For Women in Horror Month 2021 I got a chance to talk to Adrienne Wilkinson. Wilkinson is a character actress who mostly belongs to the science fiction and fantasy realm, but dives head first in to the horror genre to co-star in “Dreamcatcher.” Wilkinson discusses her career, her inspirations, and her feelings about acting in the horror genre.
Please introduce yourself to the readers.
I’m Adrienne Wilkinson. I’ve worked mostly in sci-fi /fantasy circles. I got my start playing Livia the Empress of Rome/ Xena’s daughter on Xena Warrior Princess. I played Captain Lexxa Singh – the daughter of Khan Noonien Singh in Star Trek Renegades and I played Maris Brood the female Jedi turned Sith in Star Wars The Force Unleashed and also Daughter – the personification of the light side of The Force in Star Wars The Clone Wars. There’s a lot of ‘daughters’ in there! (laughs)
My latest role is Josephine Tully in Dreamcatcher – a sexy horror/thriller that unfolds around a rave. I’m the agent to the headlining DJ and I’ll protect him at any cost. Such a fun role to play, as Josephine’s philosophy is “care only about yourself” (and her client as he’s an extension of her world) – so she has given herself permission to do anything, say anything and not care what anyone else thinks. That kind of freedom was exhilarating to play.
What is it that attracts you the horror genre for your chosen field of creative work?
I’m not attracted to a particular genre. I’m attracted to great roles, fantastic stories and to juicy collaborations. Dreamcatcher had all three, so it was an easy YES!
The horror genre is another layer of the onion to explore. So many archetypes and psychological aspects that come into play in the victims and perpetrators of these stories, and in the telling of them.
Who inspires you in your work and in life?
Anyone making big, brave, leading-edge choices and especially those who fill those choices with compassion, bravery, purpose and inclusion. We raise ourselves and those around us whenever we commit to reaching as far as we can, and bringing those with us who are ready to join.
Women in horror have made great strides, but it’s clear that a lot of work is still needed to make it a most inclusive genre. To you, what is the importance of a movement like Women in Horror Month?
There is always enormous power in acknowledgement. Giving focus is expansive. Celebrating talents, skill, perspective, and accomplishment brings delicious forward momentum. A ‘movement’ like this is kinetic energy pushing us to even more dynamic storytelling. Three cheers for that!
What would you tell an up-and-coming creative in the world of horror who sees that being a woman/identifying as a women as something that makes it so much more difficult at times?
I would say to rewrite that story. If you believe it will be difficult… it will be. We all have our individual challenges in any field, the beauty of working in the field of storytelling is you tell it the way you want to. So write the stories you want to see on screen. Support the stories you want to watch. Focus on the ways it is working and make more work. Find the doors that are open to you, and kick them open wide.
In honor of celebrating Women in Horror Month, who do you believe viewers should keep an eye on in terms of the creative ladies in horror?
I’m gonna keep it in the family, and say look out for the ladies of Dreamcatcher: Niki Koss, Elizabeth Posey, Nazanin Mandi & Olivia Sui. It was my first time working with all of them and they were fierce! Also a well deserved shout-out to producer Krystal Vayda who was a phenom putting this film together! I cannot wait to see what they do next!
What do you have coming soon that you can talk to us about?
In addition to Dreamcatcher, I have a juicy web series available soon: SIDETRACKED. While it’s not horror project…it is about the horror of those moments when your life suddenly goes sideways and how you and your ride-or-die-crew try (with mixed results) to help each other get back on track.
Pop them links to follow your work here:
https://www.instagram.com/yo_adriennew/
https://www.facebook.com/adrienne.wilkinson/