The Good Nurse

Surprisingly captivating film. Really. You should not be fooled. If you didn't read any overview about this film prior to watching it, you'll think this is a a feel-good film because of the title. But it's a veritable thriller.

The first part of the film reminds you of the great work that nurses do. Nursing is a difficult, tiresome and, sometimes, thankless job but being a good nurse is more than a job, it's a calling. Particularly at the height of the COVID pandemic.

What's distinctive about this film is that it forces you to ask a lot of questions, frantic "what if" questions. That's how tight the storyline is and how director Lundholm succeeds in keeping you on tenterhooks. Sixteen minutes to the closing credits and the viewer still doesn't have a clue as to how it will end.

The two lead actors are wonderful. Eddie Reymayne is consistently a good actor and his performance here is par for the course. He is sinister here in a quiet way which makes him appear to the viewer as more dangerous. And Jessica Chastein embodies the qualities of a good nurse in Amy but she'll rise to the occasion when it's needed.

Watch it. You'd feel relieved when it ends.

After reading through some of the reviews here on IMDB, I could quickly surmise the people who didn't enjoy The Good Nurse had the movie being "plain" and "boring" as their main gripes. Granted, the film is slow with very little flash, but since when has this become a bad thing? The ADHD generation needs quick cutting and seizure inducing visuals to keep their attention, and this is the complete opposite.

The Good Nurse works because of a number of factors. A tight script with a consistent beat, never wavering or faltering, which keeps us going at a slow but deliberate pace through the story. The acting is excellent, with Eddie Raymayne and Jessica Chastain absolutely killing their respective roles. The camera work is creative and engaging, choosing to hold shots for long periods while keeping the focus on the heroes of the story. But probably most of all, this movie works because it very (seemingly) accurately portrays the events and people involved without needing to inject needless Hollywood drama.

Netflix has a reputation for producing movies ranging from mediocre to downright terrible, but this one is not one of either.

To me the standout of this film were the performances. But first looking at the movie itself it was a slow build up in the first half hour till charles comes onto the scene. I'm not sure though this film works as a thriller or mystery its more of a dark drama and if labeled as such would be better understood. But as based on real life films go this does at atleast do the job and is still an interesting watch. Eddie redmayne playes charlie, the nurse the film is about. He comes off as creepy and off putting making it a great role that he filled well. The same goes for jessica chastaine as amy, the other nurse who suspects something is up after a pateints death. Her performances is just as good and both are really good. Overall an interesting film to watch. Little slow in places but overall ok.

It always adds to the viewing experience when a movie is (accurately) based on disturbing real life events, and that's what makes this Netflix slow burner so much more compelling.

Of course it also helps when you get two Oscar winning heavyweights in Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne as the two leads, and unsurprisningly, these two legit A-listers are absolutely brilliant in this one.

While the story largely focuses on the lives and relationship between two ICU nightshift nurses, what it's really about is the greed, self preservation and insanity of the money obsessed American healthcare system, where the mantra is very much "profit over life".

It's this underlying theme coupled with the fact that mass murderer nurse Charles Cullen (Redmayne) was responsible for up to 400 hospital murders (but charged with just 29) that keep you gripped and in a state of shocked disbelief as the film slowly progresses.

Eddie's portrayal of Cullen is aptly understated, creepy and foreboding while Chastain's Angel of mercy whistleblower is steely strong, compassionate and right on the money. A shout out as well to the rest of the small supporting cast who also do a stellar job.

Yes it's dark, dour and slow moving but the artistry and true life events on show here overrides all this - it's a must-see movie folks, because let's face it, this type of harsh reality relates to us all in one way or another.

If you are lucky to have a free, integrity based healthcare system count your blessings... you should after watching this! Heartfelt recommended viewing.

I have not much to say about the movie. It's a proper movie based on a true story of yet another serial killer who took advantage of his work as a nurse to perform his nefarious deeds. Jessica Chastain never disappoints, and she manages to sound and look absolutely credible moving only one muscle of her face.

But the real reason why I'm writing this review is because Eddie Redmayne has shocked me once again. I cannot believe this man. Even with a straight face and not saying a word, playing the serial killer in the story, he throws those looks that freeze one's soul without exception, at the same time melting you with love and tenderness. Imagine meeting a serial killer who is so sweet but also so odd and dangerous as Eddie in this movie. Eddie's characterization of Charlie Cullen makes the viewer question themselves for the unavoidable sympathy he produces. If serial killers are manipulative, Redmayne as an actor impersonating a serial killer manipulates his whole audience.

In all honesty, I've never seen an actor achieve so much by just staring and not saying a word or looking so real while screaming nonsense.

I think Mr Redmayne is one true gem in the acting world.

Certainly looking forward for his next movie. He is tantalizing to say the least. I'm so glad I don't know him personally. With just one look of those he would own my accounts and everything I have.