Night Nurse 2026

Night Nurse (2026) is an American psychological thriller written and directed by Georgia Bernstein, starring Cemre Paksoy, Bruce McKenzie, Eleonore Hendricks, Colleen Rose Trundy and Mimi Rogers. The film follows Eleni, a young nurse who takes a job caring for an elderly man in a seemingly peaceful retirement community. Her routine changes when a series of disturbing scam calls begins targeting residents, drawing Eleni into a situation that becomes increasingly difficult to understand. Rather than relying on a conventional crime-mystery setup, Night Nurse builds its tension around isolation, vulnerability and the uneasy relationship between caregiver and patient. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2026, before its limited theatrical release on July 10 and digital release on August 11, 2026.

Storyline & Plot Analysis

The Night Nurse storyline centers on Eleni Sadik, a young nurse working in an affluent retirement community. What initially appears to be a straightforward caregiving job takes a strange turn when residents begin receiving unsettling scam calls.

Eleni becomes increasingly interested in Douglas, her mysterious patient, and the connection between him and the disturbing events around the community. As she gets closer to the situation, the boundaries between professional care, personal curiosity and manipulation begin to blur.

The movie’s strongest idea is its setting. A retirement community should feel safe and controlled, but Bernstein gradually turns that sense of comfort into something unsettling. The story also looks at loneliness, vulnerability, trust and the need to feel wanted, giving the thriller a more personal angle than a typical scam-focused crime movie.

Importantly, Night Nurse does not appear to be designed as a fast-paced mystery. Its tension comes from uncomfortable encounters and slowly changing relationships rather than constant twists.

Production Details & Behind-the-Scenes

Georgia Bernstein wrote, directed and produced Night Nurse, marking her feature directorial debut. The production companies include Missing Link Productions and Gary Prairie Productions, with the film distributed by the Independent Film Company.

Lidia Nikonova handled cinematography, while Alex Jacobs edited the film. The music was composed by Sam Clapp and Steven Jackson. Principal photography took place in Chicago, with filming beginning in September 2024.

There is also a personal element behind the screenplay. Bernstein developed the story after her grandmother nearly fell for a scam in which someone falsely claimed that Bernstein’s brother had been involved in a car accident and urgently needed money. That real-life experience helped shape the film’s interest in how scammers manipulate vulnerable people.

Cast & Characters

The Night Nurse cast includes:

• Cemre Paksoy as Eleni Sadik – The young nurse at the center of the story.
• Bruce McKenzie as Douglas – Eleni’s mysterious patient.
• Eleonore Hendricks as Mona – A key supporting character within the retirement community.
• Colleen Rose Trundy as Michelle – A supporting character.
• Mimi Rogers as Doctor Mann – A doctor connected to the story.
• Jessica Renee-Marie as Jade – A supporting role.
• Greta Schultz as Molly – A member of the ensemble.
• Keith Kupferer as Detective Murphy – One of the detectives involved in the investigation.

Cemre Paksoy carries much of the film as Eleni, while Bruce McKenzie’s Douglas provides the mystery around which the story develops. Their relationship is central to the film’s uneasy atmosphere.

Release Date & Reception

Night Nurse premiered at Sundance on January 26, 2026, before opening in limited U.S. theaters on July 10, 2026. It became available digitally on August 11, 2026. The film runs for approximately 95 minutes.

Reception has been mixed but generally more favorable among critics than general IMDb users. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists a 65% Tomatometer score from 63 reviews, with critics noting the film’s atmosphere and unusual premise while questioning whether its thriller elements fully pay off.

IMDb currently lists the movie around 5.0/10, based on more than 200 ratings. The film has also earned a 66 Metascore, suggesting a divided critical response rather than a clear consensus.

Where to Watch Night Nurse

If you’re searching for where to watch Night Nurse, the movie is now available digitally following its August 11 release. Prime Video lists it for digital rental/purchase, with availability and pricing varying by region. JustWatch currently lists Night Nurse as available to rent or buy digitally in the United States, with a reported rental price of $6.99 at the time of its August 21 update.