Exclusive Interview: Mena Suvari and India Eisley on ‘Vampires of the Velvet Lounge’

In Vampires of the Velvet Lounge, mythology meets modern-day excess as the legend of Elizabeth Báthory is reimagined in a stylized, Southern-set horror story. Centered around a hidden absinthe bar and a coven of vampires who prey on unsuspecting victims through dating apps, the film blends elements of dark humor, gore, and genre nostalgia, creating a world that leans into both its camp and its chaos.

At the heart of the film are Mena Suvari and India Eisley, whose performances bring a sense of emotional grounding to the story’s heightened premise. As Elizabeth and Joan, their relationship becomes a throughline that adds dimension to the film, exploring themes of loyalty, longing, and identity beneath the surface of its blood-soaked spectacle.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Mena and India to talk about stepping into this world, building a dynamic rooted in connection, and navigating the film’s tonal shifts. They also reflect on the collaboration that shaped their performances and what it meant to bring these layered characters to life.

PC: Mena, there’s such an immersive quality to this film, from the performances to the set design, costumes, and effects. From an artistic standpoint, how helpful is all of that in transforming into this infamous character? And what was your reaction to seeing the final product, especially since it’s so visually striking?
Mena: It’s essential. Those elements are what allow me to fully step into a character and do what I hope to do as an actor. We were incredibly fortunate to have such a talented crew—our costumer, hair and makeup team, production designer, set designer—everyone played a vital role in bringing Elizabeth to life.

From the moment I read the script, I had a strong sense of how I wanted to express her personality and move through these scenes. Filming in Savannah also added so much to the experience—it really helped ground me in the world of the story. Then, getting to collaborate with our costumer and see the fashion and vision boards—the wardrobe, the wigs, the rhinestones, the nails—every detail felt so intentional. It was exciting to watch those elements come together and deepen my understanding of the character.

Seeing it all realized on screen was incredibly rewarding. Adam [Sherman], our writer and director, also introduced these noir elements that I hadn’t fully imagined when reading the script, which elevated the film in such a striking way.

These are the kinds of roles I’m most drawn to, and I had such a great time exploring this one.

PC: India, this role plays in so many different tonal spaces, but there’s a groundedness that you bring to the character, especially in how you layer her motives. You all have such a strong sense of when to lean in and when to hold back. How did you approach finding that balance, and how was that process shaped by what your scene partners were giving you?
India: It actually felt quite natural stepping into Joan. She’s this young woman who’s been turned into a vampire before she’s had the chance to fully experience life, so there’s this insatiable part of her that still craves that human connection. At the same time, she’s deeply attached to Elizabeth—there’s a real love there—so she’s constantly torn between those two sides of herself.

In terms of grounding her, I focused on that emotional conflict. She’s being pulled in two directions, wanting both things at once, which creates this tension that I could always come back to.

And Mena made that process incredibly easy. She was my primary scene partner throughout the film, and I couldn’t have asked for a better collaborator. She’s not only an amazing person, but an incredible actress. When you’re working opposite someone at that level, it elevates everything and makes your job that much easier.

PC: Adam is known for his bold and fearless vision, which feels like the perfect way to describe this film. For each of you, was there a moment in the script you were especially excited to bring to life—one that maybe even surprised you once you saw how it all came together?
Mena: Honestly, every moment of this film excited me, so it’s a hard question to answer. For me, it really came down to stepping onto set, meeting everyone, and seeing what the cast and crew had built for us. I had no idea how a lot of it was going to look on the day, which made the process even more exciting. I genuinely loved the story and this character, and I especially loved the relationship with Joan—how the two of them function as this unit.

Early on, we talked a lot about the characters’ survival, and then there were the more technical elements—like the bathtub scenes with all the blood, or Joan driving to meet the guys, where there were so many stunts and effects happening in the car. Being part of figuring out how all of that would come together was really exciting.

India: I had a very similar experience. Like Mena said, with a script that heightened, you don’t fully know what to expect until you’re on set—meeting the other actors, seeing what the crew has created, and feeling the energy of it all. That’s when you really get to play and have fun within the world.

In terms of specific moments, there were definitely scenes where I remember thinking, “How are they going to pull that off?” The car sequence was one of them—I had no idea what that would look like—and the bloody bathroom scene as well. I was especially excited for that one because it’s such a turning point for Joan, where she really gets to let loose and unleash a different side of herself.

PC: I also love the dynamic between your two characters and the sisterhood that forms between them. What was the biggest takeaway you gained from working with your costar?
India: I took so much away from working with Mena. She’s such a genuinely kind person with a really pure heart, but she’s also a consummate professional who treats everyone on set with so much respect. She carries that so effortlessly. It’s inspiring to see someone who can bring that level of care and professionalism, while also stepping into such a wild character. Working with her throughout this film was incredibly inspiring.

Mena: I feel the same way. The word that comes to mind when I think of India is “grace.” She’s such a lovely, patient, and generous person. I appreciate everything she said about me, but at the same time, I feel like I can always grow—especially in being more patient and understanding in the moment.

That’s something I really learned from India. She showed up with such kindness and consistency, while also being deeply professional and passionate about the work. She’s incredibly caring and giving, which is why we connected so well—not just as scene partners, but as friends. We definitely learned a lot from each other.

Make sure to follow Mena (Instagram) and India (Instagram). Vampires of the Velvet Lounge is out in select theaters now.