Sasha Neboga – Knox Goes Away

By starrymag | April 28, 2024

By: Sammi Turano

 

 

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise of Knox Goes Away.

A) Knox Goes Away is a film centered around a hitman, Knox (Michael Keaton) who is diagnosed with a rapid form of memory loss. He has one last job to complete and must tie up all of his loose ends before his time runs out.

 

Q) What was it about the film or character that drew you to the movie?

A) The element that drew me most to this project, aside from the chance to work alongside Mr. Keaton was how developed all of the female characters were in the script. I already enjoyed and respected feeling the humanity portrayed within each character.

 

Q) How was the role of Ludmilla initially described to you?

A) I can pull it up! This was the character breakdown: Ludmilla runs a ballroom dancing academy and is married to Xavier, who’s in his late 80s. Ludmilla knows and likes Knox, who’s Xavier’s protege. Ludmilla and Xavier have a loving relationship and she seems to enjoy being with him and helping him out when she can.

 

Q) How did you prepare for the role?

A) I made sure to pull out my whole arsenal for this. My mother to help me with the accent, an acting coach that I normally work with to ensure I remained grounded in the character while being around people I’ve idolized growing up. I even recruited YouTube in my dressing room to help me come up with choreography for any spontaneous dance scenes in the dance studio. I wanted to make sure I was ready for anything.

 

Q) You work with several big names such as Michael Keaton, Marcia Gay Harden and James Marsden. Tell us about that experience.

A) One word: incredible. This is probably one of the most talented and kindest casts anyone can have the chance of working with. I don’t think I’ve registered the magnitude of it still to this day.

 

Q) Michael Keaton also directed this movie. Did he give you any advice or words of wisdom while in director mode?

A) I think the biggest wisdom gained was the visceral assurance of having his trust. Being in a room with distinguished people in any industry can usually invoke fear or an imposter syndrome. Keaton’s gift of making everyone feel seen and comfortable, cast and crew alike, really granted me a sense of peace and collaboration that I try and take with me every day.

 

Q) What was one of your favorite stand out scenes from Knox Goes Away?

A) Originally, from shooting on set, my favorite scene was when Al Pacino and I are dancing alone in the ballroom. We turned on some music and then had the space to just dance with each other. It was such a tender experience. After I finally saw the final cut of the whole film for the first time, I’d honestly have to say any scenes with Suzy Nakamura are my new favorite, along with the jail scene between James Marden and Michael Keaton at the very end of the film. Keaton’s portrayal of deterioration felt deeply authentic.

 

Q) Knox Goes Away is an intense thriller. How did you wind down after a long day of filming?

A) If anything, you’re even more exhilarated after leaving set, it’s such a surreal feeling getting to participate in something like this for work. I do always retain comfort from having a cup of mint tea at the end of any long day, though. That’s my wind down trick.

 

Q) What is it about this film that you think will make it a hit with thriller fans?

A) What’s interesting about this film is I don’t think it perfectly fits into any specific genre. Yes, there’s thriller sequences with essences of noir and comedy. I think it’s just a unique story overall that we wanted to tell. I imagine it will resonate for those that enjoy a story well told.

 

Q) In addition to acting, you also work as a model and photographer. What projects do you have planned in these mediums?

A) I do a lot of photography! Modeling feels like a different life now. I love shooting candid celebrity shots, I’m working on a few big-name campaigns now. When you’ve been in front of the camera for so long, I love getting to be the one behind it and having the opportunity to let others shine.

 

Q) Do you have any other acting projects in the works?

A) The industry is just picking up again, we’ve just jumped from a pandemic to a strike so it’s back to auditioning right now. There’s a lot of great projects coming out and I’m excited to be a part of the journey.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A) Thank you for being along for the ride.