In a recent interview with Blavity/Shadow and Act Managing Editor Trey Mangum, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, and Cailee Spaeny shared their experiences portraying unique characters in the film “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” Each actress highlighted their individual journeys in discovering and developing their roles.
Kunis, who takes on the role of Geraldine Scott, a police officer, emphasized the pivotal role her costume played in shaping her character. She recounted how finding a specific hat became a defining moment for her portrayal. “We tried to make her outfit or her costumes kind of be her personality,” Kunis explained. “When we found the hat that was like, that was it… she’s kind of like the straight man next to Daniel [Craig].” The director, Rian Johnson, insisted on the hat, which Kunis felt added authenticity to the character. “She’s kind of like the straight man next to Daniel,” she remarked, highlighting the dynamic between their characters.
Kerry Washington, portraying lawyer Vera Draven, Esq., spoke about her character’s internal struggle with loyalty. “I really like that Vera was grappling with loyalty and what it means to be loyal and who you should be loyal to — your family, your community, yourself,” Washington stated. She found personal resonance in Vera’s quest for truth, expressing admiration for her courage in navigating complex relationships.
Cailee Spaeny, who plays Simone Vivane, a disabled former concert cellist, discussed the thematic elements of faith that emerge in the film. “In the same way that Rian’s sort of interrogating his past with faith and growing up in the church, we had very similar upbringing,” Spaeny noted, appreciating the boldness of Johnson in exploring such themes. She believes that the film offers audiences reflective viewpoints on their own experiences with faith, making it a profound piece both visually and emotionally.
The film “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is currently streaming on Netflix, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the characters and their intriguing narratives.
