For our latest digital feature, we chat with Kelcey Mawema who stars the latest installment in Lifetime’s Girl In thriller franchise, Girl in the Cellar. The film premiered on August 23 and is inspired by true events.
Girl in the Cellar follows a single mother named Rebecca (played by Kyla Pratt) who turns to extreme measures to control her teenage daughter Lory (played by Kelcey Mawema), ultimately leading her to bring confined in their basement cellar. Kelcey shares with us her experiences working on the film with Kyla, working in the thriller genre, and some of her upcoming projects.
Exclusive photos for Popternative Magazine by Bren MacDonald.
What was your audition process for Girl in the Cellar like?
Kelcey: I was working on a different project when I received the audition and was quite overwhelmed! Casting was kind enough to give me an extension, I sent in my tape, booked it a few days later during a night shoot on a Friday, went to a fitting for it on a Saturday, and went to camera on Monday. SHOWBIZ!
What was it like working on the film with Kyla Pratt?
Kelcey: Incredibly surreal. I watched her in everything as a kid. Seeing a black girl dominate in a predominantly white industry at such a young age was so impactful, I wanted to be an actor just like her when I grew up. She’s a giant that effortlessly brings everyone up to her level, and the energy on set would immediately rise the second she entered the room. A lot of people should take notes, I certainly did!
What would you say is your favorite thing about being a storyteller?
Kelcey: I’d say the impact my characters can have on others. I’ve received DM’s from people all over the world sharing their personal connections to projects I’ve worked on. It’s unfortunately really easy for me to forget about past work, as I’m always looking forward to “the next big thing.” However, to hear that I’d been even a small part of something that helped others feel seen and represented through art is quite special. It’s a beautiful reminder of one of the reasons I love Film and TV so much.
With any project, what is the script to screen journey like for you?
Kelcey: Nicole Kidman shared some advice Stanley Kubrick had given her; to always make notes the first time you read a script from beginning to end, because the ideas are fresh. I now apply that method to every new project.
Heading to set after doing my own prep is always exciting, you can try and imagine getting stabbed in the stomach in an old decrepit house but seeing the set, framing, lighting, your scene partner, talking it out with writers and directors etc… can’t be imagined.
From an acting perspective, what was different for you working on Girl in the Cellar compared to other projects?
Kelcey: Confidence. I’m fortunate enough to have worked on a lot of projects, in various settings. This has helped me realize that my best work comes from trusting my instincts.
What do you enjoy the most about working in the thriller/horror genre?
Kelcey: I find the material quite fun to play with as an actor. There tends to be a broader range of emotions portrayed by the characters written in thriller/horror scripts. Something about having to scream, cry, laugh and run for your life all in one film/series makes me giddy.
What can you tell us about some of your other projects we can look out for?
Kelcey: Netflix’s The Vince Staples Show November 6th! And Season 2 of The Chicken Sister’s airing every Sunday on Hallmark at 8/7c, and streaming the next day on the HallmarkPlus app! Also, keep your eyes peeled for a familiar face if you happen to watch the World Cup!
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