Austin Film Festival 2019: Interview With Alexandra Nell, Star Of RATTLESNAKE

This year’s Austin Film Festival has proven to be a great launchpad for Australian actress Alexandra Nell, as she not only is appearing in the world premiering Rattlesnake – which is hitting audiences worldwide via Netflix today – but also the gut-wrenching short I’m Not Hurting You. Nell’s sophisticated veracity in front of the camera has recently been witnessed in the all-female Perth-set web-series Single Ladies, the short We Were Here (where she won a Western Australian Screen Award for Best Actress) and a countless number of other projects that has made her one of the more sought out artists working within the Western Australian film industry today.

Zak Hilditch’s second Netflix film, Rattlesnake, the follow-up from his sleeper streamer hit Stephen King’s 1922, may not be another King adaptation – we have Vincenzo Natali’s recently released In the Tall Grass for that – but this Faustian thriller, where a struggling single mother (Carmen Ejogo) is forced to deal with dark forces when her daughter is bitten by a rattlesnake, is bejewelled by the famed horror writer’s distinctive narrative totems, such as doomed deals with the devils, a missing father and children being confronted with the harsh realities of death and how fast it can come – for anybody, young or old.

In time for the international release of Rattlesnake on Netflix, I had the chance to talk with Alexandra Nell about her role in the film, how she recently scored US representation, who she looks up and what she’s up to next.

Alex Lines for Film Inquiry: How did you become involved with Rattlesnake?

Alexandra Nell: I met Zak Hilditch in 2017 while working with his wife, award-winning writer/director, Alison James (Judas Collar) on her short film, You Have Blue Eyes. Through that, we kept in touch, and when I heard there might be a part available in Rattlesnake, I jumped at the opportunity to audition for it.

Rattlesnake was shot in New Mexico – how was your experience on set, especially compared to the many Australian productions you’ve been a part of?

Alexandra Nell: My experience in New Mexico, and on the set of Rattlesnake was terrific. I made some great friends and had the opportunity to witness some real industry heavyweights at work. In terms of departments and the way the sets are run, the Australian and American industries are incredibly similar. The significant difference, however, was the scale. On the days I was filming, there were at least 150-200 people working – hard – in their departments on set. To see it operate with such ease is a testament to Zak and the crew.

How do you select projects? Are you starting to get scripts sent to you or are you chasing them?

Alexandra Nell: A bit of both, but I’m definitely still chasing them. For me, I think it usually comes down to the story, the character I’d be playing within that story, and who the team is.

Earlier this year, you co-created the web series Single Ladies, do you see yourself producing/directing more productions in the future alongside your acting work?

Alexandra Nell: Absolutely – I’m actually working on a few ideas at the moment. When I was studying at NIDA, our then Head of Acting, Jeff Janisheski, always encouraged us to be a ‘slash artist’. Someone who could act/write/produce/ and/or direct, all of it, any of it. Most of us recognised the importance of this, given our inconsistent industry, which resulted in close classmates now working as directors, editors or writers, while still going in for major auditions. I actually freelance in production for local commercial companies and work part-time at the WA Screen Academy when I’m not in front of the camera.

You recently scored US representation with the same talent agency who represent the Hemsworth brothers. How difficult was it to acquire this and how has it affected your career?

Alexandra Nell: I feel really grateful to be on their client list! Fourward Management are extremely deliberate and considerate with regards to who they take on, but it wasn’t until I flew to the States last month to meet with them in person that we all knew we’d be the right fit for each other. I’m fortunate to already have my US working visa, so I’ve been able to start auditioning for a few exciting projects.

Rattlesnake is premiering at the Austin Film Festival alongside another film you’re starring in, the short I’m Not Hurting You, can you tell us about your role in that film?

Alexandra Nell: I’m Not Hurting You is about a desperate woman who kidnaps and forces rehab on her dangerous, younger, meth-addicted brother, in a last-ditch effort to save his life. Writer/Director David Vincent Smith and I wanted to create a character pushed to the limits, forced into making a desperate decision without fully being aware of the consequences. Based on real events, we all felt a collective obligation to be authentic an truthful, and we pushed ourselves to prepare as much as possible before filming. Having collaborated with David over the last few years, we’ve developed a great trust and shorthand on set – we’re both willing to push each other’s comfort zones – and I feel incredibly fortunate to continue to do so.