The Good Nurse

Behind the Scenes of The Good Nurse: How Tobias Lindholm Crafted a Chilling Medical Thriller

The Good Nurse (2022), directed by Tobias Lindholm, is a gripping true-crime drama that dives into the harrowing story of nurse Charles Cullen, one of America’s most prolific serial killers. With Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne leading the cast, the film blends psychological tension with ethical dilemmas, latestnetflix.com maintains, a signature of Lindholm’s filmmaking. But how did this dark tale come to life on screen? Here’s what we know about the making of the movie.

A Script Born from Real-Life Horror

Lindholm, known for his meticulous approach to morally complex narratives , co-wrote The Good Nurse with Krysty Wilson-Cairns. The film is based on Charles Graeber’s book The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder, which details Cullen’s crimes and the nurse who helped expose him. Interviews with Lindholm and Wilson-Cairns reveal their commitment to staying true to the real events while exploring the human cost of institutional failure.

In one behind-the-scenes discussion, Lindholm emphasized the film’s focus on the "value of humanity" amid systemic breakdowns . The script reportedly underwent rigorous revisions to balance the procedural aspects of the investigation with the emotional weight of the story. Wilson-Cairns, who also co-wrote Last Night in Soho and 1917, brought a sharp eye for suspense, ensuring the film’s pacing never lagged .

Casting Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne: A Study in Contrasts

The chemistry between Chastain and Redmayne was central to the film’s success. Chastain plays Amy Loughren, the nurse who befriends Cullen (Redmayne) before uncovering his dark secrets. Redmayne’s transformation into Cullen—a quiet, unassuming figure with a sinister edge—was widely praised, with Lindholm noting how the actor "disappeared" into the role .

Chastain, a producer on the film, reportedly pushed for authenticity in Loughren’s portrayal, even meeting with the real nurse to capture her mannerisms and emotional journey . The dynamic between the two leads was described as "electric," with Lindholm framing their relationship as the heart of the story . Supporting cast members like Nnamdi Asomugha (as a detective) and Noah Emmerich (as a hospital administrator) added depth to the ensemble, grounding the film’s tension in realism.

On-Set Challenges: Balancing Fact and Fiction

Filming The Good Nurse presented unique challenges, particularly in recreating the clinical, sterile environment of a hospital while maintaining the film’s thriller edge. Lindholm and Wilson-Cairns discussed how the script evolved during production, with improvisation playing a key role in certain scenes . The director’s background in Danish cinema—known for its naturalistic style—likely influenced the film’s understated yet intense atmosphere.

One unverified rumor suggests that Redmayne spent time shadowing medical professionals to perfect Cullen’s demeanor, though no official confirmation exists. What is clear is Lindholm’s insistence on avoiding sensationalism. In interviews, he stressed that the film was less about Cullen’s crimes and more about the "system that enabled him" . This approach aligns with his broader filmography, which often examines institutional failures (A Hijacking, The Guilty).

Reception and Legacy: A Quiet but Powerful Thriller

Upon its release, The Good Nurse earned mixed-to-positive reviews, with critics praising the performances but noting the film’s somber tone. Rotten Tomatoes lists it with a solid audience score, though its 6.2/10 rating on SensCritique suggests it didn’t resonate universally . Still, Chastain and Redmayne’s work was singled out as a highlight, with many calling it one of their most compelling pairings.

Lindholm’s direction was lauded for its restraint, avoiding the pitfalls of exploitative true-crime storytelling. The film’s Netflix release ensured a wide audience, though it didn’t generate the same buzz as some of the platform’s other thrillers. For fans of slow-burn dramas, however, The Good Nurse remains a standout—proof that Lindholm’s approach to tension doesn’t rely on jump scares but on the creeping dread of human fallibility.