PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Over the course of my time at PopHorror, I have gotten to interview some amazing people, and today’s interview is no exception. Christopher Convery, star of Brahms: The Boy II, is the youngest person I have questioned to date, and I can tell you, he is going to be force in this industry.
PopHorror: How did you get your start into acting?
Christopher Convery: I was always singing around the house when I was really little, and I always wanted to be on a stage. There was an audition for the lead character, Jeremy, in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for a regional theater. I ended up getting the role! It was the first time I was really exposed to singing, dancing, and acting all at once.
After that experience, I fell in love with acting. At one point, I got an audition for the Broadway show, Kinky Boots, in New York. I flew out to New York, auditioned, and then, right before we were about to leave the next day, I got a callback saying that they wanted me to stay one more day. I went to the call back the next day. We were about to leave again, and they asked us to stay one more time! We went the next day, and I had gotten the role in Kinky Boots. I was on Broadway and was officially professionally acting. I have since worked in Gotham, The Girl In The Spider’s Web, Stranger Things, and now, The Boy II. I loved all of the experiences so much.
PopHorror: Like you mentioned, you already have the quite impressive acting resume being on some of the most beloved shows of all time, especially with Stranger Things. What was it like to be a part of such an iconic show?
Christopher Convery: Being on this show was truly an incredible experience. All of my scenes were with Millie, so we got to hang out on set, which was really fun for me. She is such a nice person and really cool, too. As soon as we met, she ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug. When we would be in the van driving to set and back, Millie would always be singing. She has such a beautiful voice. It was really nice to film on a beach, and I got to meet Gaten, too, who was really funny.
PopHorror: What did you do to prepare for the role in Brahms: The Boy II?
Christopher Convery: As soon as I got the role, I watched the first movie, The Boy, and realized what the tone was and really enhanced it into my character. I also read the script, which not only gave me a better understanding of the role but was such an exciting read. I also got to chat with the director William Brent Bell about my character. I really enjoyed working with Brent. He’s truly an amazing director. It was really fun because we got to make changes and give each other ideas, which is such a great experience as an actor.
PopHorror: Do you have any fun behind-the-scenes stories to tell about filming Brahms: The Boy II?
Christopher Convery: Yeah, I definitely do! I remember when I first met Brahms, I said, “Woah! That’s awesome! But also creepy…” He has this silicone skin that is so life like. It even had veins. It was such soft skin with these freakishly human-looking eyes and so much detail. He looked genuinely like a shrunken boy. He was also pretty heavy, since he is pretty big for a doll!
But yes, I had a crazy experience working with the doll. I had some really cool moments with Katie Holmes, too. She is a true professional actor. I learned a lot from her. She would make the mother and son bond super real since she would improv with me and would kiss me on the forehead and hug me as a real mother and son would do, especially during the high stakes moments. I remember there was one time when Katie was on my Instagram looking at a video of me playing the piano. She really liked it and showed it to William Brent Bell. They both agreed that they should add a whole new scene of me playing the piano in the movie. It’s amazing because now there is a scene of me playing the piano!
PopHorror: What was the most challenging part of playing Jude?
Christopher Convery: I loved playing the character of Jude. He has so many sides to him with the emotional build. He goes through so many different things in the movie that I just can’t tell you about. I really enjoyed trying to connect with Jude. really got into his head with how he would feel having this creepy doll around him, and how he would connect and act around his family. The most challenging part would probably have to be the emotionally challenging parts of his character.
PopHorror: Dolls creep me out! How did you handle working with such a creepy doll?
Christopher Convery: I can definitely agree with you that dolls are, in fact, very terrifying! It was definitely scary to handle Brahms, and I actually had a very creepy encounter with him. Here’s what happened: So, I was filming a scene where it was pretty dark, and at one point, the lights go out. Brahms had been sitting on this chair the whole time. The lights go out, and I feel this really weird, soft thing slowly touch my neck. Then the lights came on, and I freaked out because no one was there except Brahms. I just stood there and stared at him. I am officially now scared of dolls because of Brahms!
PopHorror: If you could tell everyone one reason to go see Brahms: The Boy II, what would it be?
Christopher Convery: There are so many reasons to go see Brahms: The Boy II. But if I had to say one reason, it would be, if you want to get scared and creeped out, then this is definitely the movie for you!
PopHorror: I have to ask everyone I interview: What is your favorite scary movie?
Christopher Convery: I really loved The Boy. I never saw the ending coming. It was just so crazy and unexpected and scary! I really wanted to see William Brent Bell’s The Devil Inside, but my mom won’t let me watch it. But if I had to name some other movies, then I would have to say Us and A Quiet Place. The scariest movie I have ever seen is Halloween the original. And… Brahms: The Boy II!
PopHorror: Last but not least, what advice do you have for other kids that want to be actors out there?
Christopher Convery: Keep doing what you love. If there’s an opportunity for you as an actor, take it. Before becoming a professional actor, I would make little skits and short films with my friends, which gave me a lot of room to try new things and explore the world of acting.
Brahms: The Boy II opens everywhere February 21, 2020. Be sure to stay tuned to PopHorror for all the latest news, reviews, and interviews!
