The director noted that he was drawn to Lind\u2019s natural embodiment of showcasing the struggles of a strong female protagonist during her audition. \u201cNot only was her audition unbelievable, she\u2019s also natural and believable in an unnatural and unbelievable situation,\u201d he revealed. But he also felt that it was important that the actress \u201chave some resemblance to Molly, so that people could say, \u2018That could be Molly six years later.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Monroe added that \u201cSarah has the quality I look for (in an actress, especially when I\u2019m doing a genre film,\u201d as she was able to bring a believability and sense of realism to the role. The director felt as though the film\u2019s lead actress was able to effortlessly put herself in the situation that\u2019s presented in the film and make it feel real.<\/p>\n
The original audience of the PG-13-rated \u2018The Haunting of Molly Hartley\u2019 is also older now, and has grown up with the title character, Monroe also noted. Those viewers \u201cdon\u2019t watch the same content anymore-they watch darker, more disturbing projects now. So this film (which is unrated) is a lot darker, dramatic and violent than the original,\u201d the director revealed. \u201cIf you\u2019re not pushing the envelope and just playing it safe, and aren\u2019t taking any chances, than it\u2019s not worth it.\u201d But he added that he doesn\u2019t think that excessive intentional gore is necessary to create a more complex follow-up story that will leave audiences thinking at the end.<\/p>\n
While she admitted that she did become frightened of her experiences playing Molly at times on the set, Lind added that there wasn\u2019t much of a way to research how, and prepare, to play someone who\u2019s possessed, so she had to find ways to humanize the process. The method of \u201cembodying evil is abstract and unrelatable, but I didn\u2019t want the character to not be relatable.\u201d She also added that she finds \u201cthe myth of Lucifer to be compelling. But I wanted to humanize the character, like Linda Blair did (in \u2018The Exorcist\u2019). I also wanted to show that there can be regret and joy, as well as lust and cruelty, but those emotions can go unchecked.\u201d The actress noted that everyone can relate to all those human impulses, and let them be completely unrestrained.<\/p>\n
Lind added that she had some time between when she auditioned and when she heard she landed the role of Molly. \u201cI was doing another horror movie in Vancouver at the time,\u201d the actress revealed. So she had to finish that movie first before she began prepping for \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley.\u2019 \u201cI had to prepare for the audition for this film, and that (preparation) didn\u2019t really go away,\u201d the performer explained. \u201cI had just enough time to really connect to Molly before we began filming. If I had more time, I may have overthought and complicated things,\u201d she also revealed.<\/p>\n
When Sawa also discussed his involvement in the horror sequel, he revealed that when he found out that he was cast as Father Barrow, he was shooting \u2018Punk’s Dead: SLC Punk 2,\u2019 the sequel to his 1998 comedy-drama, \u2018SLC Punk!\u2019 \u201cI had a lot of down-time on that movie, so I had about three or four weeks to prep for this film while I was finishing that one,\u201d the actor explained.<\/p>\n
Lind also disclosed that having that lengthy amount of time to prepare was beneficial, as she realized the two stories in \u2018The Haunting of Molly Hartley\u2019 and its new follow-up are extremely different. But the lead actress felt it was helpful to have the first movie as source material, as \u201cI had (Molly\u2019s) backstory in an hour-and-a-half package.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Holden took the time to elaborate about her experiences playing Molly\u2019s psychiatrist in the sequel, she admitted that she hadn\u2019t seen \u2018The Haunting of Molly Hartley\u2019 before signing to star in the new movie. \u201cI was thinking about watching it before (we began filming), but I (decided that I) didn\u2019t want it to influence me,\u201d the actress said. She elaborated by saying that she didn\u2019t want the performances from the original film to influence her take on the continued story. \u201cIt may be different for Sarah, but I\u2019m completely separated (from the original story) as the psychologist,\u201d as Dr. Hawthrone didn\u2019t appear in \u2018The Haunting of Molly Hartley.\u2019 \u201cI wanted myself to be taken on the journey as it was happening,\u201d Holden further explained, before noting that she would be interested in watching the first film after they finished shooting its sequel.<\/p>\n
Sawa also revealed that he wasn\u2019t familiar with the original film when he signed onto play Father Barrow in the follow-up. \u201cI\u2019m going to see (\u2018The Haunting of Molly Hartley\u2019) as soon as we finish filming. But my character isn\u2019t supposed to know about anything that happened in the first movie,\u201d he explained about why he didn\u2019t watch the first film before he arrived on the set for its continuation. He then noted that Monroe also wanted him to also be surprised as an actor when he uncovered more details about the events that Molly went through in \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley\u2019s predecessor.<\/p>\n
Monroe also discussed how he feels the sequel not only differs from other horror films, but exorcism movies in general. \u201cThere have been a lot of exorcism movies, so I think people are beginning to expect to see the same thing,\u201d the director stated. \u201cThey have seen characters upside, bent and crawling on ceilings. But this film goes back to the classic era, while also remaining very modern,\u201d he admitted. Monroe added that \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley\u2019 is continuously paying tribute to \u2018The Exorcist,\u2019 \u201cwhich is, in my mind, the greatest movie about exorcisms, and overall horror film, ever made.\u201d<\/p>\n
Much like in \u2018The Exorcist,\u2019 the possessed main character in \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley\u2019 is treated by a priest contemplating his faith. Sawa revealed that Father Barrow was \u201ca priest who was studying to perform exorcisms, and he was performing one that went terribly wrong\u2026he started to question his own faith.\u201d While the actor didn\u2019t want to give too much information about his character\u2019s backstory away, he did note that there were circumstances that led to the priest being placed in a psychiatric ward instead of a prison, as part of a compromise with the courts. Sawa laughed when he added, \u201cOf course he ended up in the wrong psych ward, and things go sour.\u201d<\/p>\n
The transition into connecting with the priest\u2019s mindset was an intriguing process for Sawa. He had just finished his four season-stint of playing Owen Elliot\/Sam Matthews on The CW\u2019s action crime drama series, \u2018Nikita,\u2019 before he signed on to play Father Barrow in \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley.\u2019 \u201cSo I played an action guy and a bad guy, and then I had to tear that mindset right down,\u201d the actor noted, before revealing that the priest in the horror film is \u201cvery soft-spoken, and he has good morals. So it was a stretch between the two characters, but it was fun to play. When I put the priest outfit on for the first time, it was pretty bizarre.\u201d He laughed as he also mentioned that he started to watch his language, and admitted that he stopped swearing while making the follow-up film.<\/p>\n
When he was first cast in the role of Father Barrow, and was finding the best way to relate to his character, Sawa said he \u201cthought back to other priest roles I have seen in other movies\u2026This is basically just an old-fashioned horror movie\u2026I just want to make a good horror film, and not over-think it. I just want to entertain people.\u201d The actor added that he strove to help make the sequel a good movie for genre fans \u201cto watch on a Friday night, like \u2018Pumpkinhead\u2019 or \u2018The Exorcist\u2019 was\u2026.Of course I prepared (for the role of Father Barrow), but I didn\u2019t over-think it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sawa was also asked what the experience of working with Lind on the film was like, particularly when Father Barrow had to watch her title character become possessed. \u201cShe\u2019s a tough girl-she\u2019d get to the set four hours early to put the make-up and prosthetics on,\u201d the actor responded. \u201cShe\u2019d then morph into this Satanic creature, and it was great to play the scenes with her\u2026She got right into it, and she\u2019s a great actress.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first time I see Molly, she\u2019s already a demon,\u201d Sawa noted when also asked about the emotional and physical transition Father Barrow witnesses in Molly throughout the film. The priest\u2019s reaction to her progression is different from the other characters in the horror sequel, as he saw it before during his studies. So his character \u201cgoes in with the right questions to ask. Half-way during the first scene that I interact with her in, I already know she\u2019s possessed. So I go to talk to Dr. Hawthorne, and I tell her we\u2019re in big trouble.\u201d Once he actually begins performing the exorcism scenes on the title character, Father Barrow\u2019s \u201cmain tools are the cross, holy water and the Bible, of course, which I use to fight the devil.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked if she found the process of actually playing the possessed Molly to be physically and emotionally demanding once they began filming, Lind replied that she didn\u2019t find it to be too challenging. The actress revealed that the struggle of playing Lucifer \u201cwas very simple. I allowed myself to be physically relaxed and creative. I wanted to create spooky images, while also being completely uncensored.\u201d She explained that she would let anything happen, and \u201cthat\u2019s the way I think the best acting always happens.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also delving deeper into the logistics of the physicality of her role, Lind laughed as she added that she didn\u2019t have a lot of time to practice the stunts with her co-stars. So they had to rely more on trust than anything else while filming their action sequences. \u201cBut thankfully, if I flinch, it works,\u201d the actress amusingly pointed out.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe make-up process was pretty crazy,\u201d Lind also admitted as she began discussing the physical look of Molly, particularly as she started showing signs of her possession. The actress would sit in the make-up chair for four hours, and then would \u201cfilm for 12 hours, which would include thrashing and being disgusting in every imaginable way.\u201d<\/p>\n
The actress admitted that \u201cbetween set-ups and scenes, I wish I had a veil over my face,\u201d as being in all the make-up wasn\u2019t her favorite part of filming the horror follow-up. She added that when her co-stars and the crew would ask how her weekend was, she would quickly answer and walk away, so that they wouldn\u2019t have to see her physical transformation. While she also divulged that she was \u201ctoo vein\u201d to go out in her character\u2019s make-up, Lind did praise the work created by makeup department head Doug Morrow, describing all her looks that he created as \u201cincredible and spooky.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked about creating the makeup that the characters would wear throughout \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley,\u2019 Morrow said he and Monroe discussed that they weren\u2019t actually making a gore-filled movie. \u201cSo the big thing (I created) was the possession make-up for Sarah. She has four different stages of looking possessed,\u201d he stated. The stages went from the main actress wearing contact lenses to full make-up that made her look \u201ccadaverous…We have different stages of contact lenses and dentures,\u201d the makeup department head and special makeup designer revealed.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the things that I really liked about Steven is that he\u2019s a practical effects guy. Doing makeup effects myself, I\u2019m a big practical effects person,\u201d Morrow explained. \u201cWe aren\u2019t using CG blood\u2026we\u2019re instead using simple in-camera tricks that I think look really effective.\u201d The makeup designer said he can spot when actors\u2019 looks are added digitally after the shoot, which at times is beneficial. But \u201csometimes it\u2019s better to use practical effects, and sometimes it\u2019s good to use both\u2026so that you can make the makeup look as realistic as possible,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
When also asked about utilizing more practical effects than continuously infusing the horror sequel with CGI, Monroe proclaimed that he doesn\u2019t think the decision will deter younger audiences\u2019 interest in watching it. \u201cI think the younger audience has seen all the CG they need to at this point. The real core of horror films when they first started becoming cult classics, and audiences started falling in love with them, was the make-up effects,\u201d the director further explained. While helmers can create looks for their actors on a computer, Monroe added that process takes him out of the true filmmaking experience. \u201cThere is a little bit of CC in the film, but it doesn\u2019t really have to do with the make-up effects. It\u2019s all focused on the supernatural end of the story,\u201d he further revealed.<\/p>\n
Morrow also divulged that when he was first hired for the job to create the makeup for the possession film, he \u201cimmediately began thinking of ways that I would create the looks for the characters that were different from what\u2019s been done.\u201d He added \u201cLuckily, I\u2019m dealing with a character who\u2019s in her mid-20s.\u201d He felt it was easier to create the cadaverous look for the face of a performer Lind\u2019s age than of Blair\u2019s age when she portrayed the possessed pre-teen Regan in \u2018The Exorcist,\u2019 which he cited as an inspiration for his work.<\/p>\n
The makeup department head added that \u201cI actually did a test on my daughter,\u201d who was 17 at the time of the shoot. \u201cDuring that process, I came up with the design for Molly. I added a few elements from \u2018The Exorcist\u2019 that I felt we should stay away from, which I showed to Steven, and we did.\u201d Morrow added that he had some lead time to develop the ideas for the make-up before he arrived on the set for the horror follow-up. \u201cAs soon as Sarah was cast, I got right to work, as I didn\u2019t have a lot of time,\u201d the makeup designer added, and also revealed that he created lesions on the actress\u2019 legs and feet.<\/p>\n
When then asked about working with the bile that Molly spews during her exorcism, Morrow said it didn\u2019t really affect him, as he regularly deals with such effects on his job. \u201cWe were talking about the different ways to create the bile, and whether it should be dark or light,\u201d he continued. \u201cI mixed some dark color in it, which Steven liked.\u201d He added that it was easy to clean off at Lind at first, but became more difficult when it then continued piling up as it was coming out of her nose and mouth. \u201cBut the main issue was making sure it stayed on (her face and around) her mouth, especially when she was screaming,\u201d the makeup designer explained.<\/p>\n
Lind also revealed that it\u2019s \u201cnice to not always have to be glamorous\u201d in her films. She explained that if she\u2019s always made up to look nice, she \u201ccan\u2019t move my head, because my hair will get f*cked up. You also can\u2019t eat, because your lips will get messed up.\u201d But that doesn\u2019t mean that she doesn\u2019t \u201cwant to play characters who aren\u2019t disgusting looking, but can also be messy and complex as humans are. That\u2019s what\u2019s interesting about all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the performer added that she was happy she wasn\u2019t always covered in the bile that was present in the film, she revealed that Holden was. \u201cI was actually the one doing the vomiting, but it was still pretty gross,\u201d Lind added, before admitting that she had the crew wipe it off of her between takes. She laughed as she added, \u201cBut it all started to feel normal, which was maybe the worst part. I started feeling normal being covered in puss, slime, blood and filth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even though Dr. Hawthorne was covered in the bile during the shoot, Sawa revealed that he didn\u2019t have to film any scenes with the bile during the shoot. The actor laughed as he said, \u201cI actually nicknamed my co-stars sludge and puke, because they deal with all this bile and blood. There\u2019s a lot of that going on around here. I did get sprayed a little bit, but they get the majority of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Holden was also asked how her character of Dr. Hawthorne fit into the overall story of \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley,\u2019 she revealed that she\u2019s a psychologist who\u2019s working at the hospital where the title character is committed. The doctor \u201cessentially wants to be there for (Molly), and figure out what\u2019s going on. Laurie doesn\u2019t really know what\u2019s going on, but it\u2019s her job to sit and talk with her patient during their therapy sessions,\u201d the actress explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think her professional motivation is that she wants to figure out what\u2019s going on\u201d with Molly, Holden also noted. \u201cShe doesn\u2019t initially think what\u2019s going on is paranormal,\u201d the actress further explained right before shouts were heard coming up from the horror film\u2019s main set in the building\u2019s basement. She laughed as she then explained, \u201cThis is always what I have to deal with! But we always have a lot of fun on set.\u201d Monroe also laughed at the commotion when he first sat down for his interview later in the day, as the yelling picked up again. He then admitted, \u201cThat was me yelling up to Gina earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n
Going back to speaking about her character\u2019s inspirations in helping her patient, Holden reiterated that it\u2019s \u201cLaurie\u2019s job to diagnose what\u2019s going with Molly\u2026she can tell that inside, something\u2019s definitely off, which is motivating her\u201d to find out what\u2019s truly going on with her patient, as she really cares about Molly.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy character is there when a lot of the transition is happening,\u201d Holden also revealed when then questioned if she fully witnesses Molly becoming fully possessed by the Devil. \u201cLaurie doesn\u2019t become possessed herself, but she is exposed to possession as she tries to help Molly through that process.\u201d But the actress admitted that she felt as though her character was influenced herself, as she was so heavily involved in trying to save her patient. Holden laughed again as she confirmed Lind\u2019s revelation that she was the one covered in the bile during Laurie and her patient\u2019s interactions once Molly becomes possessed.<\/p>\n
Holden continued by noting that she wished she could be witty and bug her co-star by saying Lind was \u201cso hard to work with, but we instantly bonded. She\u2019s so awesome. I didn\u2019t know her before (the shoot), but I did know who she was, as we have crossed paths before.\u201d Holden also stated that she has been a fan of her fellow performer\u2019s work, as \u201cshe\u2019s such an incredible actress. So I was really excited to work with her.\u201d The supporting actress also noted that the material featured in \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley\u2019 naturally brought them together, so they\u2019ve become like sisters on and off the set.<\/p>\n
When then asked about her interactions acting with Sawa on the sequel, Holden stated that their characters\u2019 relationship \u201cwas a little more professional, but it was friendly. Our characters knew each other in the past,\u201d so Laurie approaches the former priest for help. She believes he\u2019s the only person who she trusts could help Molly, as he has \u201cthe expertise and qualifications of performing the exorcism,\u201d the actress revealed. So the doctor does rely on Father Barrow to help save Molly, as \u201cthere\u2019s only so much that Laurie can do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Holden laughed as she stated, \u201cI think somewhere after the bile explosion, Laurie realizes that the situation is a little out of her league. So I think I\u2019m going to knock on some doors and get some help. But all jokes aside, she does realize that the situation is over her head.\u201d The doctor wants to continue helping her patient, as Molly\u2019s \u201cstill giving signs of fighting to get through this situation. But she needs help that Laurie can\u2019t give her. So she reaches out to Devon\u2019s character,\u201d the actress added.<\/p>\n
Monroe also discussed his working relationship with Sawa, and revealed that his first conversation with Sawa was through an email, when he asked the actor, \u201c\u2018How do you feel about completely buzzing your hair?\u2019 He emailed me back and said, \u2018I\u2019m into it,\u2019 and the next day his hair was buzzed off. So I knew we were going to be on the same page.\u201d<\/p>\n
The director further explained that the actor \u201creally cares about what he does and how it comes off, and if it is believable, which is my number one thing. I don\u2019t care if you\u2019re sitting there talking to the Devil; this needs to be believable.\u201d Monroe added that Sawa \u201cknows what he\u2019s doing, which is always appreciated and a big relief. I\u2019m a firm believer that if you cast properly, a major percentage of your work is done.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sawa also highly praised Monroe\u2019s methods of directing, noting that he\u2019s \u201calways prepared. He comes to set and knows exactly what he wants shot-wise and performance-wise from the actors.\u201d After the helmer and the cast agreed on how they wanted to portray each scene, the actor explained that Monroe would relay their decisions to the camera department. Sawa stated that he appreciated that dedicated approach the filmmaker took to making the horror sequel. \u201cWhen a director\u2019s confident, it makes the whole experience better,\u201d the performer added.<\/p>\n
The actor then explained that he was excited to delve into filming the sequel with Monroe and the rest of the cast and crew, as horror is his favorite genre to star in and watch. \u201cEver since I was a young kid, I\u2019ve had a friend with whom I\u2019d go down to the video store, and we\u2019d find the goriest looking covers,\u201d the actor said. \u201cWe rented every \u2018Pumpkinhead\u2019 and \u2018Hellraiser,\u2019 and watched them over and over again when we were 8, 9, 10-years-old.\u201d<\/p>\n
The performer added that \u201cI also loved \u2018Evil Dead 2\u2019 and of course, \u2018Army of Darkness.\u2019 We used to practice the hand on the trampoline.\u201d Sawa laughed as he then mentioned, \u201cOf course, then this audition came along for this movie, \u2018Idle Hands.\u2019 It started off to be more of a serious film. But when I went into the audition, I started throwing myself around the room with my hand, like I did as a kid. Then all of a sudden, it morphed into a comedy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sawa then mentioned that when he first heard that Monroe was going to direct \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley,\u2019 he immediately wanted to become involved in the sequel. \u201cI love Steven\u2019s \u2018I Spit on Your Grave\u2019 film, so when I heard he was going to be involved in in this film, I wanted to get on board. The first thing he said to me was, \u2018Go rent \u2018The Exorcist\u2019 and watch it over and over again, because that\u2019s those are the tones and psychological scares that we want to go for with this film,\u201d the actor explained.<\/p>\n
Monroe also discussed his connection with \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley\u2019s writer, Matt Venne, who previously scribed the screenplays for several other horror sequels, including \u2018White Noise 2: The Light,\u2019 \u2018Mirrors 2\u2019 and \u2018Fright Night 2.\u2019 \u201cWhen I came on board, there was already an initial draft, which I read. I then met with Matt and everyone at Fox, and we talked about we liked and didn\u2019t like, and what we thought could get fixed,\u201d the directed revealed. He added that everyone was mainly in agreement about the story, so he just had to discuss some fixes that he thought should be made to the screenplay with Venne.<\/p>\n
Another working relationship that was discussed was Lind\u2019s experiences of collaborating with Monroe on the set of \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley,.\u2019 She admitted that \u201cSometimes he wanted more in my scenes, but usually it was something else.\u201d She laughed as she recalled that \u201cIn one of the scenes, he told me, \u2018I think you can actually be a little bit more of a pervert in his scene.\u2019 But I didn\u2019t really want to go there! But I did, and it was great,\u201d she revealed, before adding that the experience was liberating.<\/p>\n
Holden laughed as she also said revealed what it was like working with Monroe on the sequel. \u201cSteven\u2019s a whole other person to work with. He\u2019s great to collaborate with, as he has such a great sense of humor. Even with this crazy, dark material, we\u2019re still having such a great time\u2026He keeps everybody balanced, and gets you exactly where you need to be.\u201d Holden also praised the helmer for knowing exactly what he wants from everyone, and the best way to bring the story to the screen. The actress laughed again when she added, \u201cHe\u2019s a chill guy, even though I know he wants me to say that he\u2019s awful and we don\u2019t get along.\u201d<\/p>\n
Monroe also praised his liberating and fun working relationships with the cast and crew of \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley,\u2019 saying that \u201cWhen you\u2019re working with intense material, you have to take the edge off sometimes, and have a laid back environment on the set.\u201d He admitted that out of the 20 films he has directed over his two decades-long career, \u201cThis is probably the best production experience I\u2019ve ever had.\u201d While the sequel marks his first time of filming in the Canadian city, he added that here\u2019s a real professionalism in Winnipeg that he immediately noticed.<\/p>\n
The filmmaker added that many movies that are being made today aren\u2019t being shot in Hollywood anymore, and that \u201cI\u2019ve made one film at home in 10 years. With a lot of the current tax incentives, people think, \u2018I can be in the film industry, and can make X amount of money and work with famous people.\u2019\u201d While there\u2019s still a sense of passion for filmmaking in Hollywood, Monroe added that he was happy to see a sense of pride in filmmaking in Winnipeg. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about getting paid for the day; it\u2019s about having pride in the product,\u201d Monroe revealed, and also noted his happiness that everyone was usually in agreement over how to carry out filming each scene. He also emphasized that the cast and crew\u2019s ease of working together made it feel as though they were a family on the set.<\/p>\n
\u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley\u2019s Director of Photography, Jonathon Cliff, reaffirmed that sentiment of enjoying working with the cast and the rest of the crew. \u201cSteven\u2019s great to work with, as he\u2019s pretty easy going. He\u2019s a very optical director, and knows exactly what he wants, in terms of frames and lenses. He comes from a camera background, which has been great for me. It makes my job pretty easy,\u201d the cinematographer continued. He added that the film was his first experience of working with a director who has experience working with cameras, and he enjoyed his collaboration with the filmmaker. \u201cHe\u2019s not making choices that I don\u2019t agree with\u2026I totally agree with the direction he\u2019s going in,\u201d he further explained.<\/p>\n
Monroe added that the aesthetic of the film is very different from its predecessor \u201cin a lot of ways. My initial hope when I first had the discussion about this (project) was that we could make a stand-alone film.\u201d He added that he was grateful to be given permission to approach the sequel in that way. \u201cOne of the reasons we did that was because when we left Molly six years ago (at the end of \u2018The Haunting of Molly Hartley\u2019), she was much younger. Now she and her audiences are much older and edgier,\u201d the helmer explained as he echoed Lind\u2019s chronicling of the title character\u2019s maturing.<\/p>\n
While the cast and crew relished in the emotional collaborations they created on the set, they also appreciated the physical aspects, as well. When asked about the experience of filming the title exorcism scene during the beginning of the horror sequel\u2019s shoot, Lind revealed that it \u201cwas actually very liberating and strangely relaxing\u2026If we shot the exorcism scene at the end of filming, I\u2019d consistently be nervous thinking about it. So the scheduling was perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lind also added that that Molly\u2019s behavior when she\u2019s possessed \u201cmake the story scarier. I think evil\u2019s a choice\u2026it\u2019s there, but it\u2019s not a force that we don\u2019t have a power against.\u201d Lind stated that when audiences do see the Devil played in a very human way, it can be a scary concept, as Molly\u2019s choosing to be good or bad. But \u201cI\u2019m an actress who\u2019s more concerned about the character than the scares. Steven\u2019s also the type of director to be more interested in the psychological play in a horror film. So we had similar intentions from the beginning. But there will be plenty of blood in this movie,\u201d the performer affirmed.<\/p>\n
Holden also chimed in about the filming the title exorcism scene, particularly the physicality, as she revealed that she was \u201chappy to say there is some action. Laurie really steps up and helps during the final phase of the exorcism. I love that she doesn\u2019t just sit back; she jumps in and helps everybody.\u201d While the actress couldn\u2019t discuss too many details about her character\u2019s involvement in helping to save her patient, she \u201cdoes step in at the last minute and help save the whole situation.\u201d She added that it was great that it was \u201ca team effort throughout the process. My character steps up and says, \u2018I need to get in here, and take this guy out before he takes her out.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
The exorcism scene \u201creally was extreme,\u201d Holden admitted. \u201cI have done a lot in this genre before. It\u2019s interesting, because you can go in and out and pace yourself, in terms of the emotional depth of everything,\u201d the actress continued while discussing the intensity of starring in horror films. \u201cThe scene took a few days, and (Lind) was in crazy make-up. It was terrifying.\u201d<\/p>\n
Holden also admitted that the paranormal subgenre of horror is \u201cthe only one I\u2019m afraid of. In real life, it\u2019s the only time I say, \u2018I\u2019m not going to watch that.\u2019 But I love everything else in the horror genre and community\u2026For days on end (while filming the sequel,), it didn\u2019t take much to be freaked out,\u201d the performer also revealed. She pointed out that was a result of \u201cthe environment, and the way that Steven\u2019s shooting it, which is really creepy. Doug\u2019s also doing such an incredible job on the make-up, which made it hard not to make it feel as though everything\u2019s real.\u201d<\/p>\n
The actress added that for Lind, \u201cshe just has to go for it. There\u2019s no holding back when you\u2019re playing the Devil.\u201d Holden also praised her co-star, saying \u201cHer energy, and everything she\u2019s putting (into the character) makes it easy for us to be pulled in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Monroe also noted that the final exorcism scene was one of the hardest ones to shoot, because they \u201ccombined every element that\u2019s difficult in filmmaking.\u201d Those components included practical and visual effects, stunts, intense acting, very heavy make-up effects and a lot of dialogue, which were all happening at the same time for a scene that last five pages. \u201cWe\u2019ve all seen very cheesy devil worshipping scenes in movies, and I don\u2019t want this to go there,\u201d the director laughed as he added. \u201cAgain, this was a situation where we had to take something that\u2019s real and make it intense and believe,\u201d he further explained.<\/p>\n
While the exorcism sequences were an overall emotional process for both the characters and the cast and crew to go through, Sawa noted that he wasn\u2019t able to use his personal knowledge as an MMA fan to inform his physical performance in \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley.\u2019 \u201cI figure that Father Barrow hasn\u2019t thrown a punch in his life. So my being a fan of MMA went out the window for this part,\u201d the actor further explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is a hero in the story, but I won\u2019t give too much away about that part of the story,\u201d Sawa added when he further discussed that his character doesn\u2019t resort to physical violence to achieve his goals. \u201cHe does become a hero, but not in an action way.\u201d<\/p>\n
When then asked if that part of his character\u2019s development contributed to the head wound Father Barrow sustained that he was sustained during his shots during the set visit, Sawa laughed as he coyly asked, \u201cOh, you noticed that? There are some head wounds and stabbings, and some buckets of blood laying around.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the cast had to endure drastic emotional and physical situations while filming the sequel, Sawa noted that only having 20 days to shoot the entire movie wasn\u2019t extremely difficult, since films are now made digitally. \u201cThere\u2019s no more reloading of cameras, and we\u2019ll be able to fix lighting during post-production. So 20 days is actually a sufficient amount of time to make a really great film,\u201d the actor explained. He laughed as he added, \u201cI\u2019m sure directors would love to have 40 days, but I think we can make a pretty awesome film in 20 days.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Lind noted that \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley\u2019s limited shooting schedule was challenge in some respects. Since the follow-up was shot in about three week, \u201cYou usually need to go home and go to sleep and rest. But at the same time, you also need to have a bit of a life, so sometimes I do sacrifice sleep a little bit,\u201d the performer admitted.<\/p>\n
Since the characters had to sustain such emotional and physical circumstances so often during the short shoot, Holden noted that everyone joked around between takes. But \u201cyou also want to respect people\u2019s space, especially Sarah. Since she\u2019s in that make-up, she\u2019s really isolated from everyone, but in less extreme circumstances, we definitely talk and laugh.\u201d The actress added that there are times when the cast does prefer to totally be on their own between scenes, during which she meditates to stay grounded.<\/p>\n
Holden also described the overall experience of filming in Winnipeg as \u201cawesome. You never really know what you\u2019re going to get into when you go onto a new set with new people. But I\u2019ve had such great experience.\u201d The actress embraced the fact that everyone in the cast and on the crew was \u201cso professional. But we also have fun, and from the start, it\u2019s been a blast.\u201d She also described the city as charming and welcoming. \u201cBeing this far from home, there\u2019s also this comfort of being able to all go out to dinner together after our shoots every day\u2026I\u2019d work here anytime,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Sawa also emphasized Monroe\u2019s sentiment that shooting \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley\u2019 in Canada was a positive experience. \u201cThat was great, because you don\u2019t hear about a lot of stuff going on in Winnipeg,\u201d the Canadian actor laughed as he explained his enthusiasm for collaborating with the rest of the cast and crew in the city. \u201cBut from the moment I got here, everybody\u2019s been so polite and nice. It\u2019s a great crew, and they know what they\u2019re doing.\u201d Sawa added that he watched a lot of the daily shots they filmed throughout the city, and he praised the beautiful way they turned out.<\/p>\n
\u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley\u2019s production designer, Craig Sandells, said he wanted to find filming locations in Winnipeg that were \u201cvisually soulless\u2026A lot of times, (the locations) feature beautiful white walls. It\u2019s one of the few opportunities where I\u2019ve gotten to work with just white, without someone saying, \u2018Let\u2019s put something on that wall, please.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Sandells added that the horror sequel didn\u2019t only film in the city, but throughout the province of Manitoba. \u201cThe main location isn\u2019t in the city\u2026but there are a lot of great locations in Winnipeg. We\u2019ve been in apartments, and (the Millennium Centre) is a treasure,\u201d the production designer also said. He continued by noting that the sequel filmed many scene ins the building, as it has so many different looks.<\/p>\n
The sets have long, white corridors that Sandells stated are reminiscent of the sets in \u2018The Shining,\u2019 which he credited as heavily influencing his designs. He felt the white sets provided \u201ca higher contrast and pristine background\u201d for the blood and gore that were present in \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley.\u2019 \u201cI don\u2019t think the white backgrounds set up the feeling that something violent is going to happen,\u201d the production designer mentioned, so when those shots do occur, they become more shocking.<\/p>\n
Sandells also mentioned that Monroe wanted the locations to feel real, so that \u201cwhen the gore does happen, people think, \u2018That happened in that environment?\u2019\u201d As the production designer, Sandells also wanted the locations to appear seemingly normal at first glance. But as audiences look at them a bit longer, the further they get into the movie, \u201cit seems like there\u2019s something not right\u2026You ultimately get a weird vibe from (the locations)\u2026and don\u2019t feel comfortable in the space.\u201d The production designer added that while most of the locations are minimalistic, there were some scenes that they filmed in the Millennium Centre the day before the set visit that were some of the most elaborate and most decorated in the horror movie. He added that the building\u2019s basement where the scenes during the set visit were being shot \u201cis really creepy, and is a great space.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cliff also commented on the scene that was being filmed in the Millennium Centre\u2019s basement during the set visit. The Director of Photographer, who placed the camera on a dolly on a track to show Molly\u2019s entrance into the basement through her eyes, said that was a common practice he took during that scene. But it wasn\u2019t a process he regularly utilized during the rest of the sequel.<\/p>\n
The Director of Photography added that the Millennium Centre was in part supposed to serve as an abandoned complex that didn\u2019t have power. So the characters \u201cbrought their own lighting. So the entire scene is just filled with work lights,\u201d as there aren\u2019t supposed to be any lights that work in the building, Cliff explained. \u201cIt\u2019s actually worked out to be quite amazing so far, as I always prefer to use real lights instead of film lights,\u201d he also said. The scene only features \u201cHome Depot construction work lights, which I guess is what Satanists are using these days to perform their rituals,\u201d he laughed as he theorized.<\/p>\n
Sawa also laughed as he revealed he was also looking forward to shooting in an abandoned psychiatric hospital the following week. \u201cThere are some off-limit areas that I\u2019m not supposed to go into. But I can\u2019t wait to get there and find out about the history, and see the different areas, like the lobotomy section. That stuff really interests me,\u201d the actor explained.<\/p>\n
In order to figure out how to rightfully capture the entire look and point-of-view of the follow-up, Sandells said he put together a book of his take on the story before filming on \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley\u2019 began, like he does on all the movies he works on. He creates his vision of how the locations will look before he even meets the director, and when he\u2019s finished he sends it to the filmmaker digitally. They then discuss whether his ideas are on the track the helmer also imagined. He added that he and Monroe agreed on many of his ideas.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had six weeks of prep, which isn\u2019t a lot for films of this scale,\u201d the production designer added. But he was able discuss what he wanted to visually communicate in the locations they did find and secure for the shoot. He also created detailed sketches of how each set would look, because \u201cWe wanted to make sure there weren\u2019t any surprises on the day (of shooting at each location), because people hate surprises,\u201d Sandells explained.<\/p>\n
Much of the cast and crew of \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley\u2019 enjoyed that they took inspiration from such acclaimed horror films from the 1970s and \u201880s as \u2018The Exorcist,\u2019 \u2018The Amityville Horror\u2019 and \u2018The Shining.\u2019 While he admitted that he\u2019s not a huge fan of watching horror movies, Cliff noted the approach he took to the overall visual look he took to his cinematography was inspired by classic movies in the genre. \u201cThere are a lot of wide shots that tend to slowly push in on things on wide lenses. It\u2019s not a hand-held free-for-all vibe,\u201d the cinematographer, who had never shot a horror movie before, explained. He embraced the fact that \u201cIt\u2019s not so much of what I think of as a modern horror film.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sawa also admirably noted that Monroe was aiming to capture the vibe of popular horror movies from the 1970s and \u201880s, including utilizing the decades\u2019 signature pushing and pulling shots. As opposed to the shakiness of the camera shots that are often utilized in modern horror films, including those in the found footage sub-genre, the actor praised the fact that Cliff often used Steadicam cameras to obtain the focused sequences.<\/p>\n
When asked if \u2018The Exorcism of Molly Hartley\u2019 ends in a way that will make a second sequel in the series possible, Monroe revealed that he thinks there always is a possibility for follow-ups in every franchise, no matter how they\u2019re shot. \u201cIn this day-and-age in the film industry, there\u2019s always that potential, because it\u2019s less of a movie-making industry, and more about box office. It\u2019s also about the product, and keeping things going for the fans,\u201d the director stated. He added that he\u2019s had the discussion about sequels with a lot of fans of the genre, and \u201cwe all need to either need to get on board and embrace it, or everything\u2019s going to get done badly. So I think there\u2019s always a potential for sequels if people respond to a film.\u201d<\/p>\n
Check out Shockya’s exclusive film stills, as well as the behind-the-scenes set visit photos and Blu-ray cover, for ‘The Exorcism of Molly Hartley’ below.<\/p>\n
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