Pop-Culturalist.com

You might recognize Sawyer Barth as Charlie from the indie thriller Super Dark Times, or maybe for his role on TNT’s crime drama Public Morals. But it’s his outstanding performance in And Then I Go that has everyone talking. In it, he plays Flake, a bullied outcast who copes with his anger and resentment by seeking revenge on those who mistreated him. Sadly, the film’s sensitive subject matter is still plaguing our country today, and this thought-provoking piece will stay with you long after the credits have finished rolling. Pop Culturalist spoke with this next-gen leading man about the project, how he found humanity in a character that commits a terrible crime, and why he doesn’t shy away from films that tackle difficult topics.

PC: Tell us about And Then I Go.
Sawyer: And Then I Go is a story about the relationship between these two junior high school students. They’re bullied throughout the course of the film, and they’re unable to find ways to deal with it which eventually leads them to turn to violence.

PC: What drew you to this project?
Sawyer: I wanted to get involved with this film for a few reasons. First, it’s very topical to what’s going on in the world today. And second, it’s a project that took a lot of risks. It’s a straightforward depiction that doesn’t preach to the audience. Rather, it shows what happens behind-the-scenes when a terrible tragedy like this occurs.

PC: How did you prepare to step into Flake’s shoes? Did you draw on any parallels from your respective high school experiences?
Sawyer: Yeah, I was. Between the two boys, Flake is the more dominant. I can definitely relate to that in my own life. I have that straightforward, “go get ‘em” personality. Like Flake, we all have goals, and I push myself to reach them. It’s unfortunate that Flake chooses to resorts to violence.

PC: Did you reach the source material before you signed on for the project? And what are some of the differences between the two?
Sawyer: Arman, who plays Edwin, and I both read the book (Jim Shepard’s Project X) that the movie is based on. The book is narrated by Edwin, and it’s very internalized which is a major difference from the film. In the film, it’s more about Edwin’s relationship with his family and Flake and less on his thoughts. It’s this big web of relationships and how they drive him to make the decision that he does.

PC: Were you ever nervous through the process given how sensitive this subject matter is?
Sawyer: I was a little nervous, but more excited about the opportunity to work on a film that’s very topical, and could have make a huge difference and have a monumental effect on society. The pros definitely outweighed the cons.

PC: How did you find the humanity in a character who commits this horrible act?
Sawyer: The two characters go through so much in the film, and unfortunately this is how they cope with it. There’s a scene in the film where Edwin is playing with his brother’s ball on the field and an adult guy who’s with his kid ends up stealing it. It’s these simple acts of cruelty that affect the kids. I had to analyze all the events that led to why the characters chose to do what they did, and that’s how I found a sense of humanity.

PC: There’s a strong emphasis on friendship in the film. What makes the relationship between Flake and Edwin so special?
Sawyer: They’ve gone through a lot together. They endure a lot of hardships—more than those who are higher up on the social food chain have. That definitely makes their bond stronger because they don’t have anyone. They need each other.

PC: Do you have a particular scene that you’re excited for audiences to see now that the film is out?
Sawyer: [laughs] That’s a great question. There’s a scene that I love between the boys which takes place at Flake’s house. Edwin is insulting me over what happened at school. In this moment, Flake feels lonely and he’s brooding, and his only friend is giving him crap like everyone else does. He feels like the one person that he trusts is turning on him too. It leads to a fist fight on the ground. I normally don’t like watching myself act, but in this scene, I did. You can see something in my eyes during this scene where it feels like a wild animal that’s taking out his anger.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Sawyer: Adventure Time

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Sawyer: Spy Kids

PC: Favorite book?
Sawyer: Wonder

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Sawyer: [laughs] I’m not big on social media. I have an Instagram but I don’t use it too much. I like in-person conversations.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Sawyer: The Crown

PC: Hidden talent?
Sawyer: I can juggle.

And Then I Go is now available on Amazon and YouTube. And keep up with Sawyer by following him on Instagram.

Photo Credit: Melissa Hamburg