Cemre Paksoy, a dynamic actress known for her deeply emotional and compelling performances, is set to captivate audiences once again with her role in the upcoming film, “Night Nurse.” In this exclusive interview, Paksoy delves into the intricacies of her character, Eleni Sadik, and the unique challenges she faced while preparing for this thrilling and sensual role. She shares her inspirations, preparation techniques, and the profound themes explored in the film. As she reunites with writer/director Georgia Bernstein, Paksoy opens up about their creative synergy and the intense journey of bringing “Night Nurse” to life. Join us as we explore the depths of Paksoy’s artistry and the exciting new dimensions of her career.
Can you tell us more about your character, Eleni Sadik, in Night Nurse? What drew you to this role?
My character is a starry-eyed nurse at a remote, Midwest retirement home recently rocked by a series of scam calls. When Eleni discovers that the mysterious patient she is assigned to by Doctor Mann — played by the one and only Mimi Rogers — is the seductive con man behind these schemes, her innocent flirtation blooms into a lust for deception. I have always been drawn to roles that center around desire. Like Juliette Binoche in Lovers on the Bridge, Isabelle Adjani in Possession, Isabelle Huppert in Malina, many of my favorite performances explore the darker corners of the psyche. I am thrilled to have the chance to inhabit that psychological space through such a daring script.Â
How did you prepare for the role of Eleni? Were there any particular challenges you faced while getting into character?
I had a lot of exposure to oncology nurses during my mother’s illness, and I even developed friendships with some. I keep coming back to stories they told me as I’ve been diving deeper into Eleni’s psyche. Those nurses, much like Eleni, take care of people at their lowest, people society chooses not to think about because it makes them too uncomfortable. This is a sobering and difficult truth, but it’s a reality I think we all need to feel more comfortable talking about.
Night Nurse is described as an erotic thriller. How do you approach balancing the sensual elements of the film with the darker aspects of the storyline?
I actually think the sensual elements of the film and its darker themes are inextricable. That’s what’s so special about Night Nurse — it plays in the murky, sometimes frightening space at the intersection of desire and pain, care and exploitation. Eroticism doesn’t always come from romance. It’s a feeling that can be found in aromantic, even parasitic relationships. As an actor, that can present a challenge, but an invigorating one.
What skills or experiences from your previous projects do you think will be most beneficial in preparing for Night Nurse?
My work in television has definitely prepared me for the psychological undertones present in Night Nurse. The Affair deals with families in distress. As the Crow Flies plays with the dark side of ambition, also present in Night Nurse. But it’s not every day you get to work with your close collaborators. That’s what makes Night Nurse so unique. Snugglr cemented my creative partnership with Georgia [Bernstein], the writer/director of Night Nurse. That’s where we got to know each other’s sensibilities, work ethics, strengths, ambitions, everything. From the early days of dreaming up the idea to our world premiere at Tribeca, we clicked in a really special way. I’m excited to have that again with Night Nurse.Â
What discussions have you had with Georgia Bernstein so far about the character of Eleni and the overall tone of the film?
Georgia and I have always connected over the references that inspire Night Nurse, and recently we’ve been deep diving into Catherine Breillat, John Cassaavetes and Roger Corman’s 1970’s nursesploitation trilogy. Like our inspirations, there are shades of intimacy weaved throughout Night Nurse that we don’t often get to see on screen. Georgia’s script doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of desire, and with every rewrite, we have had deeper conversations about what pushes my character to the edge.Â
Are there any unique elements or themes in Night Nurse that you believe will resonate with audiences?
The script explores a less straightforward kind of attraction. Without giving too much away, unrealized desires push my character to extremes. The material is challenging, but intensely relatable. I was particularly drawn to what makes my character so vulnerable to the scheme that is central to the story. Her journey into the arms of a con man will keep you at the edge of your seat.Â
How does Night Nurse differ from other projects you’ve worked on, particularly in terms of tone and subject matter?
Night Nurse will be my first foray into thriller, which is a genre I’ve always loved as a fan. I’m hoping the many hours I spend watching body horror pictures and steamy 90’s thrillers will help me quickly tap into the right headspace. The emotional content of the film is relatively new to me as an actor — this will be my first time exploring rich, fraught themes like deception and devotion. And the backdrop of the medical–industrial complex as the baby boomer generation ages into senior care is so timely. I’m eager to tackle something that’s both psychologically vigorous and culturally urgent.
How do you see your role in Night Nurse influencing or shaping your future projects, both as an actor and filmmaker?
A feature, especially one so psychologically intense, will really test my limits as an actor. The challenge is scary in the way all good things are — you’re afraid to go into the darkness, but you have to see what’s on the other side. It’s hard to believe I’ll be acting opposite Mimi Rogers. I know I’ll learn so much from her and I’m excited to soak up everything she does. And as a filmmaker, teaming up with Georgia again is a dream. I’m so looking forward to Night Nurse, and I know it’s just the beginning.
