Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Jessica Sutton About Motherland: Fort Salem

During a pivotal juncture in her life, actress Jessica Sutton found herself in her craft. Her art became the outlet she needed to silence the noise around her and to trust the voice within. That defining moment has led her to breakout performances in projects like Saints & Strangers, The Kissing Booth, Escape Room, and her latest, Motherland: Fort Salem.

Set in an alternate America where witches ended their persecution three hundred years ago by cutting an agreement to fight for their government, Motherland: Fort Salem follows three recruits who go from basic training in combat magic to early deployment.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Jessica ahead of tonight’s season finale to learn more about Tally’s journey and where she hopes her character’s storyline heads in Season 2.

PC: In Motherland: Fort Salem, Tally, Raelle, Abigail, and the rest of the recruits find their strength through their voice. Tell us about your journey as an artist and discovering your own voice.
Jessica: When I finished high school, I realized I had no idea who I was and what I had to bring to the world. I was so used to being told what to think, it took some years of unlearning to actually hear the whisperings of my own inner voice. Acting was the vehicle of self-discovery and empowerment. I found that which I was seeking outside was already within me. Every time I perform it is like I am coming home to myself.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jessica: My parents! Without their emotional and financial support, I would not have followed a career in the arts. Along with the phenomenal Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who I think is showing us all that there are no rules in this industry and if there are, not to play by them.

PC: Audiences have really connected with Motherland: Fort Salem, what do you think is resonating with them the most?
Jessica: I think we all have a superhero inside us. If we could just permit ourselves to be all that we can be, we could be our most powerful selves. Perhaps the themes of self-discovery and empowerment resonate with the audience? Also the power of the collective: as strangers become sisters, then these women made warriors. We see we can do great things when we work together.

PC: There are a lot of intricate relationships within the series. Which of Tally’s has been your favorite and why?
Jessica: Perhaps between Tally and General Alder. She is not only Tally’s idol but her watershed moment as well. Alder is the very symbol of goodness and justice in Tally’s world. Throughout the show, we have seen her naivety being slowly chipped away with each growing pain. Her innocence, while pure, was ignorant and was no doubt going to be challenged from the get-go. However, when Alder’s actions and motives are questioned, it threatens the very support beam of Tally’s belief system. And the consequences of that are radical.

PC: The fans have fallen in love with Cravenwood. What is ahead for Tally and Gerit?
Jessica: Some tumble and tough and truth.

PC: This is a breakout TV role for you. What has been the biggest takeaway from this experience?
Jessica: Pace myself! The stamina required for TV shooting is not like that of a feature film. A friend of mine best described it as a marathon of tiny little sprints. I also needed to trust in the team around me. It’s crucial to have a robust support system to be touchstones on the hard days—the days of doubt, exhaustion, and when shit hits the fan.

PC: Now that the series has been picked up for a second season, where would you like to see Tally’s storyline head?
Jessica: I hope we learn more about Tally’s power and how she develops as she learns more about using her authentic voice and maybe a whole new dynamic amongst the trio. I know whatever Eliot [Laurence] has in store, it’s gonna blow our minds.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jessica: Nigella Lawson’s dessert specials on YouTube. I love watching her eat and how she describes food makes me feel so ridiculously happy.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jessica: Under the Tuscan Sun

PC: Favorite book?
Jessica: Gifts from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Jessica: Tshepang by Lara Foot [Newton]. Watching that at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town, 2009, literally blew my mind. It was right then that I knew I wanted to be part of telling important stories.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jessica: I have a Tally playlist. The first track is “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Jessica: If not me, then maybe a young Rachel McAdams or Mandy Moore.

To keep up with Jessica, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Catch the season finale of Motherland: Fort Salem tonight at 9/8c on Freeform.