Tobias Lindholm is a talent who has quietly became a favorite around The Playlist. As a screenwriter, he made his mark with the terrific Danish TV drama “Borgen,” and has also been a frequent collaborator with Thomas Vinterberg, penning “The Hunt,” among others. And as a filmmaker in his own right, he’s made a trio of strong pictures so far, all starring Pilou Asbaek: “R,” “A Hijacking,” and “A War.” And it was only a matter of time until he caught the attention of someone stateside, and he’s done just that.
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Lindholm will direct the Darren Aronofsky-produced adaptation of Charles Graeber‘s “The Good Nurse.” The book tells the the shocking true story of a nurse who turned out to be one of the most deadly serial killers in history. Here’s the synopsis:
After his December 2003 arrest, registered nurse Charlie Cullen was quickly dubbed ‘The Angel of Death’ by the media. But Cullen was no mercy killer, nor was he a simple monster. He was a favourite son, husband, beloved father, best friend, and celebrated caregiver. Implicated in the deaths of as many as 300 patients, he was also perhaps the most prolific serial killer in American history. Cullen’s murderous career in the world’s most trusted profession spanned sixteen years and nine hospitals across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Investigative journalist Charles Graeber’s portrait of Cullen depicts a surprisingly intelligent and complicated young man whose promising career was overwhelmed by his compulsion to kill, and whose shy demeanor masked a twisted interior life hidden even to his family and friends. Were it not for the hardboiled, unrelenting work of two former Newark homicide detectives racing to put together the pieces of Cullen’s professional past, and a fellow nurse willing to put everything at risk, including her job and the safety of her children, there’s no telling how many more lives could have been lost. In the tradition of In Cold Blood, The Good Nurse does more than chronicle Cullen’s deadly career and the breathless efforts to stop him; it paints an incredibly vivid portrait of madness and offers an urgent, terrifying tale of murder, friendship and betrayal.
Newcomer Krysty Wilson-Cairns has penned the script, though it’s probably safe to say that Lindholm will do a pass. No word yet on when filming might be begin, or on casting details, but perhaps there will be a part in there for Asbaek to make it four-for-four. As for Aronfosky, who is behind the Pablo Larraín awards-season train “Jackie,” we hope this trend of bringing foreign filmmakers stateside for intriguing projects continues. [Deadline]