Pop-Culturalist.com

Brooke Carter shines as one of the most dynamic rising stars in the industry. A captivating storyteller, she enthralls audiences with her transformative performances, leaving an indelible mark in acclaimed projects such as The Alienist, The Irregulars, and her latest endeavor, Netflix’s Damsel.

Teaming up with Millie Bobby Brown and Angela Bassett, the tale unfolds as a dutiful damsel, Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown), reluctantly consents to marry a handsome prince, only to discover that she’s been unwittingly enlisted by the royal family as a sacrificial offering to settle an ancient debt. Trapped in a cavern with a fire-breathing dragon, she must summon her wit and resolve to survive. In this gripping narrative, Brooke shines brilliantly as Elodie’s vivacious and spirited sister, Floria.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Brooke about Damsel, her approach to embodying Floria’s characteristics on screen, her collaboration with Millie and Angela, and much more.

PC: Damsel is such an empowering story that takes these staples of the fantasy genre and flips them on their head. What was your initial reaction when you read this script? What was it about this character that resonated with you?
Brooke: I was quite shocked when I read the script because I was expecting a typical fairy tale where the prince meets the princess and they fall in love. When I read the twist, I was like, “Oh, so this is happening.” My character is so sweet and loving. I felt like she uplifted the mood quite a bit, so I thought she fit me as a person.

PC: A perfect segue to this next question, you bring such youthful energy and an earnest quality to your character. As you were reading this script, what were the specific aspect of your character you wanted to make sure were brought to life? What was that prep work like?
Brooke: I definitely wanted to make her quite social and chatty because her sister is brave and strong, but she’s also quite closed off from the world, whereas Floria brings that sense of happiness and openness to the film. So when I was preparing to play her, I took the ideas from the script. I made a whole PowerPoint about how she would walk, talk, dress, and how she would react to certain situations.

PC: That chemistry between you and Millie [Bobby Brown] is so incredible to witness on screen. You truly believe they are sisters. How were the two of you able to build that bond? What was it like getting to collaborate with her?
Brooke: We spent quite a lot of time together off set. That definitely helped. We had dinner every night together, and then obviously being on set, we had so many scenes to film, so we got to talk and chat quite a lot. Bonding was definitely a big part of the preparation we did.

PC: This film is such a celebration of women. Who are the women in your own life who have shaped the storyteller and artist that you are today?
Brooke: My mum is definitely a strong, brave woman. She’s such an inspiration to me. She works hard and takes care of us at the same time. She makes sure we’re always where we need to be and in the places that we’re asked to be. She definitely keeps on top of me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

PC: The visual effects in this film are breathtaking, and so much of that gets added in post-production. What was it like getting to see the finished product for the first time? Is there a scene that you’re really excited for audiences to see?
Brooke: It was definitely a shock seeing all the effects, sounds, and CGI in the film. I was like, “Oh my God, I filmed this.” From looking at an x on a green screen to seeing it manifest itself into this massive dragon, I was gobsmacked when I saw it. I’m definitely excited for audiences to see the scenes with the dragon. That’s one of the most exciting parts, in my opinion.

PC: This is one of your biggest roles to date. What will you remember most from this experience? What did you learn about your own craft that you’ll bring to the next project?
Brooke: One thing that I will always hold with me is where I was before I started filming this project and how much I’ve grown since then. When I first joined the cast, it was so intimidating because I had all these big actresses like Robin Wright, Millie Bobby Brown, and Angela Bassett. As I was watching them do their individual scenes, I absorbed a lot of the techniques they used on set and their acting skills. I brought that with me when it was my turn to act to ensure that I portrayed what they were portraying.

PC: This film is going to make such a big impact on audiences. What do you hope they take away after they see it?
Brooke: I hope they take away that sense of sisterhood and the connections in the film and how fairy tales aren’t always as they seem because this film has a dark twist. Things aren’t always as they seem.

To keep up with Brooke, follow her on Instagram. Damsel is out now on Netflix.

Photo Credit: Fayandrea