Ella-Rae Smith – Into The Badlands

By starrymag | April 8, 2019

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I’m currently working on an 8-part Netflix show called “The Stranger,” based on the Harlan Coben novel of the same name. It’s a contemporary thriller with lots of unexpected twists and turns, so no sword swinging but a really cool project that I’m super excited for the world to see.

 

Q) Nix has clashed with Pilgrim and has doubted his mission, she’s been wary of his plan and his power. Where do her loyalties lie when we pick up?

A) At the beginning of the season, Nix’s loyalty to Pilgrim (Babou Ceesay) is already fading fast. After she figures out he’s responsible for Castor’s death her whole life is turned upside down. She’s beginning to distance herself from Pilgrim and Cressida (Lorraine Toussaint) and when she sees all that Sunny (Daniel Wu) is doing for his son, she realizes that despite MK’s (Aramis Knight) beliefs, Sunny is actually a good person. During the first few episodes, ultimately, we see her loyalty shift from Pilgrim to Sunny.

 

Q) What I love about the series is these complex characters who are not necessarily inherently good or bad. There are many areas shaded in gray because of the constant ever evolving circumstances. Can you talk about how we explore that more this season and the themes we see?

A) The second half of this season definitely sees a more black-and-white image of good and bad in the Badlands. Though what I love about Nix is the transition we see in her going from a “bad” character to “good.” Nix’s journey feels really important as we see her realize she has been bad and want to escape that past and redeem herself by doing good. I think that her character sends a really strong message, that just because you may have made a few mistakes (in her case killing a load of people for an evil cult leader) it doesn’t mean you’re bound to being a terrible person.

 

Q) I really enjoy the intricate costumes which really captures each character so well. How does Nix’s outfit help you to transform into her and play into her identity?

A) Nix’s costume, hair and makeup totally transformed me into her. At first, I honestly didn’t recognize myself when I looked in the mirror. The look of a character is so key to being able to truly become them. There are details in Nix’s costume like the split in the skirt of her dress that not only looks cool but is also essential in giving her the freedom to move and fight. I also really love the leather piece she wears to carry her swords on her back. Practical and stylish.

 

Q) “Into The Badlands” has so many layers interwoven that balances so well with empowerment, poignancy, turmoil, death, despair, etc. Yet there is always an underlying theme of hope even in the darkest of hours. What is it about the series and these themes that can provoke and engage its audience all within such short episode periods of time?

A) To be honest, I feel like all of those things occur in real life. It’s the human story, filled with ups and downs but always with hope. So, “Badlands” is kind of just reflecting normal life, with some super cool fight scenes added in.

 

Q) There have been so many phenomenal intense polarizing fight scenes, which one has been your favorite and why?

A) My absolute favorite is the Chau towers fight – Nix’s first fight on the show. It was my first week filming and the best introduction to making the show. I was so overwhelmed by the idea of doing all these crazy fights, so to be thrown in at the deep end and taught how it all works was incredibly helpful.

It’s also one of the first scenes I actually saw and I remember thinking “that is NOT me” because I couldn’t believe how incredibly badass I looked. I love the slow-mo sword swinging and arrow catching moments most.

 

Q) You shoot in some incredible locations and the visuals are absolutely stunning. It really adds to the cinematography and movie quality to the series. You become so immersed you forget you are watching an hour-long show. How do the dramatic locations really add to the elements of this Sci Fi series?

A) Ireland is an absolutely beautiful country, so beautiful that it often looks otherworldly, which definitely helps to create the world of the Badlands. I think there’s a really interesting contrast to having this mesmerizing scenery and natural beauty and then the humans causing chaos and carnage in and around it.

 

Q) Will we see her make any unlikely allies in the fight against Pilgrim?

A) You’ll have to wait and see…

 

Q) What is it about her relationship with Castor that has helped her get through so many harrowing situations and kept her close to him?

A) I think their relationship was so strong because they could only relate to one another. Castor (Dean-Charles Chapman) is the only person who has ever truly understood her. They were a team.

 

Q) Badlands have a way of testing your will and pushing your limits. What has changed and challenged Nix the most?

A) Castor’s death has changed and challenged Nix the most. Losing the most important person in her life has really shaken her world up. Without Castor being killed by Pilgrim, she never would have realized that Pilgrim is an evil force.

 

Q) What I also love about “Into The Badlands” is these unparalleled plethora of fierce yet flawed female characters. They are complex and compelling but also vulnerable as well. What do you think it is about the dynamic of these core women that they share that really resonates with the audience with the way that they are written and portrayed?

A) I think that’s just what all people, not just women are. We’re all flawed and fierce and compelling and complex, no matter our gender.

 

Q) What do you hope that fans take away from watching these final episodes?

A) Whilst this is the final season, I hope fans of the show feel happy to have been on this crazy blood splattered ride. We created something really special and there is truly nothing quite like it.