Amber Midthunder Discusses “That Twist” and Her Role in “Predator” Future

Amber Midthunder and Jack Quaid’s ‘Novocaine’: A Deep Dive into Twists and Turns

Amber Midthunder and Jack Quaid, known for their work in action and drama, are venturing into comedy with ‘Novocaine,’ a film that promises unexpected twists and a fresh dynamic. The movie, directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, hinges on the chemistry between Midthunder and Quaid, setting the stage for a narrative that subverts expectations.

The Premise: A Sweet Start Gone Sour

The film introduces us to Sherry (Midthunder),a bank teller,and Nate Caine (Quaid),an assistant manager. Their characters embark on a dessert lunch date, revealing peculiar aspects of themselves: Nate’s congenital insensitivity to pain (ICP) and Sherry’s heightened sensitivity to it. This quirky setup quickly spirals out of control when their bank is robbed by armed individuals dressed as Santa claus, leading to Sherry’s abduction.

Nate, leveraging his ICP, decides to rescue Sherry. though, ‘Novocaine’ isn’t your typical damsel-in-distress story. As midthunder hints, there’s more to sherry than meets the eye. The film deliberately plays with audience expectations, turning familiar tropes on their head.

Midthunder on Sherry: Complexity and Vulnerability

Midthunder emphasizes the complexity of her character, stating it was fun to explore Sherry even through moments of perceived vulnerability. According to Midthunder,“In movies like this,you don’t always get to see a female love interest with the complexity and the darkness that she has. She’s guarded and edgy as much as she is quirky, fun and charming, and those are actually the things that people seem to love about her. So it’s funny to say that my experience inside of such a big fun action movie was mostly that of vulnerability, but it really was with Sherry.”

Amber Midthunder as “Sherry” in ‘Novocaine’ (Placeholder Image)

Building Believability: Nate and Sherry’s Connection

The success of ‘Novocaine’ heavily relies on the audience’s investment in nate and Sherry’s relationship. Midthunder acknowledges the pressure, explaining that their most crucial scenes were filmed during the initial days of production. Rehearsals were key to capturing the required dynamic. “Our most intimate and heaviest Nate and Sherry moments and scenes were our first days of filming for the entire movie…Luckily, we got to Cape Town maybe two weeks early for prep, so we had been rehearsing those scenes every single day,” confirms Midthunder.

Spoiler Alert: The Twist Unveiled

For those who haven’t seen the film, be warned: major spoilers ahead!

The seemingly innocent Sherry is revealed to be complicit in the bank robbery. This reveal subverts the audience’s expectations and adds a layer of intrigue to her character. Midthunder notes, “I did not know when I first read it…So I read the script, and then I had that same aha moment. But that was what I loved about Sherry.” Midthunder noted this added to the excitement of the role.

Jack Quaid in ‘Novocaine’ (Placeholder Image)

Cherry Pie and Character: Decoding Sherry’s Choices

Sherry’s choice of cherry pie for lunch becomes symbolic of her character, a subtle hint at her unconventional nature. As Midthunder confirms, “Absolutely not! I honestly had zero questions about this. Sherry is a cherry pie-for-lunch kind of girl. I also affectionately named her Sherry Cherry because she has no last name in the movie, so that became a thing for her. She’s very much the dessert-before-dinner type of person.”

A Second Viewing: A New Perspective

The film’s narrative structure encourages a second viewing, offering a deeper understanding of Sherry’s actions and motivations. Midthunder highlights the collaborative process with the directors,emphasizing the trust required to navigate the character’s complexities. She said: “It was a constant conversation that I was having with Dan [berk] and Bobby [Olsen]. Even if it was something very small, I’m such an overthinker about things like this. So this movie was a huge exercise in trust between actors and directors, especially for me, in that regard.”

Conclusion: ‘Novocaine’ – More Than Meets the eye

‘Novocaine’ offers a fresh take on the action-comedy genre, driven by strong performances from Amber Midthunder and Jack Quaid. Its clever plot twists and complex characters ensure a memorable viewing experience. It highlights the need for more complex and engaging female roles in a genre that can sometimes leave them out.

Amber Midthunder Navigates Vulnerability, Redemption, and Monster Encounters in Recent Roles

Amber Midthunder, known for her compelling performances in both indie and blockbuster projects, recently shared insights into her roles in “Novocaine” and “opus,” as well as her experiences in the broader film industry. From exploring complex character motivations to battling Predators and Godzillas, Midthunder’s reflections offer a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of her diverse career.

Exploring Sherry’s Complexities in “Novocaine”

In “novocaine,” Midthunder plays Sherry, a character whose relationship with Nate is marked by false pretenses but also moments of genuine connection. Midthunder delves into Sherry’s vulnerabilities, stating, “She’s never known real safety with somebody. She’s never known actually being seen.” This lack of genuine connection is a driving force behind Sherry’s actions and her surprising moments of sincerity.

Despite the deceit, the shared vulnerability of showing their scars creates a real bond. According to Midthunder,”To me,and in our conversations,that was all very real. She was supposed to just shake it off and keep moving, but it’s the kind of thing that she coudl never shake off.” This authenticity complicates Sherry’s character, making her more than just a con artist.

Sherry’s morality is a critical aspect of her personality.”She’s somebody who is very sensitive and is really invested in some version of morality,” Midthunder explains. Sherry’s involvement with simon is portrayed as a result of limited choices and experiences, rather than inherent malice. Even her spontaneous defense of Nate in a bar scene underscores her genuine care for others, which Midthunder emphasizes was “no reason for that to be part of any plan.”

Redemption and Audience Perception

Midthunder focused on Sherry’s internal journey rather than worrying about audience perception. Her approach was deeply empathetic: “As the person who was playing her, I really felt her pain more than anything. So I was not thinking about whether audiences will feel this way or that way.” This dedication to portraying Sherry’s struggles authentically allowed for a nuanced and ultimately redemptive arc.

From Prey to predator: Embracing Action in “Opus”

Transitioning to “Opus,” Midthunder appreciated the opportunity to work with an ensemble cast of acclaimed actors, including John Malkovich, Juliette Lewis, Ayo Edebiri, and Murray Bartlett. “Opus was just so cool for me to be able to see all these incredible actors up close,” she notes, highlighting the unique experience of witnessing these “titans of acting come to life.”

In “opus,” Midthunder takes on the role of Belle, a predator figure, a stark contrast to her role in “Prey.” Reflecting on the physical demands, especially the jogging scene with Ayo Edebiri, she admits, “Yeah, for as much action as I have done, I do *not* love to run.”

The Legacy of “Prey” and Future Returns

The success of “Prey” as a streaming release was particularly rewarding. Despite the risks associated with streaming, the film resonated with audiences. “The movie still made an impact with *Predator* fans and the Indigenous community and lots of other people,” Midthunder recalls. “We worked so hard on it so everyone could feel that, and for people to reflect it back was a feeling I cannot describe.”

When asked about future *Predator* projects, Midthunder remains coy but hopeful. “I would love to play Naru again. I love Dan. I love [*Prey*].I love that world.I would absolutely love to return.”

Confronting Monsters: “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters”

Currently, Midthunder is involved in the second season of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” continuing her streak of monster-related projects.”Yeah, we just finished filming the second season of *Monarch*,” she confirms, adding with a laugh, “I just can’t stop hanging out with monsters.”

Working Close to Home

Midthunder also shared her experiences working in New Mexico, where she grew up, particularly on “Opus”.”Yeah, anytime I’ve worked in New Mexico, it’s just so sweet and so cozy. I grew up there, and those film crews raised me.” Her mother, Angelique Midthunder, is a casting director and cast her in “Opus”. Reflecting on working with her mom, Amber playfully shares, “Yeah, we have a mutual joke that she can never afford me, and I always say that she’s the casting director that will pitch me the least.”

Amber emphasizes the comfort and familiarity of working in New Mexico’s film industry, “So, in front of the camera and behind, I love working in New Mexico.”

Through her roles, Amber Midthunder continues to captivate audiences while navigating the complexities of character, action, and the ever-expanding world of film and television.

What seemingly small detail in a movie has completely changed your perception of a character?

Amber Midthunder Discusses ‘Novocaine’, Complex Characters, and Vulnerability on Screen

Welcome, Archyde readers! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with acclaimed actress Amber Midthunder about her latest project, the action-comedy ‘Novocaine,’ co-starring Jack Quaid. let’s dive into the twists, turns, and character depths that make this film a must-see. Joining us is Eleanor Vance, our Entertainment Correspondent.

Eleanor Vance Interviews Amber Midthunder on ‘Novocaine’

Eleanor Vance: Amber, thank you so much for joining us today on Archyde. ‘Novocaine’ sounds like a wild ride. What initially drew you to the role of Sherry?

Amber Midthunder: Thanks for having me, Eleanor! Sherry was intriguing from the start. Her complexity really stood out. It’s rare to see a female love interest in this genre with such a guarded and edgy side, alongside her quirky charm. it was a fun challenge to embody that vulnerability within such a fun action film.

Exploring Sherry’s Character in ‘Novocaine’: Beyond the Surface

Eleanor Vance: You’ve mentioned Sherry’s complexity. Can you elaborate on how you approached portraying a character who is both vulnerable and,without giving to much away,morally ambiguous?

Amber Midthunder: it was all about understanding her motivations. Sherry’s never really experienced genuine safety or connection.Showing their scars with Nate, that was as real as could be.She’s invested in a personal version of morality but has made arduous choices due to her circumstances. I focused on feeling her pain and inner struggles, which helped create an authentic and nuanced performance, regardless of audience perception.

The Chemistry of ‘Novocaine’: Building Believable Connections with Jack Quaid

Eleanor Vance: The relationship between Sherry and Nate is central to the film. How crucial was it to establish that connection with Jack Quaid,and what was the rehearsal process like?

Amber Midthunder: Absolutely crucial! The success of ‘Novocaine’ hinges on the audience believing in their connection,Sherry’s character in ‘Novocaine’ is a bank teller. our most emotionally charged scenes were filmed right at the beginning, which put some pressure on us.Thankfully, we had about two weeks of prep time in Cape Town, rehearsing those scenes every day. that dedicated rehearsal time allowed us to find the necessary dynamic and build a believable bond.

The ‘Novocaine’ Twist: Sherry’s Complicity and Audience expectations

Eleanor Vance: ‘Novocaine’ has a major twist regarding Sherry’s involvement in the bank robbery. What was your reaction when you first read that in the script?

Amber Midthunder: I didn’t see it coming at all! I had that same “aha” moment as I believe the audience will. It made the role even more exciting. Knowing that there was more to Sherry than meets the eye allowed me to play with subtle nuances and create a character that defies easy categorization.I love the character’s unexpected twists and turns, that is an critically important part of ‘Novocaine’s story.

Sherry’s Cherry Pie: Decoding Character Through Small Details

Eleanor Vance: Sherry’s choice of cherry pie for lunch is quite…unique. Did you see that as symbolic of her character?

Amber Midthunder: oh, absolutely! She’s definitely a cherry pie-for-lunch kind of girl. I even nicknamed her “Sherry Cherry” as she doesn’t have a last name in the movie. It encapsulates her unconventional personality – the dessert-before-dinner type.

‘Opus’ and ‘Monarch’: Stepping into Action and Monster Encounters

Eleanor Vance: Moving from ‘Novocaine’ to ‘Opus’, you transitioned into a predator role, quite diffrent from your previous work in ‘Prey’. How was that experience?

Amber Midthunder: ‘Opus’ was amazing! It was cool to work with amazing actors like John Malkovich and Juliette Lewis. Playing Belle in ‘Opus’ was definitely a shift. And yes, even though I’ve done a lot of action, I still don’t love running, especially in that jogging scene with Ayo Edebiri! Now, ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters…’ I just can’t seem to stay away from monsters, can I?

A Second viewing of ‘Novocaine’: What Will Audiences discover?

Eleanor Vance: What do you hope audiences will take away from ‘Novocaine’, and what might they notice on a second viewing?

Amber Midthunder: I hope they’ll appreciate the fresh take on the action-comedy genre and the unexpected twists and turns. On a second viewing, I think they’ll catch even more of the subtle hints about Sherry and her motivations. The collaborative process with dan Berk and Robert olsen was great, and I think their vision really shines through. It’s designed to be watched multiple times to fully appreciate all the layers.The complexity of my character definitely brings new meaning upon rewatching.

Final Thoughts on ‘Novocaine’ and Complex Female Roles

Eleanor Vance: Absolutely! What’s the overarching message/ take away from starring in ‘Novocaine’.

Amber Midthunder: I think that ‘Novocaine’ really emphasizes complex female roles in any genre, even action comedy. I hope that it inspires other filmmakers to create equally engaging roles, where complex women characters aren’t left behind. This adds to the great twist and turns of ‘Novocaine’ because ultimately Sherry is a strong person, that has a major role in the movie.

Eleanor Vance: Amber, thank you so much for these exciting words! One final question for our readers: what seemingly small detail in a movie has completely changed your perception of a character? Share your thoughts in the comments below!