Horror Favourites – Sophie Rankin

To anyone interested in film, there is an almost tangible atmosphere of optimism and momentum in the UK horror film industry at the moment. At a time were tools and funding are more accessible than ever, and new ideas are materialising at a rapid rate, there has never been a better time to be involved in this movement. Today, we turn our spotlight on a talent most definitely involved in this revolution – British actress Sophie Rankin. Her journey from drama school to international stardom is as captivating as the roles she embodies on screen. With a career spanning 12 years, Rankin’s versatility and dedication have seen her grace numerous TV shows and feature films across the globe.

Sophie’s acting voyage embarked shortly after her drama school tenure in London, marking her entry into television with roles in an Indian TV series and the widely cherished British soap opera, Emmerdale. However, Sophie’s talents are not confined to acting alone. From a young age, she delved into the world of modeling, securing contracts with various beauty and fashion brands, which saw her featured in print work and TV commercials. Moreover, her background in gymnastics and dance propelled her into the limelight of 32 music videos as a commercial dancer, showcasing her multifaceted skills and adaptability.

A pivotal moment in Sophie’s career was her visit to the Philippines in 2015, initially for a modeling project. This trip unexpectedly morphed into a five-year sojourn, during which she landed main roles in feature films that enjoyed cinematic releases, numerous TV shows, and some very famous TV series in the region. Her modeling career also flourished across Asia, evidencing her international appeal and versatility.

Returning to the UK a few years ago, Sophie has continued to make waves in the film industry, particularly within the horror genre. Among her recent projects, three feature films stand out, each poised to leave a significant mark on audiences this year.

Ouija Castle, directed by Louisa Warren, features Sophie in one of the lead roles as Princess Sofia. Sophie describes the film as “probably the darkest horror that I’ve ever acted in,” promising an experience audiences won’t want to miss. Following this, DarkGame, starring Ed Westwick and directed by award-winning Howard J Ford, presents Sophie as Fay. This thriller horror movie, already released in the US on all streaming platforms, is described by Sophie as “very dark and extremely impactful,” guaranteed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Lastly, Escape, also directed by Howard J Ford, showcases Sophie in a leading role as Lucy (alongside Sarah Alexandra Marks). Set for release in the US on the 15th of March across all streaming platforms, Escape is an action thriller movie that Sophie is particularly excited about. She enthuses, “It’s non-stop action-packed, extremely entertaining with a lot of character depth.” The film boasts beautiful cinematic backdrops, from deserts in the Canary Islands to beautiful villas in France and dramatic underground forts in the UK.

Sophie Rankin’s journey through the realms of acting and modeling illustrates not only her diverse talent but also her dedication to her craft. As she continues to explore and excel in horror cinema, her upcoming projects, Ouija Castle, DarkGame, and Escape, are testament to her evolving prowess and ability to captivate audiences with her performances. With such a promising lineup, Sophie Rankin is undoubtedly a name to watch in the UK horror scene.

Below, Sophie tells us about her favourite scary movie

“I would say that Pscho by Alfred Hitchcock has got to be my favourite Horror film! Alfred really just is the master of suspense horror and the movie really did spawn the modern slasher movie!
I’ve always loved the psychological mystery aspect to the film!”

You can keep up to date with Sophie’s film career on her socials:

Instagram: @sophielouiserankin
IMDb: Sophie Rankin

Escape is out hitting March 15th and you can check out the trailer below.