Ella Balinkska has the most challenging, grueling role of her career in The Occupant, Hugo Keijzer’s directorial debut set in the unforgiving wilds of the Georgian Caucasus. Balinska plays Abby, who ventures into the wilderness to find something that can save her ailing sister, only to be stranded after a helicopter crash. As she fights to survive the harsh conditions with the aid of another stranded victim over the radio, Abby finds a mysterious black rock of unknown origin. But it’s what she discovers within herself that will decide Abby’s ultimate fate.
The London-born Balinska has been on American radars since her breakout role in Charlie’s Angels a few years ago. She followed that with an impressive turn in Run Sweetheart Run, Skincare, and Netflix’s Resident Evil series. But none of that could’ve prepared her for what she endured while shooting The Occupant, facing the dangerous mountains, icy waters, and frigid winds in a performance that pushed her, Keijzer, and the entire team to the limit.
I had the chance to spend a few minutes talking with Ella Balinska and Hugo Keijzer about The Occupant. We talked about the emotional and physical toll that the production took on them, but also how it became a unique bonding experience. Keijzer, who has been sitting with this story in various forms for years, discussed the collaborative process and how the film evolved. Balinska also spoke about her preparation for the role and whether anything could really prepare her for it.
The Occupant is open now. You can read my review here. Check out the interview below, and please consider subscribing to the YouTube channel for more!
