Comedy, plot twists and a classic who done it. F*** Marry Kill has it all and is now available to stream on Apple TV and Prime Video. We Facetimed with actress and director Brooke Nevins, who plays Valerie in the film to learn about how she preps for characters, working with Lucy Hale and her top tips for young actors.
In F*** Marry Kill, as a serial killer targets women on dating apps, a true-crime junkie must figure out which of her three dates is an f***-boy, marriage material, or a killer. Pretty Little Liars star Lucy Hale plays Eva Vaugh and Brooke’s character Valerie is Eva’s overprotective big sister.
Brooke has had a long and successful career, a testament to her prep and process as an actress. She played Rachel in the science fiction series Animorphs, Jules Simms in Breakout Kings and Sonja Lester in Call Me Fitz. She’s also had cameos in episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, How I Met Your Mother and Chicago Fire. Brooke shared with us so many incredible lessons learned that all young actors need to hear!
When she first got the script, Brooke said she loved that F*** Marry Kill was that perfect balance of mystery and comedy. The director, Laura Murphy, is very into allowing improv and those “yes, and” conversations on set, which allowed Brooke to try a bunch of different things when it came to playing Valerie.
“It was such a fast, fun read, the comedic tone was so specific.”
As a seasoned actress, Brooke has so many different skills she’s picked up to play characters. She shared that she often color codes scripts to understand her character’s arc and relationships to others. She also likes to fully immerse herself in roles, whether it’s playing a cop, a doctor, or even just an older sister.
“I’ll start with a character and figure out how this character is like me.”
We asked Brooke what it was like to work with Lucy Hale, and she joked they got comfortable with each other very fast as their first scene together was actually a stunt rehearsal! Brooke said Lucy is very present and commands the set and is also always willing to jump in and try new things.
“To have this competitive relationship, it was so fun to explore and Lucy [Hale] is so game.”
Because she has also tried her hand at directing, Brooke said she has picked up so many different aspects of storytelling from both sides of the camera.
“Even before I started directing, I always had a holistic approach to the script and figuring out where the character is and how all the other elements come together to enhance the story.”
Brooke revealed learning never stops in the entertainment world, and she said her best advice to young people in the field is to seek out workshops and classes and allow yourself to immerse yourself in new things. Even doing things that make you uncomfortable will help you learn so much more!
“I’ve always considered it important and part of my job as an artist to continue learning.”
Thank you, Brooke, for chatting with Young Entertainment! Follow her on her Instagram at @therealbrookenevin. Watch the rest of the interview where we ask her more about her process and stay tuned till the end for a rapid fire round of firsts. While you’re there, be sure to like and subscribe to our channel for the latest news in young entertainment.
Consider this:
- Try your hand at a clown class! They are great for becoming better at improv and movement.
- The Alexander Technique is a method actors use to prepare their bodies for roles. The technique uses relaxation tools and other breathing and physical exercises to improve posture, movements and develop good habits.
