Pop Culture Principle

The new EPIX series FROM has become a breakout hit for the streaming service. FROM has garnered high praise from critics and already has become an obsession for fans of the show.

One of the reasons FROM is such a chilling series is because of the “creatures” who live in the woods and terrify the people in this middle American town. No one truly knows where they are or how they got there.

One of the “creatures” we were just introduced to in episode 6 is Jasmine, played by Canadian actor Molly Dunsworth. If her last name sounds familiar, it should. She’s the daughter of John Dunsworth, star of the long running cult comedy series Trailer Park Boys, but Molly is carving out her own path in the business. She’s appeared in films such as Hobo with a Shotgun and Ingrid and the Black Hole, for which she won an ACTRA award and Screen Nova Scotia Award for Outstanding Female Actor in a Supporting Role.

We sat down with Molly to talk about her character Jasmine, what it was like working on the set of FROM and if she’s sees these “creatures” as truly evil beings.

Pop Culture Principle – When you were first approached about a part in the series FROM, what made you decide to sign on to the project?

Molly Dunsworth – I was so excited about it! The premise sounded awesome, and I have a passion for working on horror movies and shows. At the time I didn’t know if it was a one liner, or what exactly was going on. I hadn’t worked in months due to the high covid cases, and it was thrilling to be invited onto that set! I knew a lot of the crew from other local productions, so it was like being welcomed back with open arms.

Pop Culture Principle – Can you tell us a bit about the audition process for the role of Jasmine?

Molly Dunsworth – Sure! At first the character was referred to as “Beautiful Young Woman.” She didn’t have a name for a while. When I first got the sides I was like, aw geez, can I pull this off? Haha. I think it was the only audition I’ve ever done completely alone. There were only a few lines, so I didn’t need anyone to read with me. I set up my IPad on its little tripod, held my bouquet of flowers, and tried to be sweet, yet foreboding, as I imagined Jasmine to be.
A few days after the audition I got an email from my agent telling me production was interested. I was super stoked, but tried not to get my hopes up, because sometimes things don’t work out, but it did!

Pop Culture Principle – What can you tell us about your character Jasmine?

Molly Dunsworth – She was so much fun to play! The transition from innocent and endearing to super scary was awesome to portray.

Pop Culture Principle – What was it like stepping on the set of FROM for the very first time?

Molly Dunsworth – I was probably in a little bit of a state of shock! I hadn’t been seeing many people at all, and to be back on a film set around a ton of people was quite something! The set itself was so cool. They really did an incredible job building it.

Pop Culture Principle – So far in the series, we know very little about the backstory of the creatures that attack the people in the town. Will we get to learn more about Jasmine and the other’s backstories?

Molly Dunsworth – Unfortunately I can’t speak to that! We’ll have to keep watching to find out!

Pop Culture Principle – Do you think the fact that these “monsters” look like you and me make their actions and what they do to a victim even more terrifying?

Molly Dunsworth – I do. I think seeing something that is so familiar to you, like another human, transform into something so horrifying is even more disturbing than seeing a monster right off the bat.

Pop Culture Principle – When your character transforms into the terrifying creature, is that all CGI and how did that work?

Molly Dunsworth – That was CGI, yup! My first experience with it. It was an interesting process. I went in one day with no makeup on, my hair slicked back, and nude coloured clothing on. I met the lovely CGI team. They had me stand on a spinning circle so they could get 360 degree photos of me. Someone would move the circle a tiny bit, and then they’d take a photo…over and over until they got me from every angle. I did it with a blank face at first, and then a scary one!

Pop Culture Principle – You only get to see brief glimpses when they transform into these horrific creatures. Do you feel that what you don’t see is even more terrifying and scary?

Molly Dunsworth – Definitely! It lets the imagine go wild! I think this way of doing things is brilliant.

Pop Culture Principle – Are these “creatures” truly evil or are they just trying to survive like the people of the town?

Molly Dunsworth – Well, they certainly seem pretty evil… but ya never know!

Pop Culture Principle – Are you a horror fan and why do you think we as viewers have such a fascination with horror and series like FROM?

Molly Dunsworth – I’m definitely a horror fan. I think part of it is the intense emotion, the adrenalin, the rush… Tough question. I couldn’t really tell you why we love watching horror so much, But i can definitely tell you that being on a horror film set is one of my favorite places to be!

Pop Culture Principle – What did you enjoy most about your time working on the series FROM?

Molly Dunsworth – I loved reconnecting with old film buddies, and making new ones. I loved meeting Jack Bender. I was extremely intimidated because I was familiar with so much of his work, so very nervous! He made me feel at ease immediately. At one point he gave me a thumbs up through the window and I sighed a huge sigh of relief and knew i was going to be ok!
The cast and crew on “From” were an incredible team. I love seeing people come together to work on something they’re passionate about.

Pop Culture Principle – Besides FROM are there any other projects you have coming up that you can discuss?

Molly Dunsworth – I hear the film season in Nova Scotia (that’s where i live) is about to be booming again, and it sounds like there are a lot of fun projects coming up. I’ve been doing lots of auditions lately for productions all around the world, so keep your eyes open for me please! 🙂

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A huge thank you to Molly Dunsworth for taking the time to talk with us. You can catch new episodes of FROM every Sunday night at 9/8c only on EPIX!

**Photos courtesy of Chris Sweet/Melissa Dube/Nick Hansen MacDonald**
**FROM screencap courtesy of EPIX/Callie Davis**