Thrills of Outdoor Filming & Jenna Coleman's Intense Revenge Arc Unleashed by Wilderness Director

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 group of exceptionally talented actors, namely Jenna Coleman, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Ashley Benson, and Eric Balfour. Executive producer Elizabeth Kilgarriff and director So Yong Kim delve into the intricacies of adapting the novel, collaborating with the various settings, and developing the multifaceted characters within the series.

The British thriller Wilderness is set to hit the American road for its premiere on September 15th. Based on B.E. Jones' novel of the same name, the Prime Video series follows the journey of Liv and Will, a couple who are not so happily married. After Will's infidelity is discovered, they embark on a supposedly therapeutic vacation. However, Liv's desire for vengeance rather than forgiveness takes over, leading to a series of events that will forever change their lives. The show, created by Marnie Dickens, known for her work on popular programs like The Musketeers and Ripper Street.

In addition to the gripping plot and impressive soundtrack, Wilderness features a talented cast of captivating characters. Jenna Coleman, known for her role in Doctor Who, shines as Liv, the betrayed wife, while Oliver Jackson-Cohen, from The Invisible Man, portrays her cheating husband Will. Ashley Benson, known for Pretty Little Liars, brings unexpected depth to the role of the "Other Woman," Cara, and Eric Balfour, from The Offer, completes the ensemble as Cara's oblivious boyfriend, Garth. Witness some of the intense dynamics in an exclusive clip below.

Elizabeth Kilgarriff & So Yong Kim Talk Wilderness

Screen Rant conducted an interview with executive producer Elizabeth Kilgarriff and director So Yong Kim to discuss the process of finding suitable locations to portray Wilderness, exploring the extent to which Liv can go to maintain harmony in her marriage, and the strategic acquisition of an iconic Taylor Swift track. Please note that this interview took place during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, and the creation of the depicted show was only made possible by the efforts of the writers and actors affiliated with WGA and SAG-AFTRA.

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 finding new intellectual property (IP) is an ongoing goal for the industry. In 2019, she came across a book that had not received much attention when it was initially published. Intrigued, she read it and had been discussing with Marnie the idea of creating a show that would explore a troubled marriage beyond the confines of domestic life, allowing for increased tension. Elizabeth found the concept of placing a British couple in New York, living a seemingly perfect life, only to disrupt it with betrayal, quite captivating. She saw potential in taking them on a journey into the wilderness where they would have to rely on each other for survival, despite the lack of trust. This unique twist had the power to intensify the storyline of a marriage in crisis.

So Yong, I admire the way the wilderness truly fuels Liv's vengeful fantasies and, of course, her actual revenge. How did you, as the director, utilize the setting and react to the environment?

So Yong Kim: Absolutely, all those stunning locations were envisioned in Marnie's scripts. Our goal, as a team, was to locate the ideal settings that would perfectly complement Liv's journey.

We conducted initial scouting in New York and Arizona before heading to Vancouver to find precise wilderness settings that authentically represent the transitional spaces of Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. Our scouting process involved meticulous attention to ensure that each location we discovered seamlessly aligns with the narrative.

Equally effortless is the portrayal of Jenna Coleman, who exudes undeniable charm. As viewers, we find ourselves rooting for her while simultaneously realizing her flaws. Balancing her performance with the story requires careful navigation to maintain this delicate equilibrium.

So Yong Kim: The debate among our mostly female creative team, as well as our discussions with Jenna and Oliver, highlights the importance of how Liv's actions are perceived by different viewers. Some may feel compelled to advise her against certain choices, while she ultimately goes ahead with them. This creates a highly debatable aspect to her journey.

Elizabeth Kilgarriff: However, what makes Liv truly remarkable is her ability to navigate multiple layers simultaneously. She balances what other characters should know, what the audience needs to know, her own knowledge, and what she keeps hidden from those around her. Despite this complexity, she still manages to connect with the audience and gain their affection.

Wasn't that the crucial factor for us? You needed to truly adore her and accompany her, just as you mentioned. You're deeply connected to her, supporting her wholeheartedly, and acknowledging that it's an incredible voyage she embarks upon.

How would you describe the collaborative process with Marnie Dicken? At what point did you get involved, So Yong, and how closely did you both aspire to adapt the book?

So Yong Kim: When it comes to adaptation, I trust Marnie completely as she has done a brilliant job overall in adapting the story from the book. What mattered to me the most when I first met Marnie and Liz was that we were on the same creative wavelength. This allowed us to explore various possibilities and experiment with different approaches. However, it is important to mention that, as a team, we all agreed on the direction we wanted to take the character, mainly because the script had already provided a strong foundation.

The mother-daughter bond between Liv and Carol is both fascinating and complex. I thoroughly enjoy witnessing its progression throughout the episodes. Elizabeth, could you please share your thoughts on the casting and the dynamic between the actresses?

Elizabeth Kilgarriff: Absolutely. Claire Rushbrook, a highly talented and esteemed British actress, was an ideal fit for the role. We were seeking someone who could embody a specific character. Caryl, on the surface, appears tough due to her life experiences. However, Claire beautifully captures the essence of a woman or mother like her, showcasing a hidden softness and vulnerability. Caryl copes with this by masking it with her tough exterior.

Jenna and Claire were absolutely amazing, weren't they? The chemistry between them was truly brilliant. If anything, Jenna seemed to find the journey alongside Liv quite enjoyable. The character of Liv goes through a challenging path, with some significant moments shared between her and Jenna. One particular scene stands out as an incredible confrontation between the two, but overall, there was a lot of fun and delight. Claire is a joy to watch, just like Jenna.

Furthermore, Oliver Jackson-Cohen portrays Will with great charm. However, unlike Liv, Will may not come across as instantly likable. It becomes a matter of interpretation whether we believe this man truly loves anyone. Nonetheless, it is evident that his past experiences greatly impact the way he approaches his relationship with Liv and women in general.

Elizabeth Kilgarriff: We extensively discussed Oliver's character to ensure that he didn't fall into clichés that would make him unlikable. While everyone may have their own opinion on Will, it was crucial for Oliver, Marnie, and all of us to peel back the layers and reveal the damaged boy underneath, even though he behaves poorly. Throughout the show, there are moments where glimpses of his emotional scars can be seen. He embodies a British archetype of a boy who was sent away to school at a young age and has suffered emotional damage as a result. His struggle to open up and his sense of entitlement are both evident, but it was important for us to convey that his emotional damage is the root of the issue.

So Yong Kim expressed the importance of including moments that generate empathy for the character and how those moments contribute to Liv's overall journey. Maintaining a balance was crucial to the success of the story. She also emphasized the need to develop nuance and build empathy for Will as part of the team's approach.

Considering that half of the show takes place in the wilderness and the other half in New York or enclosed spaces, So Yong was asked if there is a difference in her approach to these domestic scenes that are hidden from others versus the ones that are in open view.

So Yong Kim discussed the process of shooting New York scenes with her cinematographer, Kat Westergaard. They aimed to incorporate elements of thriller and create a consistent range by referencing '70s thriller films and movies like Gone Girl. However, their previous collaboration on an Indie film that focused on intimate storytelling provided them with a streamlined approach to create the desired atmosphere throughout the production.

Elizabeth, I was truly impressed when the trailer was released featuring Taylor's version of “Look What You Made Me Do.” I thought to myself, "The marketing department has truly outdone themselves." However, I later discovered that this song is actually part of the show. Did they always intend for this to happen? How did this come about?

Elizabeth Kilgarriff expressed astonishment at the content, considering it to be a dream. Marnie, in her scripts, incorporates music early on by integrating the soundtrack and lyrics to establish the desired atmosphere. This show possesses an exceptionally remarkable soundtrack.

Taylor was featured in episode 2 during an awe-inspiring Porsche scene. Following that, discussions arose regarding the selection of a title track. We pondered, "Who could it be? What could it be?" Ultimately, we concluded that "Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)" would be the ideal choice. We presented the query to Taylor, and she agreed, resulting in a remarkable collaboration. It is truly amazing and a dream come true. This is an immensely thrilling experience.

Ashley Benson's performance as Cara is truly outstanding, as she portrays numerous layers in her character that one wouldn't expect her to have. She goes beyond being just the typical other woman, even though we don't see much of her in the film. What was your experience like working with her, and what discussions did you have regarding her character development?

Elizabeth Kilgarriff: Ashley is incredibly talented. When we initially spoke with her, she was drawn to the complexity of the character. Traditionally, the other woman is often portrayed as a one-dimensional character that audiences despise. However, our intention, shared by Ashley herself, was to completely subvert that stereotype. Episode 2, in particular, delves deep into this concept. Both women come to the realization that they have been wronged and that the fault lies with Will, not themselves.

Ashley was drawn to the concept of not being portrayed as a one-dimensional character. This added depth made the final moment when they all reunite feel truly satisfying.

Yong Kim agreed, acknowledging the power in presenting a character who challenges stereotypes associated with the "other woman". Ashley thoroughly enjoyed her involvement and being part of the team. The hiking scenes with the four of them were particularly enjoyable and exhilarating.

Elizabeth Kilgarriff: They embarked on a significant journey, venturing into the wild. I believe they truly embraced the wilderness.

So Yong Kim: Additionally, Ashley faced the challenge of being allergic to mosquito bites. Despite this, she fearlessly tackled the hiking scenes while heavily protected with layers of DEET.

About Wilderness

Based on the novel of the same name by B.E. Jones, Wilderness tells the story of Liv and Will, a British couple who appear to have a perfect life in New York City. However, their marriage is shattered when Liv discovers Will's affair. Overcome with heartbreak and anger, Liv decides that revenge is her only option. When Will suggests embarking on a trip around America's breathtaking National Parks to start anew, Liv sees an opportunity to execute her plan. Wilderness is a dark love story, where an idyllic vacation and the promise of a happily-ever-after quickly transforms into a terrifying ordeal. Don't miss the premiere of Wilderness on Prime Video on September 15.