Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Silence’s Sarah Abbott

Meet Sarah Abbott, an award-winning actress that has been performing since she could walk and talk. Her exciting and blossoming career includes credits in The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe, Slasher, Heroes Reborn, and Mommy’s Little Princess. She’ll next be seen, but not heard, in Netflix’s chilling silent-horror film, The Silence. Pop Culturalist spoke with Sarah about the challenging role.

The Silence Questions

PC: Tell us about The Silence, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Sarah: The Silence is a silent-horror film about a family who seeks refuge when they are terrorized by a deadly cave-dwelling species that has only acute hearing to hunt with. I play “The Hushed Girl”. My character is a small but vital part of the film. Unfortunately, I can’t say too much about it since the film hasn’t been released yet. It was my first time auditioning for a role in such a big feature film, so I was really excited to get the part.

PC: What similarities/differences do you share with your character?
Sarah: Like my character, I’m a fighter. I don’t give up when things get tough. As for differences, I think I’m more of a talker. As my parents say, “It’s okay to be quiet once in a while.”

PC: How challenging is it for you as an actress to have limited to no speech?
Sarah: Not being able to speak requires a whole different approach to acting. I have to almost talk with my eyes.

Career Questions

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Sarah: When I was younger, I loved watching Disney and I always told my parents that I wanted to be on one of their shows. Luckily, one day we saw an ad in our local newspaper about an agency looking for new talent. After I saw it, I knew that I wanted to act, so we met with the agent and I was signed.

PC: You’ve accomplished a lot already in your young career. What has been the biggest highlight?
Sarah: Yes, it has been an exciting, fast-paced journey. I’ve worked on so many projects, it’s hard to pick just one. Of course, working with Jodie Foster on Black Mirror was awesome, but each project I do has its own highlights that stand out. Getting to work with Alicia Leigh Willis on Mommy’s Little Princess was also amazing and she taught me so much. I could go on and on about my other upcoming projects, but really, it’s like asking me which Christmas was my favorite!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

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

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Sarah: The Incredibles 2

PC: Favorite book?
Sarah: Don’t Tell the Enemy

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Sarah: Annie

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Sarah: The Beatles, because people wouldn’t think that I like that type of music.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Sarah: The Vampire Diaries

PC: Hidden talent?
Sarah: I’m good at doing flips.

To keep up with Sarah, follow her on Instagram, and check out The Silence on Netflix now.

Photo Credit: Lilly K.