Interview With ‘Parallel’ Actor Mark O’Brien

Nobody can deny the genius that is the bloody and sadistically cynical masterpiece, Ready or Not (2019 – read our review here). While I appreciate the super talented Samara Weaving in anything she does, I found the stand-out and most memorable aspect of the film to be Mark O’Brien, who played the charming and naive Alex Le Domas. Currently, Mark is starring in Isaac Ezban’s thriller, Parallel. I recently chatted with Mark, and we discussed what intrigued him about the film, what is coming up next, and of course, horror movies.

PopHorror: What was it about Parallel that intrigued you and made you want to be a part of it?

Mark O’Brien: It’s an elevated concept that is still somehow easy to relate to. That’s not an easy task. I also saw Isaac Ezban’s previous work, and I saw him as a fresh voice who’s willing to take risks. That’s not something you always come by, and it’s something I look for. 

PopHorror: How did you prepare for your role?

Mark O’Brien: I loved that I basically got to play two roles—two versions of the same man. I’ve never had that opportunity before. My preparation was pretty standard in that this character was also sort of an everyman. However, that challenge of making him different in the second half of the movie, as if he was born in an ever-so-slightly time and place, was quite exciting. 

PopHorror: You’re no stranger to horror. What draws you to the genre?

Mark O’Brien: I love that anything can happen at any minute. When you sit down to watch a horror film, you are uniquely aware that something is going to scare you or throttle you, but you just don’t know when. That idea opens up so many possibilities and opportunities for story revelations that don’t necessarily have to be rooted in reality. And that’s exhilarating artistically. 

PopHorror: If you could collaborate with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Mark O’Brien: John Cassavetes.  

PopHorror: I know Covid has stalled and cancelled a lot of projects. Is there anything you are currently working on or have coming up next?

Mark O’Brien: I finished my first feature, The Righteous, during COVID. I wrote, directed and starred in it. I have no idea when it’ll be released due to our current global situation, but I couldn’t be happier with the finished product. You’ll be happy to know it’s a horror, but more on the psychological side of things. 

PopHorror: That makes me very happy! What’s your favorite scary movie?

Mark O’Brien: Rosemary’s Baby.