Unveiling the Electrifying On-Screen Chemistry between Justina Machado and Alejandro Hernandez in The Nightmare of Dolores Roach

Streaming on Prime Video starting Friday, July 7th, The Horror of Dolores Roach is now available, based on the popular Spotify podcast. Upon her return to Washington Heights after a sixteen-year stint in prison, Dolores seeks assistance from an old friend to rebuild her life. Together, Dolores and Luis find themselves navigating a treacherous world, leading them down a path they never expected.

Leading the cast is Justina Machado, starring as Dolores Roach, with Alejandro Hernandez portraying Luis Batista, the owner of an empanada shop. Machado is best known for her role in the sitcom One Day at a Time, and she has also appeared in other notable projects such as Six Feet Under and The Purge: Anarchy. Hernandez recently completed filming for New Amsterdam, a series that ran from 2018 to 2023. The talented cast also includes Kita Updike, K. Todd Freeman, Ilan Eskenazi, Jeffery Self, and Jean Yoon.

Justina Machado & Alejandro Hernandez Talk The Horror of Dolores Roach

Justina Machado and Alejandro Hernandez discuss their unique onscreen chemistry and how it differs from their previous projects in an exclusive interview with Screen Rant.

Screen Rant: I love the dynamic between Dolores and Luis. How was working together?

Justina Machado: The chemistry between us was great. We instantly understood each other, both the characters and the way we worked. To be honest, we didn't know each other well initially, but we started to get to know each other. Many people assume that we hung out a lot because of our amazing chemistry, but we didn't have the time. Sometimes, two people just click together. It was so much fun to portray the dynamic between Dolores and Luis.

Alejandro Hernandez: I came prepared with all my work done beforehand and was ready to dive into the role. I knew I had to match Justina's level. The experience was fantastic because, as she mentioned, we didn't spend much time together. Yet, we understood each other in so many ways. She reminded me of various people in my family, making me feel like I had known her for years. As soon as we stepped onto the set, things just fell into place.

Justina, it's always a delight to see you in sitcoms. I absolutely loved watching you in One Day at a Time, and I was thrilled when you made an appearance in Superstore. However, this new project, Dolores Roach, adds a horror-comedy twist. Do you have a preference between shows that make you laugh out loud and a project like Dolores Roach?

Justina Machado: Not at all. I don't have a preference. And that's what makes it enjoyable to do both. I previously worked on Six Feet Under, where we dealt with death in every episode. So it's not a new genre for me. What makes Dolores Roach unique is the story itself, which usually doesn't involve us, and the unexpected, thrilling, and amusing elements it brings. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, where you'll find yourself crying, laughing, and shocked. It's truly wonderful. It's thrilling to be able to explore both sides and even better when they blend together seamlessly.

Alejandro, after completing 64 episodes of New Amsterdam, playing Luis must have been quite a departure from Casey. How did you feel about exploring a different character in this project?

Alejandro Hernandez: I was thrilled to have a substantial role that challenged me in new ways. While New Amsterdam was an amazing experience where I could bring a part of myself into the character, Dolores Roach allowed me to delve into certain aspects of myself that could be unsettling. I ventured into uncharted territories and it was an exhilarating, unpredictable journey. Working on a character that was so unconventional was truly incredible.

About The Horror of Dolores Roach

The Horror of Dolores Roach is a contemporary urban legend that draws inspiration from the popular Spotify podcast series of the same name. With elements of love, betrayal, marijuana, cannibalism, and survival of the fittest, the story follows Dolores Roach, played by Justina Machado, who is released from her unjust 16-year prison sentence and returns to a gentrified Washington Heights.

In her journey, Dolores reconnects with an old friend named Luis, played by Alejandro Hernandez, who allows her to live and work as a masseuse in the basement of his empanada shop. However, as Dolores' newfound stability is quickly put at risk, she resorts to shocking measures to ensure her survival, earning herself the nickname "Magic Hands".

Check out our other interviews with The Horror of Dolores Roach cast:

Creator Aaron Mark

Kita Updike & K. Todd Freeman

All eight episodes of The Horror of Dolores Roach drop exclusively on Prime Video on July 7.

Source: Screen Rant Plus