Before achieving widespread recognition for her performances in series like Yellowjackets and Fallout, Ella Purnell took on a compelling role in the lesser-known drama series Sweetbitter. Unfortunately, this show, which aired for only two seasons, struggled with viewership, leading to its swift cancellation after just 14 episodes.
Sweetbitter marked a significant milestone for Ella Purnell as her first major recurring role in a television series, following a career largely dominated by films such as Never Let Me Go, Maleficent, and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Premiering on Starz in 2018, the series offers a rich narrative that, despite its short run, showcases the enthralling journey of Purnell’s character, Tess.
Insights Into Ella Purnell’s Character in Sweetbitter
Tess: An Ohio Native’s Journey in New York City
In Sweetbitter, Ella Purnell embodies Tess, the narrative’s central figure. Relocating from Ohio to New York City in 2006, Tess enters an unfamiliar and demanding environment as she takes a job at a fine-dining restaurant. This transition represents the challenges many young adults face when leaving their comfort zones. Throughout the series, Tess embarks on a quest for self-discovery, grappling with her identity while navigating the complexities of life in a bustling city.
While Tess may initially come off as immature and unlikable, these traits serve to make her character more intriguing. Her interactions, especially with her co-worker Simone—brilliantly portrayed by Caitlin FitzGerald—underscore Tess’s imperfections and the jealousy that often clouds her judgment. Rather than being a flaw, Tess’s messiness adds depth, creating an opportunity for viewers to empathize with her struggles. It’s crucial to celebrate such multifaceted portrayals of young women in film and television.
Ella Purnell on Tess and Sweetbitter
Adapted from Stephanie Danler’s novel, Tess’s character draws heavily from Danler’s own experiences as a waitress at Union Square Cafe in New York City. Purnell expressed her apprehension about portraying a character based on someone who also crafted the story, especially given the personal stakes involved. In an interview with Marie Claire, she shared:
When Stephanie and I sat down for this introductory coffee when I first got to New York, I felt so much pressure… I thought Stephanie was badass, and I thought the script was and the book was, and I was freaking out about why they entrusted me with this really special thing.
The perceived unlikability of Tess was intentional, making her character even more relatable. Purnell believed it was important for Tess to reflect the messiness of real life, stating in an insightful interview with Nylon:
I didn’t want to play her likable. I didn’t want people to like me. I just wanted to play her truthfully… She is the most realistic character I’ve ever had the fortune of playing. It’s hard. She’s unapologetically saying, “I don’t know who I am, I don’t know where I’m going, and I don’t know what I want.”And everybody can relate to that, I think. It’s such a relatable story.
Purnell’s thoughtful approach to portraying Tess reflects a maturity that resonates throughout the series. She recounted her nerves while filming, especially since it was her first television role. As she grew more comfortable in her role, her performance evolved alongside Tess’s journey:
It was my first time in New York… in the first episode, it really is Ella as Tess trying to find my feet and my place. As I got to know my character more… that really actually reflects well in the show, as Tess finds her feet and gets better at her job and makes friends.
Comparing Purnell’s Roles: Sweetbitter, Yellowjackets, and Fallout
Shared Themes Across Purnell’s Characters
Despite the varied genres, a notable connection exists between the characters Ella Purnell plays across her career. In particular, her experience on Sweetbitter enriches her portrayals of Jackie Taylor in Yellowjackets and Lucy MacLean in Fallout.
Jackie struggles profoundly to adjust to her new reality, facing the harsh realities of survival without the familiarities of high school structure. Lucy similarly finds her world altered as she journeys through the Wasteland looking for her father. Without the same life-and-death stakes, Tess must also navigate uncharted waters as she learns the ropes in an unfamiliar and chaotic environment.
Purnell convincingly captures the naïveté shared by these three characters, showcasing her diverse acting abilities. Although Sweetbitter may not receive the same critical acknowledgment as the darker narratives of Yellowjackets or Fallout, it nonetheless offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by younger women.
The Case for Rewatching Sweetbitter
As Ella Purnell’s star continues to rise, revisiting Sweetbitter is not only an opportunity to trace her development as an actress but also a chance to appreciate a series that has been overlooked compared to her more mainstream roles. The show’s unique setting—the vibrant and chaotic world of New York City restaurants—plays a pivotal role in shaping the narratives and character arcs, including Purnell’s portrayal of Tess.
The dynamic setting informs the complex choices characters make, rendering them deeply relatable. Alongside Purnell, Tom Sturridge offers a powerful performance, showcasing his talent long before his leading role in Netflix’s The Sandman. Moreover, Sweetbitter deals with themes that have gained traction in contemporary media, particularly within the more acclaimed series like The Bear, which highlights culinary narratives.
The characters are richly developed and face genuine issues, portraying the trials of young adults in 2006 New York City as they seek their identity and places in the world. For fans of Ella Purnell, Sweetbitter represents a pivotal chapter in her career, offering a contrast to the more recognizable roles she plays today.
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