A Look Back at “The Good Nurse”: Unmasking Evil in Healthcare
IMDB Rating: 6.8/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
True crime stories adapted for the screen have become increasingly popular, but a film boasting two Academy Award winners in the lead roles is a rare find. Today, we’re diving into “The Good Nurse,” a Netflix release from October 19, 2022, starring Jessica Chastain (“Miss Sloane”) and Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”).
(Photo by JC Gellidon from Unsplash)
Directed by the acclaimed Tobias Lindholm (“The Hunt”), the film centers on Amy (Jessica Chastain), an ICU nurse struggling with the pressures of being a single mother while battling a heart condition. Enter Charlie Cullen (Eddie Redmayne), a newly transferred nurse who quickly becomes her confidant and support system. Their shared experiences forge a strong bond. However, Amy’s world is turned upside down when a detective reveals that Charlie is the prime suspect in a series of mysterious patient deaths caused by drug overdoses. Amy finds herself torn between loyalty and a growing suspicion.
The Chilling Reality Behind the Screen
One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its basis in a true story. Between 1988 and 2003, Charlie Cullen moved between 12 different medical facilities, seemingly without raising suspicion, while allegedly murdering over 400 patients by injecting lethal doses of medication into their IV drips. It wasn’t until his colleagues at a New Jersey hospital raised the alarm that his actions came to light. Before his sentencing, Cullen confessed to 40 murders. He received 11 consecutive life sentences, with no possibility of parole until 2403.
(Photo by Marcelo Leal from Unsplash)
Performances and Visuals
With such a shocking real-life case as its foundation and two powerhouse actors at the helm, the film had immense potential. The director provides ample space for the actors to showcase their talents, featuring several long takes with static camera positions that allow for nuanced performances. Jessica Chastain delivers a compelling portrayal of Amy, capturing the inner turmoil of a single mother struggling to maintain her moral compass while facing the risk of losing her job and being exposed by Charlie. Eddie Redmayne’s performance as Charlie is equally captivating, portraying him as a man wearing a mask, rarely revealing his true emotions except in fleeting moments with Amy.
The film’s visual style is characterized by its meticulous composition. The extensive use of static camera shots, combined with close-ups and medium shots, creates a sense of intimacy and unease. The director also employs framing techniques, using elements within the scene to create “pictures within pictures,” adding layers of depth to the visuals. The cinematography often features actors facing away from or partially obscured by light sources, casting shadows on their faces and highlighting their inner struggles and darker sides. The cool color palette further enhances the film’s bleak and unsettling atmosphere.
(Photo by Sandy Torchon from Pexels)
A Missed Connection?
While the sense of distance created by the visuals and character portrayals is intentional, it can also hinder the audience’s ability to fully connect with the characters and their circumstances. This is perhaps the film’s most significant drawback.
Exposing Systemic Flaws
Ultimately, “The Good Nurse” raises important questions about the flaws within the healthcare system. The film highlights how hospitals prioritized their reputation and financial interests over patient safety, actively avoiding scrutiny in the wake of the murders. It was the unwavering moral compass of a single nurse that ultimately led to the exposure of a killer hiding in plain sight. The film serves as a stark reminder of how a lack of oversight can create a breeding ground for malice within the medical profession.