Discover the Untamed Wilderness: Behind-the-Scenes of Outdoor Filming and Jenna Coleman's Riveting Revenge Arc

Summary

Wilderness, premiering on September 15, is a British thriller series based on a novel that follows a troubled couple on a therapeutic vacation.

The show showcases a highly skilled ensemble comprising of Jenna Coleman, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Ashley Benson, and Eric Balfour.

Elizabeth Kilgarriff, the executive producer, along with director So Yong Kim, delve into the intricacies of adapting the novel, collaborating with the settings, and portraying the multifaceted characters in the series.

The British thriller Wilderness is set to premiere on September 15th, taking an American road trip. Based on B.E. Jones' novel of the same name, the Prime Video series follows a married couple, Liv and Will, who are not so happy, as they embark on a supposed therapeutic vacation after Will's affair is discovered. However, Liv's desire for revenge outweighs forgiveness, leading to a series of events that will irreversibly change their lives. The show, created by Marnie Dickens, known for her work on The Musketeers and Ripper Street, offers a gripping plot and an impressive soundtrack.

In addition to its suspenseful storyline, Wilderness features a stellar cast of captivating characters. Jenna Coleman, known for her role in Doctor Who, plays Liv, the betrayed wife, while Oliver Jackson-Cohen, from The Invisible Man, portrays her cheating husband, Will. Ashley Benson, famous for Pretty Little Liars, brings depth to the role of the "Other Woman," Cara. Completing the ensemble is Eric Balfour, from The Offer, who plays Cara's unsuspecting boyfriend, Garth.

Elizabeth Kilgarriff & So Yong Kim Talk Wilderness

Screen Rant: I didn't realize this was a novel when I got into the show, and now I must read it. What was that journey from page to screen like, Elizabeth? How did it start?

Elizabeth Kilgarriff expressed that they are consistently searching for intellectual property (IP) as it holds great significance for the industry. She came across a book in 2019 that seemed to have received limited attention when it was initially published. After reading it, she realized the potential for a show that moves a troubled marriage out of its domestic setting and into a more intense environment. She found the book intriguing because it offered a relatable and universal emotional story that could be elevated. The concept of placing a British couple, living a fairy tale in New York, into a situation of betrayal piqued her interest. By taking them on a journey into the wilderness, where they must rely on each other to survive despite a lack of trust, the story of a marriage in crisis becomes even more compelling.

So Yong, I appreciate how Liv's fantasies of revenge are truly fueled by the untamed wilderness - and, naturally, her subsequent acts of revenge. As a director, how did you collaborate with the setting and adapt to the surroundings?

So Yong Kim: Absolutely, Marnie's scripts beautifully laid out these remarkable locations. Our objective was to meticulously seek out those ideal settings that would most effectively encapsulate Liv's transformative journey.

We initially scouted New York and Arizona, followed by our expedition to Vancouver where we sought out wilderness locations that authentically reflect the transitional environments of Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. Our scouting process was meticulous, ensuring that each location seamlessly complemented the narrative.

A perfect fit for our project is Jenna Coleman, whose endearing nature is simply irresistible. She effortlessly generates support from the audience, while also evoking moments of "Oh, honey. Stop," mixed with empowering cheers of "Go girl. Go." How do you manage to navigate this delicate balance in both her performance and the story itself?

So Yong Kim: The debate among our creative team, mostly comprising women, is huge. We have ongoing discussions about this and also communicate with Jenna and Oliver. The point of the journey is that every viewer will have different ideas on how Liv should have handled her situation. It's like when someone says, "Stop it, girl. Don't go there." But she does go there, and that's what makes it so debatable.

Elizabeth Kilgarriff: She is truly amazing. It's interesting that you mentioned that because I believe that's what makes her character so wonderful. She simultaneously portrays what other characters need to know, what we want the audience to know, what she knows herself, and what she's hiding from those around her. She manages to juggle it all and connect with the audience, and you can't help but love her.

I believe that was essential for us, right? It was necessary to love her and accompany her, as you mentioned. You are deeply connected to her, providing support and thinking, "Wow, it's a transformative experience. It's the journey she embarks on."

Could you describe the collaborative process you had with Marnie Dicken? When did you come on board, So Yong, and how closely did you both intend to adapt the book?

So Yong Kim: Marnie did an exceptional job adapting the story in the book overall, so I trust her completely with the adaptation. When I first met Marnie and Liz, it was crucial to me that we were on the same creative wavelength. Within that, we had the freedom to explore different perspectives. However, our collective agreement on the direction of the character was largely based on the foundation established in the script pages.

The mother-daughter relationship between Liv and Carol is both captivating and complex. It is truly a joy to witness their bond evolve throughout the episodes. Elizabeth, could you please discuss the casting process and the chemistry between the actresses?

Elizabeth Kilgarriff: Absolutely. Claire Rushbrook is an exceptional and highly respected British actress. We were specifically looking for someone who could embody a unique character. Caryl may appear tough on the surface due to the hardships she has faced in life. However, what Claire portrayed so exquisitely, and what I believe many individuals, particularly mothers, can relate to, is the presence of tenderness and vulnerability beneath that tough exterior. Caryl copes by shielding her vulnerability with strength.

Jenna and Claire were absolutely amazing, weren't they? Their synergy was truly exceptional. In fact, I believe Jenna found it quite enjoyable at times. The journey that she embarks on with Liv as a character is quite challenging, especially considering the significant scenes they share. There is a particularly outstanding confrontation scene between them, but it's not devoid of fun and enjoyment. Claire is an absolute delight, just like Jenna.

Oliver Jackson-Cohen exudes charm, although Will may not be as inherently likable as Liv. One could argue whether he truly loves anyone. However, in what way do you think his past has influenced his approach to his relationship with Liv and women in general?

Elizabeth Kilgarriff emphasized the extensive conversations held with Oliver regarding his character. It was crucial to avoid falling into cliches and portraying him in a disliked manner. Despite his terrible actions, it was important to delve beneath the surface and uncover the layers.

Throughout the show, there are fleeting moments when the audience glimpses the vulnerable nature of this damaged individual. He fits the British archetype of a boy who was sent away to school at a young age and suffered emotional scars as a result. His struggle to open up in relationships is indicative of his upbringing. However, it is also evident that he carries a sense of entitlement. Our intention was for the emotional damage to be the root cause of his problematic behavior.

So Yong Kim believes that moments of empathy towards the character are crucial for the overall journey of Liv. It was important for the team to find nuance and build empathy for Will, as constantly portraying him as a hateful person would not have worked for the story.

In terms of the show's setting, Kim notes that roughly half of the show takes place in the wilderness while the other half is in New York or closed spaces. Kim is interested in whether there is a difference in approach when filming domestic scenes that are hidden from the public versus those that are out in the open.

In discussing the New York scenes with my cinematographer, Kat Westergaard, we aimed to incorporate elements of suspense throughout the film, drawing inspiration from '70s thrillers and movies like Gone Girl. This helped us maintain a cohesive visual style while also gradually intensifying the overall atmosphere. However, our collaboration on an independent film prior to this project allowed us to develop a concise method of communication, which greatly benefited our production process.

Elizabeth, when the trailer was released and they utilized Taylor's version of "Look What You Made Me Do," I was astounded by the brilliance of the marketing department. Nonetheless, it has been incorporated into the show itself. Was this always the intention? How did this concept materialize?

Elizabeth Kilgarriff: I'm still in awe of it. It feels like a dream. One unique aspect of Marnie's scripts is that she incorporates the music into them from the very beginning, carefully selecting tracks based on the lyrics and overall vibe. The soundtrack for our show is truly outstanding.

Taylor made an appearance in episode 2 during the unforgettable scene with the Porsche. At that point, we began discussing our title track and who could perform it. Naturally, we thought, "Wouldn't it be amazing if it were “Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor’s Version)?" We posed the question to her, she agreed, and somehow we made it happen. It's truly incredible. A dream come true. It's absolutely thrilling.

Ashley Benson shines in her role as Cara, displaying unexpected depth and complexity. She surpasses the stereotype of the "other woman" and proves to be much more than meets the eye, even with limited screen time. Can you share your experience working with her and the discussions you had regarding her character development?

Elizabeth Kilgarriff: Ashley is truly exceptional. When we initially spoke with her, she was drawn to the multi-dimensional nature of the character. Instead of portraying a typical one-dimensional "other woman" who we are meant to despise, our goal, shared by Ashley, was to subvert that expectation. This is particularly evident in episode 2, where both women come to the realization that they have been deceived and that neither of them is to blame; it is Will who is at fault.

Actually, I believe that's what attracted Ashley. It was the notion that she wasn't simply a flat character. It's far more intriguing, and the culmination when they unite feels truly earned.

So Yong Kim: Yes, it's incredibly impactful. I think she genuinely relished portraying this character who challenges our preconceived notions of the "other woman." I remember you mentioning that. Additionally, she thoroughly enjoyed being present and being a part of the team. During the hiking scenes with the four of them, we had an absolute blast. It was an extraordinary experience.

Elizabeth Kilgarriff: Their journey was quite significant, as they ventured into the wilderness.

So Yong Kim: Despite Ashley's allergic reaction to mosquito bites, she fearlessly braved the hiking scenes while being heavily protected with layers of DEET.

About Wilderness

Premiering on September 15 on Prime Video, Wilderness is a captivating film based on B.E. Jones' novel. The story revolves around Liv (played by Coleman) and Will (played by Jackson-Cohen), a British couple who appear to have the perfect life. They have a strong marriage, a glamorous new life in New York, and a sense of youthfulness that makes them believe the best is yet to come. However, their blissful existence crumbles when Liv discovers Will's infidelity. Overwhelmed by heartbreak and anger, Liv realizes that revenge is her only choice. When Will suggests a trip to America's breathtaking National Parks as a fresh start for their relationship, Liv seizes the opportunity to make her plan come to fruition. What was supposed to be a dream holiday and a chance at "happily-ever-after" takes a dark and twisted turn in Wilderness - a love story turned nightmare.