NEW YORK – To portray a serial killer in the new Apple TV series “Nocturne,” actor Stephen Graham took on a unique research approach: he watched a lot of true crime documentaries. This method, he says, was largely inspired by his wife, Hannah, who has a keen interest in the genre.
“She just kept saying, ‘Right, this one’s really good. Watch this one,’” Graham recalls. “I was like, ‘All right.’” Through these documentaries, Graham gained insights into the psychology behind these criminals, noting how they often manipulated their victims and believed their own narratives.
Starting this Friday, viewers will see a new, frightening side of Graham, known for his role in “Adolescence.” In “Nocturne,” he plays Jurek Walter, a ferocious imprisoned murderer who cunningly manipulates hospital staff and intrigues law enforcement while plotting sinister deeds. His extensive viewing of serial killer documentaries paid off in crafting this complex character.
“You absorb them,” Graham explains, comparing it to visiting an art gallery and being inspired by the works on display. “Eventually, you may not even be aware of it, but it influences your performance.”
‘Nocturne’ is a Transplant
This 10-episode drama, “Nocturne,” is adapted from Lars Kepler’s novels “The Sandman” and “Lazarus.” Creators John Hlavin and Rowan Joffé decided to shift the story’s setting from Scandinavia to western Pennsylvania, giving it a fresh context.
The series kicks off with a dramatic event: a kidnapped teen reappears in the woods after three years, but his sister remains missing, presumably held by the same abductor. Authorities, including a troubled retired detective played by Liev Schreiber, turn to Jurek Walter, Graham’s character, who has a solid alibi—he’s confined underground in a psychiatric hospital. This raises the question: does he have an accomplice?
To unravel the mystery, the FBI sends in an undercover officer, played by Zazie Beetz, posing as an inmate. The series interweaves several plotlines: the search for the missing child, an ex-detective’s obsession with a case he once abandoned, and a tense game of cat-and-mouse with a serial killer, all captured with cinematic flair.
“Audiences are very sophisticated, and there’s so much entertainment within this genre,” Hlavin points out. “We aimed to find a way to make the story feel unique.”
Graham’s portrayal of the serial killer showcases his manipulative prowess, as he convinces another inmate to take his own life from a separate cell. He attempts to befriend a hospital aide, played by Rory Culkin, to smuggle contraband and relay messages.
Contrast Between Inside and Out
The series emphasizes the stark contrast between the confined inmate and the expansive rural Pennsylvania landscape. “Jurek is almost like a wolf, you know? A wolf longs to be free, and we’ve effectively put him in a kennel,” Hlavin describes.
The cast invested significant effort into their roles. Graham and Culkin spent time together outside of filming to build their on-screen relationship, enjoying dinners, visiting museums, and even attending a football game. They also collaborated with the creative team on Sundays to rehearse scenes before filming began on Mondays.
Beetz, on her part, learned some Dominican Spanish for a key introductory scene, showcasing the dedication of the cast to their roles. The crew brought creativity into the production as well, using large fans to simulate movement in the trees during outdoor scenes.
Schreiber was drawn to the project by the scripts and the opportunity to work with director Tim Van Patten, an Emmy winner known for his work on acclaimed series like “Boardwalk Empire” and “The Sopranos.” He sees the three main characters grappling with existential isolation.
“Who defines you? Am I defined by my family? By my colleagues? By my career? What happens when those connections become untethered?” he reflects.
The creators of “Nocturne” strive to engage their audience without being condescending or overly simplistic. “It feels like something you should lean into rather than just casually watch,” Hlavin adds.
Beetz emphasizes the careful balance the series strikes in revealing clues, trusting the audience to keep up while providing enough context to stay engaged. “We were always trying to find the right balance: ‘Are we giving away too much or not enough?’” she says.
