Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Let Us In’s Makenzie Moss

Makenzie Moss is commanding the screen in her leading role as the spirited heroine Emily in the sci-fi/horror film Let Us In. After several teens go missing in her small town, it’s up to Emily to crack the case. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Makenzie about Let Us In, working alongside her father, and what she hopes audiences take away.

PC: Tell us about Let Us In and your character in the film.
Makenzie: My character, Emily, is the protagonist in the film. She doesn’t have many friends. She has only one best friend. She begins to notice when the kids in her grade start going missing. She begins to put together that it involves the urban legend of the black-eyed kids. They are these aliens that abduct teenagers and send them to God knows where. In the end, my character tries to save the day.

PC: You’re the lead of the film. Did you feel any pressure heading into this project?
Makenzie: I was actually more excited than nervous. I was very excited to be the leading lady of the film.

PC: Your character has the biggest transformation throughout the story. How did you prepare to step into her shoes?
Makenzie: I read the script several times and worked with my dad on it. He’s the writer, director, and producer of the film. It was great to work with him. He explained his thought process for the character. It made it much easier to tap into Emily.

PC: Did your dad create this character with you in mind?
Makenzie: He did! He wanted to make sure that I was up for it though. I was like, “Yes, of course! I’d love to do it.” I was very excited when he thought of me for the character.

PC: This is your biggest sci-fi/horror role to date. Did anything surprise you about the experience? What was the biggest takeaway?
Makenzie: I definitely have more confidence now. With these genres, you really have to go for it.

PC: What was your favorite scene to film?
Makenzie: One of my favorite scenes is when I first have an interaction with the aliens. There’s a lot going on—a lot of chasing, a lot of screaming and crying. That was one of my favorite scenes. Then there’s another scene where I’m getting made fun of by Siena Agudong and Mackenzie Ziegler’s characters. I stand up to them. I have this boss moment.

PC: Which of Emily’s relationships was your favorite to explore?
Makenzie: I like Emily’s relationship with Tobin Bell’s character, Mr. Munch. It takes a turn because she thinks he’s this scary guy, but it turns out he’s something else. It turns out to be a good bond between them.

PC: What do you hope audiences take away?
Makenzie: I hope people learn to stand up for themselves and to believe in their morals. Don’t let other people sway you in another direction.

To keep up with Makenzie, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Let Us In is available On Demand and Digital today.