We recently spoke with young actress Neli Kastrinos about the film The Unforgivable coming to Netflix on December 10th, 2021, starring Sandra Bullock and Viola Davis. The film follows a woman released from prison into a society that won’t forgive her past. Neli tells us what she enjoys about acting, how she prepared for her role as Katie, and working with Sandra Bullock. Check it out below!

When did you decide that storytelling and acting were something you wanted to do?

NK: When I was in kindergarten, I was a lead in my school Christmas play; I was the narrator as well as introducing each grade to the audience. The audience had over 100 people in it! I was not at all scared, I was so happy and comfortable to be in front of so many people, and it really felt like I was at home. More importantly, I had so much fun! I knew from that moment on I always wanted to perform in front of many people.

What do you enjoy the most about acting?

NK: What I enjoy most about acting is the fact that I can be so many different characters, I can be this one and that one! It’s so much fun! I love to try and dig deeper with my characters, and try to find out more about them. I do this by reading the lines, and trying different emotions or ways of being that character; when I find the right ones, I go with it! My favorite characters show a lot of emotion, like scared or sad or shy, or angry, because I know I am good at it!

What can people expect from The Unforgivable on Netflix?

NK: What people can expect is a story of Ruth’s love for her sister. Ruth Slater, played by Sandra Bullock, went to jail for a horrific crime and left her sister, young Katie played by me, behind. Ruth was like her mother and loved her so much she would do anything for her. 

What was it like working with Sandra Bullock?

NK: I was six years old when I auditioned for The Unforgivable; I didn’t even know I was auditioning for it! I didn’t even know who Sandra Bullock was or that I was going to work with her until I got onto the set! I remember how much she loved to laugh and make everyone else on set laugh. It was such a fun time working with her. And did you know she would bring her dog Sweetie on set with us? She loves Sweetie so much, and I loved to snuggle her as often as I could! She is so kind too; when I wrapped my movie and went back to my trailer, there was a beautiful white unicorn stuffy and black horse waiting for me along with a note from Sandy. I will never forget the feeling I had when I saw those gifts – to this day, I sleep with both of them! I really love horses and she just knew it!  I am so grateful to have worked with Sandy. 

What was it like to prepare for your role in The Unforgivable?

NK: Since I had lines, I had memorized them for the audition with help from my mom, because at that time I was only learning how to read. During the audition, I thought of something like, someone hurting my family or my friends, and it made me get into a dark, emotional state.  I knew I could find the right emotions to show how Katie was hurting, or scared using that technique. On set though, I didn’t really prepare for my role. Other than already knowing my lines from the audition, I actually felt like everything on set was real. When Nora [Fingscheidt] said action, I naturally felt the emotions because I thought that everything around me was actually happening! 

Outside of acting, do you have any other interests or passions?

NK: I LOVE horses. I am passionate about horses! I love horseback riding. That is definitely a favorite of mine, and I am good at it too! On the set of The Unforgivable, I was so happy to have worked with two beautiful black horses, and I got to ride them too! I also enjoy swimming and snowboarding. It is starting to snow a lot in Alberta, and the snowboarding season is so close, I cannot wait to get back on the hills!

_

Follow Neli Kastrinos: Instagram

Keep up-to-date with us on all of our channels and social media accounts:

YouTube: http://youtube.com/Popternative
Instagram http://instagram.com/popternative
Twitter: http://twitter.com/popternative
Facebook https://facebook.com/popternative/
Spotify: https://goo.gl/nWtNHP
Apple Podcasts: https://goo.gl/y6tbA9