As Purnell reflects on her unexpected career trajectory, she acknowledges the irony of her current success in roles that are far from the whimsical children’s books she once dreamed of writing. She may not have planned on becoming an actor, but her talent and dedication have led her to thrilling and challenging roles that have captured audiences’ attention.
While Purnell may not have expected to find herself chainsawing heads off or embarking on murderous sprees on screen, she has embraced these roles with a sense of curiosity and fearlessness. Her ability to inhabit complex and compelling characters like Rhiannon in Sweetpea and Lucy in Fallout has solidified her status as a rising star in the world of television.
Despite her initial reservations about pursuing acting as a career, Purnell’s dedication to her craft and willingness to take on challenging roles have set her apart in the industry. As she continues to push herself and explore new opportunities, there’s no doubt that Ella Purnell is a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.
The actor’s dedication to her craft is evident in the care she took with her character, Rhiannon, in Sweetpea. Despite the dark and traumatic nature of the show, she made sure to prioritize her mental health and well-being, recognizing the importance of self-care in such intense roles. The role may have taken a toll on her, but she found ways to navigate the challenges and stay grounded. It’s clear that Purnell approaches her work with a sense of responsibility and professionalism, ensuring that she doesn’t let the darker aspects of her characters affect her personal life. Al principio ella no quería – “Es un poco embarazoso” – pero “después del primer minuto, cerré los ojos para no ver a nadie, y simplemente entré. Me quedé en blanco”. Al verlo de nuevo, “tuve que apartar la mirada porque era tan incómodo verme en ese estado”. Por primera vez en su carrera, había “perdido el 100% de mis inhibiciones, volviendo a esta versión muy cruda y animalística que probablemente reside en todos nosotros”.
Al final de Sweetpea, Rhiannon está en pleno vuelo o lucha salpicada de sangre: el espectáculo concluye con una escena tan perturbadora que no puedo soportar volver a verla (y es una que tengo estrictas instrucciones de no revelar). “Oh, no lo hagas, es terrible. Me persigue”, llora Purnell, llevándose las manos a la cara cuando lo menciono (un gesto que repite cuando menciono un momento de Fallout que también está grabado en mis retinas). Puede que todavía esté afectada por todas las cosas que ha hecho en pantalla, pero es un precio que vale la pena pagar: cuando se trata de mujeres difíciles y perturbadas, nadie supera a Ella Purnell.
Sweetpea está en Sky Atlantic, 10 de octubre, 9pm.