How far would you go to save the one you love? In most film genres that question has a different connotation than it does in the horror genre. In the horror world it means that people are getting put up for sacrifice, kidnapped, hexed, tortured, or killed. In the case of DREAD’s latest horror film, Bag of Lies, there is an ancient relic with dark magic involved. The synopsis reads: Desperate to save his dying wife, Matt turns to The Bag, an ancient relic with dark magic. The cure demands a chilling ritual and strict rules. As his wife heals, Matt’s sanity unravels, facing terrifying consequences.
In Bag of Lies, actress Brandi Botkin (St. Gabriel, Wicked Ones) plays the character of Claire, a wife who is dying of cancer. We spoke with Brandi below about everything from working with Bag of Lies director David Andrew James to her other upcoming horror film, Blink.
Bag of Lies is available now on VOD.
-Can you tell us what led to you becoming an actress?
I had the acting bug all the way back in grade school. I was a shy kid, but whenever I got the opportunity to perform and transform into a character, my insecurities and fears melted away. After taking a few steps back from it as I grew up, I decided to make the commitment in college that this is what I wanted to do. I haven’t looked back since.
-How did you first get connected with Bag of Lies?
I had previously done a few acting projects with Patrick, so when it came time to cast these roles, the chemistry that Patrick and I have on screen was already known, which helped me in the process of getting the role. I had also previously worked with David, and had been wanting to work with him in a Director/Actor capacity, and fortunately he had wanted that as well. So the rest unfolded very organically.
-What were your initial conversations with Bag of Lies director David Andrew James like?
David and I had many conversations about the importance of keeping this character’s story authentic and grounded. The supernatural/horror elements of the film couldn’t disrupt the core of the story, which is Matt and Claire’s relationship and the emotional weight of their circumstances. It was always important to us to treat Claire and her condition with care and accuracy.
-In Bag of Lies you play Claire, who is suffering from a rare bone cancer. How did you get into the mindset of this character?
Preparing for this character was a rewarding process but certainly not easy, as there are so many physical and emotional layers to it. I did extensive research on chondrosarcoma prior to shooting. I hadn’t known anyone directly in my life with this type of cancer, but I’ve had people very close to me pass away from other types of cancers. So I also tapped into my experiences with those loved ones as I witnessed them adapt and change in their respective battles.
-Without giving too much away, did you play the monster character too? If so, how long did it take to transform into that character?
Can’t say too much about this one right now. What I can say is that hours of work went into that, and everyone involved is incredibly talented.
-What scene was your favorite to shoot? Why?
It feels impossible to pick a favorite! I don’t have just one favorite, but I’m very fond of the scenes where Patrick and I are just talking in the bedroom. Those scenes of us talking with each other are such important pillars of the story, and those scenes felt very natural. He’s an excellent scene partner, and extremely talented. I also really enjoyed shooting the conversation scene I have with John Wells, who plays Harold, for similar reasons.
-You are starring in another horror film that is currently in production, Never Blink. Can you tell us about that film and the character you play?
I play Nurse Julie in Never Blink. The film centers around the concept of what happens in the moments that we blink, seeing as humans blink so many times in a day. This was a fun role to play and I think the idea behind it is so fascinating and fresh!
