Ella Purnell, a name that’s rapidly gaining prominence in the entertainment world, continues her ascent with notable performances and projects that push boundaries. Following her impressive portrayal of Jackie Taylor, the ill-fated queen bee in the acclaimed survival thriller series “Yellowjackets,” Purnell’s career has been on a meteoric rise. Her striking eyes and commanding presence on screen have become her signature, and audiences and critics alike can’t help but take notice.
Born in London, Purnell entered the cinematic realm in 2010 with Mark Romanek’s “Never Let Me Go,” where she played the young version of Ruth, a role that saw Keira Knightley take the adult mantel. Since then, she steadily crafted a diverse portfolio, appearing in productions such as the New York City-based restaurant drama “Sweetbitter” and the action-packed zombie heist film “Army of the Dead” by Zack Snyder. However, it was the success of “Yellowjackets” and her vocal role in the steampunk animation “Arcane,” alongside Hailee Steinfeld, that truly propelled Purnell into the spotlight.
In 2024, Purnell reached a new pinnacle with her involvement in Amazon’s adaptation of the iconic video game franchise, “Fallout.” The post-apocalyptic drama became one of the most celebrated television shows of the year, amassing an impressive 16 Emmy nominations. At the heart of this acclaim was Purnell’s portrayal of the main character, Lucy MacLean, a performance that resonated deeply with viewers and critics alike.
As anticipation builds for Lucy MacLean’s return in the second season of “Fallout,” Purnell surprises her fans by delving into an entirely different genre. She embraces the challenge of “Sweetpea,” an adaptation of CJ Skuse’s 2017 novel. Not only does Purnell star in the film, but she also takes on the role of producer, showcasing her depth and versatility in the industry. “Sweetpea” follows the dark and comedic journey of a socially awkward introvert named Rhiannon Lewis, who reaches a breaking point, resulting in a murderous spree.
The choice to portray Rhiannon Lewis might seem unconventional for some, but it’s precisely this unpredictability that draws Purnell to the character. During a candid conversation over Zoom, she shared her enthusiasm for developing the film’s character and narrative arc. She described the layers of Rhiannon Lewis as a fascinating blend of dark comedy and profound transformation, a challenge she has relished undertaking.
Reflecting on the experience, Ella revealed, “I never intentionally sought out to draw parallels between most recent roles.
. Perhaps subconsciously, there’s something I still need to express or explore within myself. But choosing a role that feels too familiar or predictable doesn’t excite me at this stage in my career.”
As Purnell’s creative choices become more daring, she seeks out projects that not only challenge her but also offer opportunities to learn and collaborate with talented professionals. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate,” she expressed, “and it’s quite a happy coincidence that all these fantastic projects came at this stage of my career.”
Central to “Sweetpea’s” authenticity is Purnell’s dedication to character development. She was clear about the film’s intent: “Creating a connection with Rhiannon, where audiences relate to her emotions and yet feel conflicted by her actions, required considerable effort and precision. We aimed to depict her world authentically, from her daily choices down to the car she drives and her favorite milkshake.”
Purnell worked extensively before filming began, engaging with the creative team—including the head of costume, hair, makeup, and production design—to craft Rhiannon’s environment down to the smallest detail. “These conversations naturally evolved, often leading us to unique discoveries that enriched Rhiannon’s portrayal,” she noted.
Acknowledging the contributions of her team, Ella expressed her gratitude: “This journey wouldn’t have been possible without visionaries like Patrick, Kirstie, and Ella Jones, our director, who shares an intricate understanding and love for Rhiannon.”
As the journey with “Arcane” concludes, Purnell reflects on her time as the voice of Jinx. “It’s bittersweet to say goodbye,” she admitted. “Voicing Jinx, my first foray into voice acting, shaped me both personally and professionally. Ironically, ‘Sweetpea’ debuted on October 10, which happens to be Jinx’s birthday, a poetic nod to this chapter closing.”
Currently, “Sweetpea” is streaming exclusively on JoCinema Premium, offering viewers a fresh episodic experience. Ella Purnell continues to carve out a unique space in the entertainment realm—one that’s daring, transformative, and undeniably captivating.
