by Dov Kornits
“I’ve been watching her career for several years now and been consistently impressed with her,” says director Matthew Holmes about Nicole Pastor. “She has a very natural and believable quality, which is what I look for when casting actors.”
We got the same impression when we caught up with Nicole on the eve of The Cost’s world premiere at Monster Fest.
How did you score the role in The Cost?
“Matt [Holmes] and I have been following each other on social media for years. I probably was the first to reach out though [laughs]. Eventually, when this film came up, he reached out and said he had something for me! The script was riveting from the moment I read it. I really got to sink my teeth into this character [Stephanie] in some very confronting and vulnerable scenes. It really pushed me as an actor. I’m so thrilled to have finally worked with him. He is such an actors’ director, very easy to work with and creates a safe space for actors to play. I am thrilled to be part of an amazing cast in such a compelling, raw, and unforgettable story of revenge and redemption.”
Your character in the film goes through a harrowing experience. Can you tell us how you prepped, was there someone on set to support you, did you struggle at all after you shot the scene?
“I really enjoyed the action and physicalness of the scenes. For audiences who haven’t seen it, without giving away any spoilers, you can’t really prepare for what my character goes through, but you try to react as naturally as possible, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I just went with being authentic and in the moment with each take. We blocked out the scenes and then went straight into a take. I also had to do some ADR as there were quite a few loud screams I had to belt out; now THAT took a lot out of me [laughs], I literally had no voice the next day!
“Especially between both Matt and Kevin [Dee, actor], I felt really looked after. They always checked in literally after each take. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive and caring director, co-cast and crew. What a team! They all supported me and helped me to feel safe and that helped me go to those dark places.
“I definitely felt a bit flat afterwards, I cried on my last scene.. it takes a lot out of you mentally and physically. But I know how to give myself the right TLC and the next day I was ready to go again! As actors, we can get put in these vulnerable places, this is part of what we do, but it’s so important to know how to prepare and also look after your whole wellbeing. For me, that means going for walks, boxing, listening to podcasts, journaling, listening to music, spending time with my friends and family, and also having some time to myself.”
Did you hang out with Kevin prior to shooting your scenes?
“I would’ve loved to, but I didn’t really get a chance. It was a very quick turn around once I landed in Melbourne. When we initially met, I was getting make up/hair done, then he was in make up, and then we had dinner, so we got to chat over a pizza, and then we jumped straight into it. From the first hello, he gave off such a nice calm energy, he is a very genuine and kind soul. Very opposite to the character he played! He was a dream to work with. Kevin is so talented and gave me so much to work off. We did have a bit more of a proper catch up at the cast & crew screening which was lovely.”
How long were you needed for the role, and did you help out with the film otherwise?
“My scenes were shot over a few really long days, shooting early hours into the morning. Filming during the pandemic presented challenges. As I was coming from Sydney, I changed my flight 3 times due to lockdowns and remember thinking ‘Omg, they are going to re-cast my role, as I’m never going to get there!’ But it all worked out! The disruptions from Covid and the time frame, saw us lose filming time, and also meant that a few of my scenes were cut, but these things can happen! And in the end, we have a film that we are all very proud of.”
What do you think the film is going for, in terms of affecting audiences, and what do you think the film says about men?
“While revenge is a common theme in movies, it’s often presented as a positive thing. There is certainly a theme of how men – and let’s be clear that we are not suggesting all men – tend to deal with violence, with more violence. Or that they think they can find a solution or retribution through using aggression, but this film is saying that that is not the way to go. We don’t want audiences to see the behaviours of the male characters as positive. Men taking matters into their own hands through violence and thinking that they have to protect women through violence, is definitely a serious issue and can create consequences that will not end in resolution or peace. It is important that violence is seen as an abhorrent act. Matthew really wanted to make it clear that the characters’ choices, the toxic masculinity of violence, is at the core of the issue of what the characters go through and what Stephanie endures. The problem with the world, and in this case, with [some] men in particular and the response to justice with violence will never be a way to find peace for women, or for anybody for that matter. While it is a male heavy cast and it is about men and violence, aggression and crimes against women, it has to be told by them in order for it to shine a light on the issue that is happening for men, with men, about men, and hopefully it can initiate conversations around this to bring about change.”
You’ve made a bunch of Aussie indies. How was the experience in The Cost compared to others?
“To be honest, I haven’t had a negative experience as of yet! Working on this film with a story that is pretty intense and dark, the performances as an actor was a challenge and very different to other films and stories I’ve told. Having a small cast and crew has its positives in that we all got to know each other well – it felt like family. Everyone was really hands on and helpful and wanted the same outcome. No one had any ego. It was a very comfortable, welcoming and collaborative set, and I had the best time.”
Will you be heading to Monster Fest to see the film with an audience?
“Yes, I am excited that I will be attending the Melbourne and Sydney screenings and will be a part of the cast/crew Q&As! Sorry Adelaide, next time! I’m looking forward to be amongst an audience, to feel their energy and to experience their reactions to the film.”
Do you personally like to watch thriller/horrors? What’s on rotation on Nicole Pastor’s TV?
“Anyone who knows me knows how much I love a good thriller and/or horror. I just re-watched Smile. I think it’s such a fantastic film, and Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, which I absolutely loved. But I have mixed it up with binge watching The Good Doctor, and don’t judge, I know I’m very late to the party but I’m obsessed. If the casting directors are reading this, please cast me! The writers have done a terrific job, the characters are genuine and there is a nice balance of intense drama and humour. There actually hasn’t been an episode where I haven’t cried!”
Do you enjoy playing these supporting parts and are you hoping for bigger roles in the future – what sort of roles?
“I have enjoyed supporting some truly amazing films and working alongside some prominent actors and directors. I have learnt and grown not only as an actor, but also within myself. Supporting roles can be vital for telling a story, but yes, I am looking forward to getting the opportunity for a lead role. I’ve been more than ready to extend myself further. Excitingly, I have some lead roles coming up! I appreciate well-written scripts with characters that have depth and layers, characters who evolve and who are raw, complex, and flawed. I would love to be a part of great, ‘meaty’ dramas. I’m also naturally drawn to darker subject matter. I have a soft spot for psychological thrillers, so anything dark, gritty that I can really sink my teeth into, or anything that has depth and meaning.
Do you study acting?
“I believe that one can never stop learning. I learn a lot from ‘doing’ and I’ve learnt more on the job. In my down time, I’m always watching films/series, reading scripts and acting/film books, and honing my craft with Kat Hoyas (The Artists Hustle). Apart from filming my auditions and being a wonderful acting coach, she’s also been a friend, mentor, and life coach who will go above and beyond. As actors, we sometimes feel stuck or unmotivated, but she keeps me accountable and gently pushes me to keep going, to grow and learn and make realistic and achievable goals to stay on track whilst continuing to move ahead in the right direction.”
Anything on the horizon that you’d like to tell us about?
“I am really thrilled to be leading Director John Balazs’ (Rage) upcoming feature film Freelance. I will also be working with Director Luke Creely (They Can’t Hear You) on his upcoming horror The Farmhouse. Luke previously made films with Primitive Films, but he has now created a new company, LC Films which is exciting. I will play the lead character Kylie, a young woman who is dealing with a past trauma who becomes harassed by a mysterious spiritual entity. The film blends psychological horror with elements of extreme gore and splatter. The Farmhouse is currently in pre production and shooting is scheduled for early 2023. I also recently founded my own production company, Moonflower Pictures, to create and develop films in line with my vision to collaborate with inspiring filmmakers. The Farmhouse is one I will co-produce and I am currently co-writing, producing and staring in an upcoming thriller drama, alongside screenwriter and co-producer Gregory Moss (Fear Below, The Cost), which is currently in treatment. We are both really excited for this one. Watch this space!”
The Cost is screening at Monster Fest in Melbourne on November 26, Sydney on December 10, Adelaide on December 11
Main Photo by Melville Quilliam
