Brooke Nevin – The Wrong Mother

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) Please tell us the premise for your film The Wrong Mother and about your character Vanessa.

A) When the film starts, we meet a loving family and the mother played by Vanessa Marcil and their world is kind of turned upside down when she becomes a victim of a hit and run as she has an accident while bike riding. We met Vanessa, my character, who is the attending nurse. We develop a lovely relationship and when it is time for her to go home to recover I suggest that I might be a great option for them since I’m well trained and they have a nice relationship. They are excited to welcome me into their home and that turns into suspicion and dread when they come to realize I’m not the well meaning nurse they thought. Vanessa is the run of the mill narcissist that thinks if she has been wrong then the universe should just bend to her will. She has no problem going after she wants even though there is a wake of destruction behind her.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film?

A) I got the offer to play my character and she is so clearly the violence in this project which was so delicious to me. I usually get cast as the nice girl so that people have entrusted me to give the lead a run for their money has been so fun!

Q) What did you find challenging about the role?

A) I wouldn’t consider myself a method actor so something it can be challenging to flip in and out of goofing around with kids between takes and then having a totally different attitude once the camera is rolling. I think just remaining playful is actually key to being able to pull of those strange feats of character switch. That was like a fun acting challenge to continue to get better at with this film.

Q) Was there instant chemistry when you and Vanessa Marcil began working together?

A) That’s such a strange word “chemistry.” Because my character is so duplicitous. So, I guess the chemistry comes in with us pretending to be nice without meaning it. [laughs] Chemistry in a movie where I’m supposed to be so horrible ot someone…I don’t know. If I’m playing a mean person then I’m the complete opposite on set. I’m really professional and lovely to work with. So, I guess the chemistry is like being nice to her face and then giving her the stink eye behind her back when the camera is rolling.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming the movie?

A) I have to say, we have a pretty impressive throwdown in the finale of the movie when Vanessa’s character is fighting too and nail to save her husband and kids. They sort of sprung me doing my own stunts in the fight sequence so we had to learn the choreography really quick and pull of a believable physical altercation. It actually turned out pretty well. I was actually proud we were able to give them something while we were under the gun. I felt proud!

Q) Was there a piece of advice or suggestion that director Craig Goldstein gave you that you took to heart during filming?

A) For one thing, Craig was great to work with. He has a great sense of humor. He was definitely someone I’d be screwing with during breaks and then I’d be holding a gun on someone and being all serious and menacing. I think he gave me some great advice in terms of grounding my character. So, when you’re playing a villain in the movie you want to make sure she is not doing this because she is pure evil. She has some actually very relatable motives. She’s fighting for something she loves and wants. So, that made it easy to not judge her and think of her as a real person who just has a different set of what she thinks is right and wrong than other people. [laughs] In terms of what she is fighting for, it’s kind of a primal, relatable need.

Q) What makes the movie a perfect fit for the Lifetime Network?

A) [laughs] I think it showcases two formidable women who are both fighting for what they want. There is a great interplay between those moments in the movie where I guess you could call Vanessa’s character Kaylene is in a really vulnerable position. You get to see this arc of her literally being physically vulnerable and very mentally strong while pushing through her physical limitations to literally fight for her children. I think that is something a lot of women I’m sure could relate to. It’s a story about two powerful women.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan feedback you will be receiving during the film?

A) I really think it’s going to be the best part of the movie. I hope there are people to live tweet. I’m going to try to be available while watching the film. One of the best parts of Twitter is the immediate fan reaction and something that has evolved. Twenty years ago there were message boards, but nothing as immediate as Twitter. It’s great to interact with fans while you get to share your work.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure fans know about The Wrong Mother?

A) The official hashtag is #WrongMother and it airs April 8^th!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I don’t know how I can properly show my gratitude. I have had fans who have stuck with me for a long time and it is one of the biggest reasons I get to do what I love. So, I’m just so appreciative of fans who have stuck with me the whole time.