Why Ella Purnell Refuses to Watch Horror Movies Ever Again
Ella Purnell, star of major streaming hits, opens up about her lifelong fear of horror films after a childhood viewing of The Shining, and shares what’s next in her career.
With the arrival of Fallout Season 2 on Prime Video, fans of video game adaptations have plenty to celebrate this holiday season. Ella Purnell, who leads the cast, has quickly become a standout in the world of streaming and science fiction, building an impressive resume in just a few short years. Her work in Fallout has set a new standard for live-action adaptations, surpassing even other big names in the genre.
Purnell’s talents aren’t limited to one platform. She’s also made her mark on Netflix, lending her voice to the character Jinx in the acclaimed animated series Arcane, alongside Hailee Steinfeld. Add in her role in the hit thriller Yellowjackets, which has run for three seasons, and it ’s clear she’s become a defining presence in youth-oriented television. Next year, she’ll return in the second season of Sweetpea, a dark comedy she not only stars in but also executive produces. The show follows a young woman with a seemingly ordinary life who develops a dangerous obsession, and it doesn’t shy away from intense, bloody moments.
Haunted by a Classic
Despite her success in edgy and suspenseful projects, Purnell has a deep-seated fear of horror movies. She traces this back to a childhood experience with one of the genre’s most iconic films.
“One film that I definitely shouldn’t have watched at a young age was (1981 Stanley Kubrick shocker) The Shining. I remember I went to a girl’s sleepover and I was like, ‘Finally (I’m) invited to the cool kids sleepover,’ and then the really, really cool girl put on The Shining and all the other cool girls were watching and I was just like… (does terrified face).”
The Shining, with its chilling atmosphere, disturbing imagery, and unforgettable scenes, left a lasting impression on her. The film’s infamous twins and unsettling visuals were enough to put her off the genre for good.
Lasting Impact
Purnell admits that her aversion to horror has stuck with her ever since.
“To this day I cannot watch horror films, I hate horror films, I’m terrified of horror films. I’m scared of them, I can’t watch them. I don’t like having an unpleasant movie viewing experience and it’s not fun for me. I put that down to watching that film with the twins.”
Even as her career brings her close to dark and intense material, she avoids horror whenever possible, preferring not to relive that early fright.
Facing New Fears On Screen
Ironically, Purnell’s upcoming projects may force her to confront her fears head-on. She’s set to star in The Scurry, a film about a group trapped in an eco café overrun by bloodthirsty squirrels. The premise sounds wild, but with Rhys Ifans in the cast, there’s hope for some comedic relief. She’s also joining Pete Davidson in a movie about saving humanity, titled That Time We Met. Whether or not these roles will help her overcome her horror aversion remains to be seen, but her willingness to take on such projects shows just how far she’s come since that fateful sleepover.