I have to say, the film we’re discussing today was a little bit of a random choice for me to watch, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Netflix film “The Good Nurse” sat on the top 10 movie chart on Netflix for a good week, and I would say that the film itself was okay, but the topic at hand was really interesting. “The Good Nurse” follows a story about a psychopath who works as a nurse, murdering patients by putting insulin in their IV bags. He uses this tactic as it is relatively undetectable unless the patient’s charts are studied intensely. The most harrowing part about this film, however, is that it is based on a true story about how a serial killer got away with mass murder by posing as a “good nurse.”
The film focuses on a protagonist, Amy, and her relationship with Charlie, the nurse who presents himself as a supportive friend and genuine person. He and Amy form a connection, as he helps her through her struggles concerning a debilitating illness, and the life of a single mother working as a night shift nurse. As the film progresses, however, and patients start to mysteriously die, Amy speaks to the police and realizes Charlie is intentionally murdering them, and the hospital is choosing not to do anything so that they won’t be considered liable. The rest of the film covers Amy’s journey to taking down the serial killer she once considered to be her best friend.
“The Good Nurse” applies strong film tactics with regard to the lighting in order to portray emotion and foreshadow the effects of Charlie’s sinister side. The entire film is pretty much recorded with dark lighting lens, and an emphasis on cool tones such as blues and grays. Charlie and Amy are night shift nurses, so of course it is dark outdoors, but the director’s choice to give almost the entire film that color palette is intentional, and it foreshadows that the mysterious deaths occurring at the hospital are actually at the hands of a malicious individual.
The cool, dark lens most of the film is viewed with; Image Source
Only at the very end of the film, when Charlie is finally caught, does the lighting change. After he confesses to his crime, the final minutes of the movie are viewed with a yellowish gold tone, emphasizing the relief and happiness that come with justice in this situation.
Amy also experiences the Hero’s Journey in an unorthodox way throughout this film. Her call to action arrives when the police begin to investigate the strange deaths at Charlie and Amy’s hospital, and ask her to look at deceased patient charts. She discovers an unapproved addition of insulin to the patient’s bloodstreams, and suspects foul play. She then continues on her journey by working with the police to find condemning evidence and eventually take down Charlie.
A real photo of Charles Cullen; Image Source
There is a controversy surrounding this film, but it lies within the true events of the story rather than the film’s portrayal of such. The controversy of the matter is that Charlie Cullen, a real American serial killer who murdered potentially hundreds of people at 10 different hospitals, was not convicted until much damage was done. Many of the administrations at previous hospitals he worked at suspected his foul play, but did not work to convict him, as it would consider their hospital liable, give them bad press, and eventually decrease their success. So, because of corporate greed, Cullen went on to murder countless individuals who could have been saved if someone had spoken out earlier.
While I wouldn’t consider this to be one of the best films of all time, I think the subject matter was interesting and thought provoking; I even might have to do some more research on the true story!
I also saw this movie on my recommended, so it was really nice to read a review that intrigued me to want to watch the movie! I think that it is really interesting that the movie plays with lighting, because it usually creates a very dark and ominous mood that continues to build suspense even if there isn’t any outright dialogue or action. But, what was more shocking was learning that the story was based on a real life murder who was able to get away with so much killing just because hospitals didn’t want bad press. It really shows you what big corporations value nowadays.
I saw this movie on my Netflix recommendation, but I wasn’t sure if I should check it out given my general discomfort with serial killer content until I read your review; I’ll definitely check it out myself. It’s interesting you bring up color palettes / schemes used because that’s one of those very obvious production elements audiences feel but not exactly notice and appreciate. The image of Amy and Charlie sitting itself suggests how cold this feels, and I can’t wait to check it out like I said at the beginning. It’s interesting how the film “Hollywood”ified the ending, and I wouldn’t have known the actual truth about Charlie’s arrest had I not read your post. It’s interesting how this new trend of serial killer content, given the Dahmer series and its renewal, is emerging.
Gianna, every day I just feel more and more that we are the same girl – this movie has been sitting in my to-watch list for about a week, and your post may have just been the trigger for me to go and watch it this weekend! I love that you mentioned the implications of the lighting in the film, because it is such an overlooked directorial note, but it really does make such a difference on the overall effect and vibe of the story. I also love true crime, so this seems right up my alley, especially after Dahmer! Also side note, they renewed the monster series for a second season, so I am very excited to see who they follow up Evan Peters’ chilling portrayal with. Maybe we can watch together 🙂
I haven’t had the chance to watch this yet, but as someone interested in medicine, I think the most horrific thing is the fact that the hospital covered it up! I’d have to do more research about when and where this took place, but, regardless, I feel like it is just a constant trope in history that hospitals can be unjust. I hope this is something that will continue to change in the future. The second most horrifying thing for me is the whole issue of trust: Amy’s best friend ends up being a serial killer. It really scares me when people are good at acting because I can’t get it out of my mind that they could be lying to me. I am sure this movie would be worth the watch, maybe I can get to it during car rides for break.
I’m glad you talked about this movie because I’ve been waiting to watch it, and this has officially convinced me to do it! I feel like I have seen some other movies or series somewhat similar to this, and the main theme that sticks out to me is corruption. It boggles my mind that people would allow this to happen and not be consumed by the guilt.
So many people have told me to watch this film and after reading about it I definitely have to now. I like the way you address the controversy surrounding this film. I love true crime and I’m excited to watch this film.