Exclusive: Actress Sarah Alexandra Marks Talks About Her Journey So Far

In the fast-moving and rapidly expanding, fertile independent UK horror scene, certain talents possess the rare ability to captivate audiences not only with their performances but with their versatility. Sarah Alexandra Marks, a rising star in British entertainment, epitomizes this very essence. From her early days as a dancer gracing the illustrious stages of The Royal Opera House to her seamless transition into screen acting, Marks has traversed a path paved with versatility, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her craft.

With an impressive list of film credits, Marks has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, her performances to date leaving an mark on audiences and critics alike. From the gritty intensity of recent release Escape to the supernatural allure of Witch, she has fearlessly delved into a myriad of genres, breathing life into characters that resonate with authenticity and depth.

In this exclusive interview, we delve deep into the world of Sarah Alexandra Marks, seeking to unravel the layers of her artistry, passion, and aspirations. From her reflections on the challenges of navigating the complexities of fame to her insights into the power of authentic storytelling, Marks offers a candid and introspective glimpse into her journey as an up-and-coming actress.

Join us as we embark on a journey through the heart and soul of this remarkable talent, from her approach to selecting roles to her foray into directing with Snowdrop (2023). With each project, Marks reaffirms her status as a rising star on the horizon, poised to leave an indelible mark in UK cinema.

Sarah Alexandra Marks interview

Love Horror: So tell us a bit about your new release Escape, the latest film you’ve starred in.
Sarah Alexandra Marks:A girls vacation, turns into a fight for survival. Jam packed with action, fighting and more, through deserts, canyons and caves. What more could you want?!

Escape presents a particularly harrowing narrative of survival and resilience in the face of human trafficking. Could you share with us your experience working on this project, and how did you prepare for your role as Karla amidst such intense and challenging subject matter?

Yes the nature of what is happening to the girls is hellish. I do the the same thing I always do on every film – homework and preparation. When the camera is rolling this allows me to stay focused and present. Karla has a ‘do or die’ attitude which helps you to hone in on what is within your control and cut out what isn’t. This outlook really helps to keep you centred when approaching sensitive subject matters, scenes, characters or even demanding shoot schedules.

Your filmography boasts an impressive array of roles across various genres and formats. Could you share with us a role or project that you found particularly challenging or rewarding?

I play ‘Jasmine’ in my latest film ‘River Of Blood’ also directed by Howard J Ford and written by Tom Boyle. There are a lot of stunts and action sequences that I trained for. At moments I was nervous, even terrified, but once again my preparation allowed me to stay focused and enjoy the thrill of it all. Taking on new challenges like these are invigorating, they drive me to step up my game.

With a diverse range of projects under your belt, from short films to TV series and feature films, how do you approach selecting roles?

Usually if the character speaks out to me, I’m in. With a great writer and a well thought out script it’s much easier to envision how to lift a character off the page. As my career has developed it’s become much more important for me to know who the team is made up of. I always like to know what director, cinematographer and producer is attached. Sometimes a character might not seem much on paper but when there is a talented, director or a passionate producer the magic happens in the collaborative journey.

As a burgeoning talent in the industry, how do you navigate the challenges of securing roles and making your mark in a competitive landscape? Have there been any setbacks or moments of doubt along the way?

If you have doubts you have to squish them quickly. We are human, we’re always plagued with fear and doubt, that voice is what limits our potential. I have always believed this was the path I was supposed to take. I work very hard and seek out others who have the same work ethic as me whether they are writers, producers, directors or even other actors.

Your upcoming projects include Bogieville, Witch and Do Us Part. Could you offer us a glimpse into these roles and what excites you most about these upcoming ventures?

I play the lead Twyla in Witch. If you like magic, fantasy and horror you’re in for a treat. I play the lead Alice in Do Us Part – It’s a dark comedy which will have you laughing and crying at the same time. In Bogieville, I have a role which really helps to set up the film, if you like vamps you’ll love this!

You’ve also ventured into directing with Snowdrop (2023). How does the experience of being behind the camera compare to being in front of it, and do you see yourself pursuing more directing opportunities in the future?

I loved directing. It helped me understand acting from a new point of view. I think any serious actor should try to at least direct a short film or even a few scenes just to see what it’s like on the other side of the lens. I’m sure I will direct again one day.

Collaboration seems to be a recurring theme in your work, whether it’s with directors, fellow actors, or crew members. How do you foster a collaborative spirit on set, and what do you value most in your creative partnerships?

Be a nice person to work with, It doesn’t cost you a thing. Also have respect for the writer, director and producers. They have been working on the film for months before actors show up. I’ve seen actors push too much on directors which only adds to the internal stresses they are carrying. I will always help out where I can on set. Making things easier for fellow cast and crew helps us all reach the shared goal of making a great movie!

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of your career? Are there specific genres or types of characters you’re eager to explore, and do you have any long-term goals or ambitions within the industry?

I would love to be cast in a drama and/or a romcom. Regardless of the genre I strive to work with the most talented in the field. Howard J Ford is one of those. I love the challenge and exhilaration of shooting action movies. It’s a dream of mine to work with Tom Cruise on something like the Mission Impossible franchise one day.

Your filmography includes several horror films such as Punch, The Killing Tree, and The Caller. What draws you to the horror genre, and how do you approach portraying fear and tension in your performances?

I thoroughly prepare for the role and when the camera turns over I make a conscious effort to stay present in the moment. Truth in acting is truth in circumstances. This approach gives me freedom to make authentic character choices which serve the overall vision of the director.

Working on horror films often involves intense scenes and emotional challenges. Can you share with us a memorable experience or scene from one of your horror projects and how you prepared yourself mentally and emotionally for it?

I have many! Without giving too much away – River Of Blood has a disturbing scene in a pit with all sorts of creepy crawlies swimming and flying around me. My character is trapped and in a lot of pain. I had the writer Tom Boyle in the pit with me the entire time, he later said it was probably the most traumatising scene he’d witnessed. I had to prop myself up on a sand bag because the pit flooded with water. I had to use all the muscles in my body to keep me upright so I didn’t get swamped in the water. All whist performing an intense scene. It was challenging but so rewarding.

Where can we next expect to see you on our screens?

I have a few films coming out soon. Horror The Manor Of Darkness produced by Lucas A Ferrara. Witch and River of Blood –  an action horror.

You can catch Sarah in Escape, which was released earlier this month, and recent UK slasher Punch – both of which are available to watch now.