In anticipation of the release of SyFy Films ATOMICA, we had the chance to speak with actress Sarah Habel (HOSTEL: PART III) about her latest role, working with Dominic Monaghan and Tom Sizemore and why she has an appreciate for the horror genre.
Nightmarish Conjurings: Hi Sarah, thanks so much for speaking with us today! For those not familiar with your latest role in ATOMICA, can you tell us a little bit about the film and your character Abby?
Sarah Habel: Absolutely! My character Abby is a nuclear facilities inspector. She’s there to make sure everything is running in tip top shape. It’s her first job and she’s basically getting plopped down in the middle of the desert in this very confusing environment where everything is outdated and everything is dilapidated. She has to make her way through this creepy labyrinth in this crazy environment and it’s where she meets these crazy characters that are played by Dominic Monaghan and Tom Sizemore. I was very excited to have the opportunity to explore her character.
NC: What initially interested you in this role?
SH: I had just come off a series, it was a dramedy, and the character of Abby was so contained and strained and a mission. I just found it to be a huge challenge for me because it’s not my natural state, so reading her character I just had never had the opportunity to work in that way, so I thought I’d give it a try.
NC: Was there any research that you did to understand the character more? What type of challenges did you face, especially since you’re more laid back and the character is more wound up?
SH: When it came to the role, I got cast and then I was on a plane, so there wasn’t a whole lot of time to do research. While filming I was a homebody and was studying a lot because that’s how I perceived my character to be, just very focused on her job. I found myself inadvertently cocooning myself and making sure I took the mission of the role as serious as Abby would take the mission of her job.
NC: I’ve noticed that a lot of the films you have done fall within the horror/sci-fi genre. What is it about that genre that keeps you coming back and have you always been a fan of horror/sci-fi?
SH: I’ve always been a fan of horror, though a little less now than when I was a kid because everything scares me (laughs). I think this genre has an amazing fanbase, just knowing that there is so many avid, interesting people is a driving force. That feeling of tension comes from horror, thriller, and sci-fi and I think that’s one of the most provocative things a film does. It can be super affecting on the audience and I think that’s why the fan base is so huge.
NC: As you mentioned earlier you worked alongside actor Dominic Monaghan and Tom Sizemore. What was your experience like working with them?
SH: My experience was great! I feel like I learned a lot from the both of them and they are so professional and such legends. Their presence was very liberating in regards to seeing them work and the freedom of their choices. It made me trust myself more than maybe I had before.
NC: Lastly, what can fans of yours expect from you in the future?
SH: I just finished a little stint on the CW’s “Riverdale” which airs on Thursday nights at 9pm. I play a super scandalous role in that so I would suggest checking it out!
ATOMICA will be released in select theaters on March 17, 2017 and will be available on VOD and Digital HD on March 21, 2017.
- [SXSW Interview] Paris Zarcilla & Chi Thai for RAGING GRACE - March 17, 2023
- [Article] BOSTON STRANGLER – Highlighting Female Investigative Journalism - March 16, 2023
- [SXSW Interview] Steve J. Adams & Sean Horlor for SATAN WANTS YOU - March 15, 2023
