Lifetime Movie Network’s The Past Comes Knocking is airing Friday September 13, at 8pm ET and we sat down with stars, Karl E. Landler and Marem Hassler to discuss the movie, the chemistry between the two of them and Karl’s fabulous wardrobe choices.
The Past Comes Knocking is a tense thriller that sees Marem playing Susan Shaw, a former investigative journalist now working as a professor. Things get real when Susan’s past intrudes on her new quiet life and people around start dying in non-natural ways. Fearing for not just for her own life but also that of her daughter Autumn, Susan teams up with fellow teacher Thomas (played by Karl) to try and outwit the killer.
Marem, you play Susan Shaw, a former investigative journalist with a past she’s trying to outrun. What did you tap into to bring out Susan’s fierce determination and vulnerability?
When one of the directors David Chung, first had contacted me with the part, I happened to be staying with a friend, who herself had been an investigative journalist. She gave me great insight to that world and how tough it was, not just being a woman in often dangerous environments, but also coping mentally with the information she uncovered. She shared the importance of a coping ritual and that part of her coping mechanism during some of her toughest assignments, was to put her headphones on- listening to loud music and dance by herself.
I found that to be a great entry point into the life of Susan Shaw- it made me understand the layers of the life she carved out, the stability she had fought and how all that interacted with who she couldn’t help being- and that was a person driven by uncovering the truth. No amount of hiding behind her professor job would change that. Of course, she is a mum who wants to protect her daughter- and That aspect creates a deep sense of vulnerability making her far more complex.
Karl, your character, Thomas, starts off as a shy university teacher with a crush on Susan. How did you balance his awkwardness with the courage he develops over the course of the film?
At first, I wanted him to have this individuality — as you said, an awkwardness — that would make Thomas stand out and come across as a kind person. The idea was that, hopefully, his likability would grow in the eyes of the audience, making them root for him as he gets dragged by Susan, his romantic interest, into this deadly rescue mission. The shy do not lack courage; it’s a misconception. The quiet ones are often wiser and reveal themselves to be true troopers you can count on. Susan found in Thomas a great Frenchie sidekick.
The chemistry between you two is fantastic! Did you have any fun or unexpected moments on set that helped create that dynamic, both in the intense scenes and the lighter, comedic moments?
Karl: We have been incredibly lucky to share so many projects together, which made our scenes—on such a tight schedule—hopefully enjoyable to watch. We love to improvise; I certainly do. I have a passion for comedy and even directed a comedy, Duo, with Marem in it. I also had a recurring role in a French comedy TV show. You can catch us in the crazy SyFy TV show Loyal Khondor if you’re in the mood for a laugh. The Diner scenes is a great read on our chemistry. We barely landed in Detroit, and it was D1. One take. Move on.
Marem: I can safely say that Karl is amongst one of my favorite sparring partners in front and behind the camera. I think because we have worked together on so many projects we have a solid trust foundation-that allows for great improvisation and also accessing deeper layers when needed. The fun part is that we still manage to surprise each other. And I think we push each other to bring our best to the table.
Karl, Thomas’ character goes through a transformation from being shy to becoming Susan’s right-hand man. Were there any specific wardrobe or character design choices that helped you show this evolution?
We took a similar approach with the wardrobes, evolving the character from ‘shy’ to a ‘cool sidekick.’ Through his clothes, he reveals his personality – we used kimonos, hats, and shirts with tigers on them. The bold colors helped break away from the stereotypical university teacher look. By allowing the character to act a little ‘off character,’ we gave him room to exist freely and grow. The audience is already following a thriller with a familiar narrative structure, but with Thomas, I saw an opportunity to inject some unexpected elements. Glad the directors, David Chung and Brandon Villano, were on board with the idea, and with the help of Jacqueline DeCosmo, we pulled it off.
Marem, Susan is juggling being a mother and a fierce investigator. How did you approach playing a character with such high stakes—protecting her daughter while also trying to clear her name?
I think you always want to find something in your life that can relate to the size of the stakes not necessarily the circumstances but the intensity of the perspective of the character. I def have a strong bond to my loved ones and there would be very little that could stand in my way if it came to ensure their wellbeing. I also have a strong sense that there are moments in life, where you might be faced with a choice- are you going to do the right thing or the easy thing. This was my starting point and then the journey of the character as written- allows for the discovery of one step that leads to the next. I think it all about exploring and landing on a filter of perception, the POV through which the character experiences her world.
Speaking of next projects, what’s coming up for you both? Any chance we’ll see you team up again, or perhaps try something completely different?
Karl: Christmas countdown has begun, and so has the re-run of my film Christmas in Paris on GreatTV in the UK this Saturday, the 14th, and in other countries too. Dark Deception, a Tubi Original from this year, is streaming along with many others—just look me up. We’ve also wrapped Breaking Free with the same directors/producers team, now heading to distribution.
Marem: I just wrapped on an episode on NCIS, where I play a re-occurring character “Lena Paulson”. It’s a fun episode coming out on the 29th of October. The episode is called “foreign bodies”.
Then there is Witchy Ways, a movie directed by Jane Clark, that is starring Diora Baird and myself, which Ainara Landon, my production company Partner in Prickly Pears Films produced. Witchy Ways has already been selected in several important film festivals- with it’s premier September 13th.
Then there is my directorial feature film debut – called “Love, Bees & Fckery”, that is premiering in New York this October and will be starting festival circuit.
And lastly, if The Past Comes Knocking had a sequel (fingers crossed!), where would you like to see Susan and Thomas’ story go next?
Karl: A European mystery, maybe? Europe is Great! We love it. Plus, Wine is mandatory on a movie set. Let’s go!
Marem: I would love it!! I think a European adventure would allow for a lot of action and humor. Susan and Thomas have this fun chemistry that could lend itself to a unique crime fighting couple!)
Karl and Marem, thank you so much for taking time out to talk to us here at Memorable TV.
The Past Comes Knocking can be seen on the Lifetime Movie Network on Friday September 13, at 8:00 PM.
