Liev Schreiber Sits With Detectives for Nocturne

Liev Schreiber sat in a Pittsburgh bar with a group of local homicide detectives to prepare for his role in the Apple TV series Nocturne. He wanted to understand how officers process the constant exposure to death and human tragedy. The meetings involved drinking and long, honest conversations about their daily work.

Schreiber plays Jonah Lynn, a former soldier who became a homicide detective. In the show, Jonah investigates Jurek Walter, a man suspected of killing more than six people and kidnapping two siblings. Jonah retired shortly after Jurek was arrested. He returns to the case three years later when one of the kidnapped siblings resurfaces. The character is burdened by grief and regret from his complex history with the suspect.

The series is based on novels by Lars Kepler, the pen name of authors Alexander Ahndoril and Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril. Schreiber, who is also an executive producer, told the media outlet Decider that he met with the detectives to get into the character's mindset. He described the group as interesting and noted that their conversations were candid.

One key insight from the meetings was the emotional toll of the job. Schreiber noted that these officers witness the worst of humanity every day. He asked them what they do with that burden. He acknowledged that he could not fully comprehend their trauma but found the shared experiences gave him a specific perspective.

Schreiber compared the detectives' bond to that of veterans with PTSD. He explained that only people who have witnessed the same horror can truly understand how it feels. He asked the officers about their first time seeing a deceased person and how it feels now. The conversation became emotional as they discussed becoming inured to death and what that does to a person.

Schreiber credited the detectives and veterans for providing his inroad into Jonah. He realized the character has a tough set of memories to carry. The production notes from director Allen Coulter praise Schreiber's commitment to authenticity. Coulter said Schreiber wanted the performance to be real and not arbitrary.

Coulter noted that Schreiber is funny off camera but Jonah is a straight, narrow, and taciturn man of few words. Coulter stated that Schreiber totally became that character. He added that authenticity is paramount to Schreiber. This approach ensures everything makes sense within the world of the show.

The series also features Stephen Graham as Jurek Walter. Graham discussed his extensive preparation for the role in a separate conversation with Decider. His work included physical training, voice coaching, and studying psychopathy and sociopathy. He also watched crime documentaries with his wife.

Nocturne Episode 3 is scheduled to air on Friday, November 6. New episodes of the series premiere every Friday on Apple TV. The show continues to explore the psychological dynamics between the detective and the master manipulator he is tracking.