PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Can you imagine living your life, all pregnant and happy, and the next thing you know, you’re waking up from a year-long coma? Your daughter is already almost a year old and life has continued to go on without you. I can’t imagine it, and I really don’t want to. But in Jamie Patterson’s new film, The Kindred, this is what life is like for Helen, the young woman at the center of the movie. To celebrate the release of the film on January 7, 2022, I chatted with real life married couple April Pearson and Jamie Patterson about their new film, what it’s like working together, and horror movies.
PopHorror: This question is for both of you. What intrigued you about The Kindred and made you want to be a part of it?
April Pearson: For me, it was the chance to play an interesting, female lead role. This type of part hasn’t presented itself to me before, and I felt ready to take on the challenge.
Jamie Patterson: I hadn’t really seen a British film like this in a while. It was a bit different, which I really liked. It was a slow burner, more about atmosphere than a gore fest.
PopHorror: April, after reading the script, was there anything you were adamant about bringing to your character?
April Pearson: I really wanted Helen to be a visual departure for me, something an audience hasn’t seen both in performance and looks. I dyed my hair blonde for the role and worked closely with costume designer Rae Harrison-Doyle and makeup designer Melissa Sweeting on making visual choices in keeping with Jamie’s vision of the world of The Kindred. It sounds trivial now that I’m saying it, but it really helped me step into the mind of a woman suffering amnesia, PTSD, and possible postnatal depression, to remove as much of myself physically as possible. Maintaining as much of Helen’s complexity as written in the script was something I was adamant about and is difficult to pull off in a genre movie.
PopHorror: I don’t think that sounds trivial at all. I admire any artist that fully immerses themselves in their role. Jamie, what were the advantages of directing someone that you know so well?
Jamie Patterson: It’s comforting. I know she’s going to be great. I feel so much of directing is about creating an atmosphere where the cast and crew feel safe and fully supported. Filmmaking is collaborative. My cast and crew are my family. In the case of April, she actually is my family, and I feel very lucky to work with her. I think she’s phenomenal in this film.
PopHorror: Aw, I love that. You’re right, she is phenomenal in this film. If you weren’t making movies, what do you think you would be doing?
April Pearson: I have started a podcast called Are You Michelle From Skins? where I talk to guests about what it’s like being associated with mainly one role. I am on series two and have loved learning about broadcasting and interview technique, so I think I’d like to be hosting a late-night TV chat show. There’s certainly a gap in the market for a female host!
Jamie Patterson: I’d be an estate agent for sure! I still think about it from time to time. I think I’d be great at it.
PopHorror: What’s up next for you for you both?
April Pearson: I am currently working on my biggest project to date, growing a baby! Due in April.
Jamie Patterson: I’m gonna be a dad, which is pretty big! Can’t wait! I’m also attached to two TV shows and six features. I’m looking to make my first film in America towards the end of next year. For me, it’s all about my little boy,though. I can’t wait to direct with him asleep in a sling on my chest.
PopHorror: Aww, congratulations! That’s so awesome! Just one last question for you both. What’s your favorite scary movie?
April Pearson: I have never had an experience watching a scary movie like I did when I watched The Strangers. Jamie showed it to me as a reference for our first horror film collaboration, Fractured. For me, it was the perfect mixture of reality and suspense. I cared for the characters and had to hide behind a cushion during the lengthy silences!
Jamie Patterson: The Witches. The original. Hands down, the scariest film ever made!
Thank you so much, April and Jamie, for taking the time to speak with us. Be sure to catch The Kindred, out now!
