Pop-Culturalist.com

Reach is a powerful, must-see new film hitting theaters and VOD today, just in time for Bully Prevention Month. It tells the story of Steven Turano (Garrett Clayton), a socially awkward band geek who reveals to an online pro-suicide support group that he plans to kill himself. Although his first attempt is unsuccessful, Steven is determined to find a way to end the suffering he feels inside. He holds deep resentment towards his widowed father, Steve Turano (Bojesse Christopher), and is tormented daily by his former childhood best friend and school bully, Nick Perkins (Jordan Doww). But when he’s befriended by the quirky new kid, Clarence West (Johnny James Fiore), Steven’s plans are sidetracked and he goes outside of his comfort zone and begins to form stronger relationships with those around him.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with the film’s breakout star, Jordan Doww, about making his feature film debut, playing the antagonist, and why stories like Reach need to be told.

PC: Tell us about Reach, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Jordan: Reach is a special story capitalizing on the idea that one single gesture can help someone in need. It explores friendship, bullying, and suicide prevention—that’s what sold me to this project. It hit every key point of important topics I’ve been longing to explore since we live in a day and age where all of this is brushed over in the media. My character, Nick Perkins, is the antagonist of the plot. When I got offered this role, I was terrified at first. To play the bully? Me? I could never. But then I got to exploring his backstory, why he is the way he is, and really made the decision for myself that his story needs be told, too. You may not like him, but you’re going to hurt for him. He’s battling a million demons and could use a helping hand as well.

PC: It’s your first feature film. What was the experience like and what was the biggest lesson you learned?
Jordan: It was bizarre! I was nervous, terrified, and excited all at the same time. I’m such a nice, happy guy, and here I was on set with strangers having to be a total B-word on camera, but, I got to say, it was an absolute blast. We definitely had the best cast and crew for it to be my first film and I wouldn’t have traded the experience for anything. Garrett Clayton and Kevin Sizemore, especially, really helped me tap into my role and I give it all up to them. I’ve mainly learned to trust my instincts and live in the NOW in a scene during this project, which helped me a ton and is a skill I’ll carry on to future projects that come after.

PC: What are the major differences and similarities between working on a television series and film?
Jordan: I’d say the pace. I mean, we had two weeks to get this film done, so there were many components and scenes happening all at once. I’d also say character development is different. In film, you get X amount of time and so much of a story to explore your character. On a series, you have multiple episodes and even seasons to explore your character and find new information every single day. I don’t have a preference yet, though

PC: Nick is the antagonist in the story, which is a very different character for you. What was it like playing the villain? How were you able to find the humanity in Nick given everything he’s done?
Jordan: It was difficult, I’ll admit. I spent a TON of time preparing myself before each scene to get to a state of mind that Nick Perkins would be in. This took time and patience and thankfully, everyone gave me that respect. It was a very safe and controlled set.

As far as Nick’s humanity, I think that was my specialty. It’s easy to play a villain, it’s easy to play a bully, but to feel bad for a bully is a whole other playing field and that was what I REALLY tried to aim for. I just made him as real as possible. I mean, he’s dealing with a LOT inside and out. No wonder he feels this way, you know?

PC: The film highlights the home life/backstory of both the bully and the bullied, which we often don’t see in mainstream media. How helpful was that for you in your preparation of this character?
Jordan: Extremely helpful. That’s why I chose to do the role. It was a story you never really hear in media. I always say, “every bully’s got their own story,” meaning there’s a reason every bully acts out the way that they do. It was intimidating, but so important to explore and share.

PC: Nick has a lot of interesting relationships within the film. Which was your favorite to explore and why?
Jordan: The subtle hints of Nick exploring his sexuality were by far my favorite to explore and I just wish we got to see more of it. A lot of LGBTQ youth, including myself, have gone through this secret, emotional exploratory phase and it really resonates with me. I do love that it’s not the main point of the plot, just an added touch. It normalized the process, which is again, what we need in mainstream media.

PC: What do you hope audiences take away from seeing the film?
Jordan: To be nicer to people, know when to ask for help, and to reach out your hand for others.

PC: Besides Reach, do you have any other upcoming projects you can chat about?
Jordan: I’ve been exploring a bunch of different endeavors in the space, it’s just all about choosing the next best one and riding with it. I’m a man that tries to do it all.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jordan: Grey’s Anatomy

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jordan: The Last Five Years

PC: Favorite book?
Jordan: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Jordan: Dear Evan Hansen

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jordan: Prince

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Jordan: Grey’s Anatomy

PC: Hidden talent?
Jordan: Interior design

Make sure to follow Jordan on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and catch Reach in theaters and on VOD today.