In her latest venture into the horror genre, Samantha Robinson, renowned for her role as Elaine in The Love Witch, continues to captivate audiences with her hauntingly magnetic performances. With Hauntology, a film steeped in eerie, campy, and blood-soaked elements, Robinson embraces the complexities of her character, blending psychological depth with genre flair. Known for her penchant for choosing thought-provoking, surreal roles, Samantha’s approach to this film demonstrates her ability to delve into intense emotional spaces while also celebrating the dark, cinematic world that horror fans crave. As she once again steps into the spotlight of a female-led narrative, Hauntology is set to be a chilling yet mesmerising addition to her already impressive repertoire.
Photographer: Carlos Ledesma
SD -“The Love Witch” is celebrated for its unique aesthetic and feminist themes. How did you prepare for the role of Elaine, and what drew you to this character?
SR – In preparing for the role of Elaine in “The Love Witch,” I collaborated with Anna for a year before filming. We drew inspiration from films like Repulsion, Leave Her to Heaven, Razor’s Edge, and Marnie. Together, we worked on getting the tone just right for the character and what she was looking for. I was drawn to Elaine because I love complex characters – a woman who is a narcissist with borderline personality disorder and uses witchcraft to seek true love intrigued me.
SD – Your performance in “The Love Witch” was named one of the best of the century by The New Yorker. How did it feel to receive such a prestigious recognition, and how has it impacted your career?
SR – Being acknowledged by The New Yorker as one of the best performances of the century was an immense honor. The recognition from such a prestigious critic and magazine was truly humbling. It’s always gratifying to receive validation for your work, and the positive response from fans was unexpected and heartwarming. Having a piece of work respected in such a way is truly fulfilling and something I cherish even years later.
SD – In Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” you played Abigail, Margot Robbie’s confidante. Can you share any memorable experiences or challenges you faced while working on such a high-profile film?
SR – It had been years since I last played the piano, and when I received sheet music for the audition, I was understandably anxious. I sought help from a friend to learn the song, spent the weekend practicing, and somehow landed the role. On the set, feeling nervous about the pivotal singing and playing scene, Margot approached me reassuringly, saying, “don’t worry, I’ll be right there with you.” Her support was incredibly reassuring and meant the world to me.
Photographer: Carlos Ledesma
SD – Given your diverse range of roles, from “CAM” to “Mix Tape,” how do you choose your projects, and what type of characters or stories resonate with you the most?
SR – When selecting projects, I gravitate towards roles that are edgy, thought-provoking, shocking, campy, or surreal. Fortunately, I’ve been lucky to have directors appreciate my work and collaborate with me. I genuinely find joy in working on almost every project and manage to glean something positive from each experience.
SD – Growing up in London and attending LAMDA from such a young age, how did your early training influence your acting style and approach to your roles today?
SR – Growing up in London and starting my training at LAMDA at a young age greatly influenced my approach to acting. Acting has always been a significant part of my life, and I recall the excitement of visiting drama shops with my mother to purchase stacks of plays and attending the theatre regularly with discounts. The abundance of acting training, teachers, and the respect for the craft in London played a crucial role in shaping me as a trained actress.
Photographer: Carlos Ledesma
SD – Both “The Love Witch” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” have strong visual and thematic elements. How do you approach immersing yourself into the world of these films, and what was your process for understanding and embodying your characters?
SR – I embrace an inside-out process. I delve into the character’s psychology first, understanding their motivations and desires. Through exploring various interpretations of the character, I strive to create a multi-dimensional persona. A teacher once likened this process to blending ingredients into a pot to craft a delicious soup. I often draw from my personal experiences to authentically connect with my character’s emotions.
SD – Looking back at your career so far, what has been the most challenging role you’ve taken on, and how did you overcome those challenges to deliver a compelling performance?
SR – Reflecting on my career journey, one of the most demanding roles I undertook was in a short film titled “RAER Beta 0027.” The director and I connected over the shared experience of losing our mothers, and he crafted the role specifically for me. I delved into some intense and dark emotional spaces to authentically portray the pain my character was grappling with. It was a challenging and emotionally taxing role, leaving my heart heavy for days after we wrapped production.
SD – Finally, can you tell us more about Hauntology, and your other current projects and any future plans or considerations you have? Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
SR – It was a delight to play a role in “Hauntology,” diving into the horror genre with its campy and bloody elements. Another project I’m thrilled about is “GOODY GOODY,” a horror film that my producing team and I have been diligently working on for over a year. The film revolves around a home birth gone awry in the midst of a blizzard. I’m excited to see this project come to life and to continue exploring different facets of storytelling within the genre.
Photographer: Carlos Ledesma
Hauntology is now available on all major VOD platforms
