Australian actress Samara Weaving has opened up about the Hollywood pigeonholing that nearly confined her career to perpetual victimhood, in an exclusive discussion about her powerful new role in thriller 'Borderline'.
The 32-year-old star, known for her standout performances in 'Ready or Not' and 'The Babysitter', reveals the exhausting reality behind being labelled Hollywood's go-to 'scream queen'.
Breaking Free From The Victim Mold
'It's exhausting being the victim,' Weaving confesses with refreshing candour. 'You're just reacting to everything, and it's actually quite boring after a while. I actively started looking for characters who were driving the story forward.'
This determined search led her to 'Borderline', an independent thriller that offered the complex, agency-driven role she craved. The film marks a significant departure from her previous characters, showcasing Weaving's range beyond terror-stricken expressions.
From 'Ready or Not' to Radical Transformation
While grateful for the opportunities that horror-comedy hit 'Ready or Not' provided, Weaving acknowledges the limitations that followed. 'People see you one way and want to keep you there,' she explains. 'It's comfortable for them, but it's creatively stifling for an actor.'
Her preparation for 'Borderline' involved intensive research and a physical transformation that saw her learning police procedures and embracing a grittier aesthetic far removed from her typical glamorous roles.
The Future Beyond Typecasting
Weaving's ambitions extend beyond breaking typecasting barriers. She expresses particular interest in exploring period dramas and character-driven stories that challenge both her and audience expectations.
'I want to surprise people,' she states determinedly. 'I want them to forget they're watching Samara Weaving and just see the character. That's when you know you've done your job properly.'
With several projects in development that promise to showcase her versatility, Weaving is poised to redefine her career on her own terms, proving there's much more to her talent than screaming convincingly.
