How far would you go to protect someone you love? And what happens when your determination to keep them safe becomes part of the problem? Those are just a few of the uncomfortable questions at the heart of Apple TV’s upcoming psychological crime thriller, Nocturne.
In an interview with The TV Cave, Liev Schreiber and Zazie Beetz opened up about the emotional baggage their characters carry, the complicated relationship between Jonah Lynn and Saga Bauer, and the psychological games that make serial killer Jurek Walter such a dangerous opponent.
Based on the bestselling crime fiction of Lars Kepler,Nocturne follows Jonah (Schreiber), a former soldier turned homicide detective who finds himself confronting a ruthless killer threatening everything he holds dear. Stephen Graham plays Jurek Walter, while Beetz portrays Saga, an FBI agent whose determination to prove herself places her directly in the killer’s path.
And while there is plenty of danger surrounding this investigation, Schreiber and Beetz suggest that catching the killer might be only half the battle.
Liev Schreiber Explains Jonah’s Greatest Fear
For Jonah, the hunt for Jurek isn’t simply another case to solve. It is deeply personal, especially when the people he loves become entangled in the investigation.
When The TV Cave asked whether Jonah’s greatest struggle was catching the killer or realizing he couldn’t keep his loved ones safe, Schreiber immediately recognized the connection between the two.
“That’s the question,” Schreiber said, explaining that Jonah’s fear of being unable to protect those closest to him is precisely what drives his determination to solve the case.
But that determination comes with a dangerous complication. How much time can someone spend pursuing evil before it begins changing them?
Schreiber pointed to the trauma that shapes these characters, explaining that their difficult experiences have made them exceptionally capable while also leaving them with emotional wounds they continue carrying. For him, one of the most compelling elements of the series is that moral gray area, particularly what happens when people spend too much time around those capable of terrible things.
It’s an unsettling idea, especially for a character whose instincts tell him that protecting his family means refusing to back down. Jonah may know how to investigate dangerous people, but recognizing the damage that pursuit causes within himself is another matter entirely.
Zazie Beetz on Saga’s Complicated Relationship With Jonah
While Jonah approaches the investigation from a place of fear and protection, Saga has her own perspective. She’s an accomplished agent who believes in her abilities, and having someone question whether she can handle herself isn’t exactly going to go over well.
When The TV Cave asked whether Saga interprets Jonah’s protectiveness as love or a lack of trust in her instincts, Beetz offered a revealing explanation.
According to the actress, Saga recognizes Jonah’s concern but also interprets some of his behavior as condescending. Rather than seeing only his desire to protect her, she feels as though he doubts her competence and ability to do her job.
Beetz compared that dynamic to a daughter insisting she’s grown enough to handle things herself, even when the person trying to protect her may have legitimate reasons to worry.
And that’s where things become particularly interesting. Beetz acknowledged that Jonah may have a point. Saga’s professional capabilities aren’t necessarily the problem. The greater danger comes from the emotional vulnerabilities she doesn’t fully recognize when she enters the investigation.
In other words, Saga can be exceptionally good at her job and still underestimate what she’s walking into. Unfortunately, Jurek Walter isn’t exactly the type of opponent who plays fair.
The Most Dangerous Weapon Isn’t Always Physical
With Stephen Graham portraying the calculating Jurek Walter,Nocturne puts its characters in a battle where mental manipulation can be every bit as threatening as physical violence. For Saga, the investigation begins with confidence. She believes she can maintain control of the situation and stay ahead of the man she’s confronting.
That confidence doesn’t remain quite so straightforward. When asked whether Saga is more afraid of Jurek physically harming her or getting inside her head, Beetz explained that Saga initially enters the situation believing she will have the upper hand. However, she gradually realizes that Jurek is more psychologically challenging than she anticipated.
It’s a fascinating complication for a character who prides herself on her abilities. Saga isn’t simply facing someone dangerous; she’s facing an opponent capable of challenging the very confidence she relies on to do her job.
And judging by Beetz’s comments, the psychological battle may be the one that matters most.
But What About Sabretooth and Domino?
Of course, we couldn’t let Schreiber and Beetz leave without addressing one very important question unrelated to serial killers. Both actors have connections to Marvel’s X-Men universe. Schreiber portrayed Sabretooth inX-Men Origins: Wolverine, while Beetz brought Domino to life inDeadpool 2.
So naturally, The TV Cave had to ask: Who would win in a fight between Sabretooth and Domino? Instead of choosing a winner, Schreiber revealed that the two had been discussing the possibility of their characters joining forces.
Beetz agreed, explaining that the conversation had already turned toward imagining a backstory for the potential pairing.
Schreiber was far more interested in combining their powers than watching the characters battle each other.
And now we have another Marvel team-up to add to our wish list. A ruthless mutant with healing abilities working alongside someone whose superpower is extraordinary luck? That sounds like the kind of chaos we’d happily buy a ticket to see.
Watch Our Interview With Liev Schreiber and Zazie Beetz
From Jonah’s inability to protect everyone he loves to Saga’s struggle to recognize her own emotional vulnerabilities,Nocturne appears interested in exploring the personal cost of confronting evil.
Schreiber and Beetz’s insights also highlight something particularly compelling about their characters: the qualities that make Jonah and Saga strong may also leave them exposed to manipulation, fear, and mistakes.
Watch The TV Cave’s conversation with Liev Schreiber and Zazie Beetz below to hear the actors discuss their characters and their potential Marvel team-up.
Nocturne premieres Friday, October 30, on Apple TV with its first two episodes. New episodes will arrive weekly through December 25.
