means of healing and managing negative emotions. I feel this is particularly common among British people, our unique brand of self-deprecating, somewhat twisted humor. In my opinion, moments of levity are crucial when addressing serious or heavy topics, providing a moment of relief for viewers watching something intense. Additionally, it seems that we laugh more intensely after crying and cry more deeply after laughing, creating an emotional rollercoaster. This can also help make heavier themes more relatable and impactful, making them feel more human.

In all these projects, it appears as if you find room for laughter amidst the intense violence they portray, suggesting a certain level of comfort with the more graphic aspects.

In simpler terms, When working on a project involving chaos, such as limbs flying, blood, and other unsavory elements, it can be extremely technical. It’s much like a stunt scene – on-screen, it appears shocking and fast, immersing you in the moment. However, while filming, it feels more like a choreographed dance.

In the novel “Sweetpea,” as Rhiannon carries out her murders, her body language subtly transforms. Could you elaborate on how you depicted these physical alterations?

My primary focus lies in the development of characters, which is why I find TV productions so captivating and have been deeply involved in them lately. The flexibility and depth afforded by character transformation in this medium makes it particularly intriguing for me. The excitement comes from not knowing the full story beforehand and instead allowing the script to guide the performance as it arrives, usually just a week before filming begins.

Upon entering “Sweetpea,” I shared with director Ella Jones an idea similar to: “I’m captivated by where we start her character, and I envision this narrative as one in which she transitions from being unnoticed to becoming more conspicuous.” This transformation occurs as her growing fascination with murder makes her more noticeable and indelible. As visibility brings recognition for the first time, how does it affect your interactions with the world? Just like when you feel good about your appearance, you carry yourself with greater confidence, which in turn alters the tone of your voice. When your diaphragm is fully utilized, your voice becomes stronger and clearer, reducing the likelihood of mumbling or holding back words.

How did you prepare for playing someone who is driven to murder?

As a movie reviewer, I must admit that portraying Rhiannon, a complex female serial killer, was an unparalleled challenge. Immersion into the psyche of a character who takes lives proved difficult, so I delved deep into the world of female serial killers and their psychological motivations. However, this research only took me so far; I struggled to truly connect.

“What draws you to exploring intricate women friendships in shows like ‘Yellowjackets’ and ‘Sweetpea’?

A more engaging topic for me is exploring the dynamics of female friendships compared to typical heterosexual relationships, as these profound connections hold significant importance in my life and might be why I’m drawn to them.

Was there anything new you learned about working with blood on “Sweetpea”?

After boarding “Sweetpea,” I had become quite adept at handling blood gags. This skill was acquired during my time on “Fallout.” However, it’s a useful trick. The most effective method to remove fake blood from your skin when it has been there for several hours and has deeply penetrated, causing stains: use shaving cream. Apply the shaving cream, let it sit for about 10 minutes. You may need to repeat this process, as it’s the only way to get rid of that residue from your skin.

With “Fallout” and “Sweetpea,” what has the experience of this year felt like?

2021 has been an extraordinary year for me, filled with blessings I can hardly believe. I find myself feeling incredibly fortunate, yet at times questioning whether I truly deserve it. Who among us does? It feels like a wild game of chance that I’ve managed to win this year. I’ve been nurturing my passion since childhood, and over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the ephemeral nature of moments in this industry. My belief is that life isn’t a race to be won quickly; it’s a long journey, a marathon. I hope my career will be a beautiful, enduring one, and I’m learning not to rely too heavily on any single opportunity.

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2024-10-25 13:32