To say Maxim Roy is one of the hardest working people in the industry may be an understatement. The Canadian born actor has over 100 film and television credits to her name and continues to keep busy.

On the small screen, you may know her from her work on the English version of the series 19-2, were she played Lt. Isabelle Latendresse and was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for her work. She appeared in the hugely popular Freeform series Shadowhunters as well as the series Bad Blood, Heartland, Defying Gravity and Blood & Treasure. Currently, she is starring as Alice Harlow in the highly anticipated Netflix series October Faction.

We had the chance to talk with Maxim about her new series and her character Alice Harlow. We asked her about how her character was introduced, what she loves about this role and why there is such and appetite from viewers for shows like October Faction.

Pop Culture Principle – When you received the script for the series, what was it about the character of Alice Harlow that made you sign on to the project?

Maxim Roy – The fact that it scared me to take it on. It wasn’t a character that was developed in the books so, I had the task to make it up and mesh with the other characters and world that was completely unknown to me. If I’m scared of a project \part, I take it as a sign to do it.

Pop Culture Principle – October Faction is based on the graphic novels by Steve Niles and Damien Worm. Did you read the graphic novels to prepare for the role?

Maxim Roy – No, since Alice isn’t really in the books.

Pop Culture Principle – Where does your character Alice Harlow fit into the supernatural world of October Faction?

Maxim Roy – Well, I don’t want this to sound ostentatious but… oddly enough… Like Jocelyn in Shadowhunters… I believe there wouldn’t be an October Faction series without Alice. Basically, it all starts with these “women” getting their heartbroken. You have to watch the show to understand 🙂

Pop Culture Principle – In Episode 1, your character is introduced in a very interesting way. Can you talk about shooting the scene where we first meet Alice Harlow?

Maxim Roy – Such a fun day in a pool with our showrunner, Damian Kindler. He had to sink me underwater cuz I was floating! haha!

Pop Culture Principle – Although Alice Harlow was briefly seen in the graphic novels, she has a very important arc in the first season. As an actor, does this give you the opportunity to take this character, build her from scratch and give her your own touch and personality?

Maxim Roy – Yes, of course! It’s a thrill. And I was given a lot of leverage and leeway to develop Alice, which was terrifying and exciting. I was just praying Steve Niles and Damien Worm (the creators) liked what I did.

Pop Culture Principle – Your character seems to be fixated on the twins Viv and Geoff particularly. When viewers watch the first season, will they find out why?

Maxim Roy – YES!!! LOL!

Pop Culture Principle – Do you consider Alice Harlow to be evil or do you feel there are reasons why she is the way she is or there’s more to her than we initially see?

Maxim Roy – She is totally misunderstood in my opinion. I totally understand where she’s coming from. I mean, I wouldn’t do what she does, obviously. But, I do have a lot of empathy for her. Heartbroken, really.

Pop Culture Principle – In an interview with Screen Rant, showrunner Damon Kindler said this of you, “Maxim Roy, is such a tremendous actor and a great physical actor, it’s like working with a female Tom Cruise.” What are your thoughts about that comment?

Maxim Roy – HAHAHA! Tom Cruise? Really? Well, that’s a compliment. I’ll take it. 🙂 Damian definitely brought out the best in me.

Supernatural shows like October Faction really allow storytellers to talk about social issues that on going on in today’s society albeit racism, homophobia or whatever. Do you believe that October Faction does this as well?

Maxim Roy – October Faction is ALL about that. And a lot of those shows are. The supernatural stuff is just a colorful add on to a deep and profound message. The good & the bad. The dark & the light. Core values… OF is basically a cynical family drama.

Pop Culture Principle – Looking back on your career, I don’t think you’ve ever played a character like this before? How much fun did you have playing Alice Harlow?

Maxim Roy – When I wrapped, I told my agent it was the greatest part I’ve ever had. Alice went through all of the possible emotions. Physically demanding as well which is great and rare for a woman.

Pop Culture Principle – Would you say the core of October Faction is a family drama that contains supernatural elements?

Maxim Roy – Oh, I think I answered that 🙂

Pop Culture Principle – Why do you think there is such an appetite for these types of supernatural series?

Maxim Roy – I think people feel the need to escape right now… Or have for the past 4 years. According to psychologists, that’s why superhero movies are so popular as well.

Pop Culture Principle – What can fans look forward to with the first season of October Faction?

Maxim Roy – To be surprised. Moved. Think. Grow. Learn. 🙂

**************************************************************

A huge thank you to the wonderful Maxim Roy for taking time out of her schedule to talk with us. You can catch the first season of October Faction streaming now exclusively on Netflix!

**October Faction photos courtesy of Netflix**

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.