The Good Nurse (2022)
This chilling thriller is carried by the incredible performances of its leads.
What is The Good Nurse about?
A nurse works with the police to prove that her colleague is responsible for a series of patient deaths.
Where can you watch The Good Nurse?
Netflix.
Trigger Warnings:
Nudity. Threat.
My review of The Good Nurse
NOTE: This review contains spoilers :)
I’ll watch any movie starring Jessica Chastain. Considering this is also a thriller based on an incredible true story, it quickly became one of my most anticipated movies of 2022, and it didn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for a non-graphic, suspenseful, brilliantly acted thriller that doesn’t romanticise a serial killer and instead focuses on the heroine who stopped him, you will likely enjoy this film too.
Eddie Redmayne and Jessica Chastain in The Good Nurse | from IMDB.com
The Good Nurse is a chilling, claustrophobic movie, its horrifying story enhanced by a suitably muted colour palette, dark lighting, and precise cinematography. The plot presents no significant twists or surprises; the true story behind the movie makes this impossible. Yet the story is still suspenseful, and I definitely didn’t feel the two hours go by. I was engrossed.
The film also ends on a satisfying note with Cullen’s confession and incarceration.
Another great thing about this movie is that while it shows Cullen’s humanity through his friendship with Amy, it doesn’t romanticise him. He’s a murderer and pays the price for his horrific crimes. The focus is on Amy and her bravery - this is her story - and there’s something refreshing about that in an age where every notorious serial killer seems to get their own Netflix documentary.
Jessica Chastain in The Good Nurse | from IMDB.com
The acting is excellent. Jessica Chastain proves (once again) that she can literally play any role and deliver a magnetic, transformative performance. Redmayne is great too, but for me, Chastain steals the show.
My only criticism is that the movie doesn’t dig as deep as it could’ve. The characters are relatively one-dimensional, although the actors do bring nuance to Amy and Charlie when the script gives them nothing.
In addition, the fact that multiple hospitals practically turned a blind eye to Cullen’s suspicious behaviour to protect themselves from liability is also not really explored beyond a few conversations and scenes.
But neither of these issues is reason enough not to watch The Good Nurse. It’s a powerful, well-made movie. Highly recommend it.
Have you seen The Good Nurse? What did you think of it?