Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Agnes’ Molly C. Quinn

Award-winning actress and emerging producer Molly C. Quinn is best known for her show-stopping performances in projects including Winx Club, Castle, We’re the Millers, and more.

This December, she continues to wow audiences in the must-see horror film Agnes.

In Agnes, a nun’s disturbing behavior at a remote convent sparks rumors of demonic possession. When a priest-in-waiting and his disillusioned mentor are sent to investigate, their methods backfire, leaving a wake of terror and trauma.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Molly C. Quinn about her career, Agnes, and her production company QWGmire.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for storytelling?
Molly: My first teacher, Martin Beck, showed me the freedom that comes with acting. You get to forget yourself and become another person.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Molly: Recently, Midnight Mass, the world Mike Flanagan shared with us, and how well suited every actor is in that show. I aspire to be in work that is as great as that. I think about Hamish Linklater and Alex Essoe at least once a day.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Molly: When We’re the Millers became a hit, I wasn’t expecting that. That was cool as hell.

PC: In addition to acting, you’re also a producer. How has your work behind the scenes made you a stronger actress and vice versa?
Molly: Learning how to produce widened my view on set. Everyone works so hard. Compassion is what I’ve learned and what has served me the most as an actor and as a human.

Agnes

PC: Tell us about Agnes, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Molly: What drew me to Agnes was the opportunity to play Mary, a woman on the verge of madness. For me as a producer, Agnes offered the opportunity to tell a kind of horror story we all know well—possession—from another angle.

PC: You’re wearing multiple hats for this project. How challenging was that?
Molly: I have great partners at QWGmire, so whenever I needed to focus on acting they took the pressure of producing.

PC: The film has made its way around the festival circuit and it’s been incredibly well received. What do you think is resonating most with audiences?
Molly: Thank you. I think what Agnes is doing most for audiences is creating conversations. We throw a lot at you in this movie, and it’s fun to debate!

PC: You’re one of the co-founders of QWGmire. Can you tell us about the company and its mission?
Molly: Our mission at QWGmire is to make genre-leaning content with a female focus, behind the camera and in front.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Molly: 90 Day Fiancé.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Molly: This year for our anniversary my fiancé and I watched Liar Liar. It was pure silliness and fun.

PC: Favorite book?
Molly: My favorite book that I read this year is The Undying by Anne Boyer. She writes like she’s in the same room with you having an intimate conversation.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Molly: Hadestown!

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Molly: I’ve been listening to music that inspired the artist PJ Harvey. It’s been an incredible mix of blues, ’70s rock and roll, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Pixies, and Tom Waits to name a few.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Molly: This question freaks me out! I have absolutely no idea.

To keep up with Molly, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Agnes wherever you stream movies on December 10.

Photo Credit: Claire Leahy