Interview by Rebecca Carvalho
Photography by Ryan West
María Caballero is a Spanish actress who stars in the upcoming movie “The First Omen” alongside British actor Bill Nighy premiering on April 5th. Her film credits include the features “Amar” directed by Academy Award nominee Esteban Crespo, “Tiempo Después”, directed by Goya Award Winner José Luís Cuerda and “Olvido”, directed by Inés París, for which she won Best Performance by a Lead Actress in the Berlanga Awards and Best Upcoming Actress in Un Futuro de Cine at Cinema Jove. She was part of the main cast in the Netflix series “The Longest Night” and the Netflix series “Alma, The Girl in The Mirror”.
“Olvido” is a mysterious thriller and “The First Omen” is a horror film — even “Amar” — which I expected to be tried and true romance film — is a thriller. Is there something about these roles that you’re drawn to as an actress?
I guess I’ve always been drawn towards the supernatural and mystery. I love both doing it and watching it. I like to use fiction to experience things that in real life would be impossible. That said, I’d like to work in every different genre and style.
How do you prepare for getting into your role, especially since so many of them are portraying these high intensity situations?
I believe you need to be ready at every level before you start filming anything. So emotionally and physically but also psychology and spiritually ready before you travel to the film location. I feel like you need to be as open and as available as possible for your role but also for the cast and crew that you share the experience with. For me, the character´s background and analysis is essential to prepare for a role. Understanding the motives, the thing they long for, is also essential. I work a lot beforehand but then, when filming, I like to walk on set trying to be as present as possible. Trust that the work you’ve done is there and just “be” with the other actors.
With your diverse background in Spanish cinema, how does it feel to transition into a high-profile international project like “The First Omen,” with some big names including Bill Nighy – how does it feel to be a part of this production? How is it different than other projects you’ve worked on so far?
It feels surreal. It’s really hard for me to put down in words what it means, as it’s a childhood dream. I feel very honored and blessed. I’ll be forever thankful to the people involved in this production whom I know fought for me to take on this role. It’s different because we have more budget and so more time and creative freedom. Also, of course, having such an amazing cast and crew surrounding me just made my work easier and my performance better.
Did you face any challenges while working on “The First Omen” compared to your previous projects?
I guess it was my first international movie so of course the language was a challenge. I worked really hard so I could act as free as when I act in my native language. Luz is a character that needs to be able to improvise with words and she has a lot of energy and that is also reflected in the way she speaks.
What do you enjoy most about working in television, and how does it compare to your experiences in film?
I didn’t find such big differences. Film is of course more intense and compacted in time and there’s only one director, which makes work easier and usually, better. But sometimes the fact that you have 6 months to develop a character can give you the chance to go deeper. For me, it’s always about the people I’m working with what really makes the difference.
What kind of projects would you like to work on next? Are there other genres you’d like to explore more?
I’m currently working on a period comedy. I love comedy. That being said, I’d like to explore working in every genre and with every director. I’m really curious and I want to challenge myself as much as life lets me.
Was there something in particular about the script for “The First Omen” that drew you to the role?
Everything in that script drew me to it. Everything was a yes. I love that my character, Luz, has many faces and she’s not who you think she is at first. I love it when characters use masks.
“The Omen” series has been around since the ‘70s. How does it feel to continue the series’ legacy in your own way?
It’s amazing! It feels like in a way we’re contributing to the story of cinema. Of course, the technical possibilities have changed so much and give us more creative freedom, but the reason why we make movies remains the same.
In “Tiempo Después,” you worked with José Luís Cuerda, a highly influential director in Spanish cinema. What was it like working with him, and did you gain any insights from working with someone who’s been in the industry for so many years?
I was very blessed to get to know and work with Jose Luís, he died months after the shooting. I really admire him and love his movies. He’s one of the ‘old guard’ Spanish directors who dared to make movies and talk out loud about issues that were very controversial at that time. He had the characteristic humor that very intelligent and wise artists had. We owe him so much. I’ll never forget him.
Do you have a dream actor or actress you’d like to work with?
Many, I must say. It’d be an honor to work alongside Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett or Marion Cotillard. Just to mention three!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
