Mystery and Mayhem: Charlot Daysh Discusses Her Latest Film ‘Cry of Silence.’
Check out our interview with talented actress Charlot Daysh, who can be seen in the much-anticipated thriller, “Cry of Silence.” This film, which makes its debut on Hollywood Suite and Prime Video on May 1st, transports us to a neighborhood where a brutal serial killer is hiding in the shadows.
In “Cry of Silence,” we follow a young couple, deeply in love, as they start their new life together, blissfully unaware of the danger encroaching upon them. While Frank, the husband, becomes consumed with his work, his wife Maggie, portrayed by Charlot, faces her own chilling ordeal. Her sudden and mysterious disappearance is the result of a enigmatic figure stalking her. With no trace and no signs of struggle, the plot thickens, drawing us into a spine-tingling narrative of suspense and mystery.
Follow Charlot @charlotdaysh
Hi Charlot, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am an actress, originally from Norway and I am now living in Toronto. Acting has been a lifelong passion of mine since I started out in musical theatre as a child. I am also very passionate about all things health and wellness!
Describe yourself in three words.
Dedicated. Creative. Passionate.
How did you get started in acting?
I’ve been captivated by performance arts for as long as I can remember. When I was 4.5 years old, after watching a musical with my grandmother, I was mesmerized and without hesitation, I raced to the stage, eager to get my poster signed and ask to join the cast. Despite the audition age limit being 6, my determination must have caught their attention because they agreed to let me audition. I ended up getting a part, and from then on, I performed with the same theatre company for almost a decade.
What is the best and most challenging part of being an actress?
The best part of acting is getting to explore and immerse myself in different characters. When I’m acting, I feel intensely present, and in some ways, it feels like a form of play, where I can explore different facets of life. And I just love being on set, it’s exhilarating. The collaborative energy of a group of people coming together to create art is incredibly fulfilling. It’s amazing to witness how all the elements of a production come together to bring a story to life. The most challenging part of being an actress is dealing with the rejection and uncertainty that comes with being in this industry.
How do you prepare for a role?
It’s all about diving deep into their world and understanding what makes them who they are. First and foremost, I read the script thoroughly, going over it multiple times to really grasp the character’s journey. I try to uncover their truths – what drives them, what they want versus what they need, and what motivates their actions. It’s important to establish their backstory, to understand where they came from and what events shaped them into the person they are today. Having conversations with the director is also very important and helpful. Another key aspect is to never judge your character. Instead, leading with empathy, and seeking to understand and justify their actions from their perspective. I also believe in bringing a part of myself into the character, merging some of my own traits and experiences with theirs. This allows for a more authentic and personal connection to the character. If there are aspects of the character that I don’t personally relate to, I find emotional substitutes that I can connect with.
Tell us about your work in the new thriller film ” Cry of Silence”
“Cry of Silence” is an action-packed thriller, with lots of twists and turns. The film was shot in St. Mary’s, Ontario, and was directed by Allen Kool and written by Robin Kool, a real powerhouse industry duo. The movie centers on a young married couple who settle into their new life together in a community terrorized by a serial killer. I play the character of Margaret Klassen, who is forced to face the demons of her past to fight for her life back.
In this production, I got to challenge myself in new ways as an actor and loved working alongside the dedicated and talented cast and crew. You could feel the passion and effort poured into every frame. Filmmaking is such a collaborative team effort, and this film really captured that essence. We are all thrilled that the film has been on a winning streak at film festivals around the world. It will be available to stream on Prime Video and Hollywood Suite on May 1st.
Of all the characters you’ve portrayed, which one do you feel closest to or most proud of, and why?
That’s a hard question, but I am going to I say I feel closest to and most proud of the characters I portrayed in my last two films, “Cry of Silence” and “Finding Odera.” These roles were particularly special to me because they marked my first lead parts in a feature film. Both characters were strong female leads that I felt a deep connection with. The process of bringing these characters to life challenged me as an actress and allowed me to explore new depths of emotion and character development.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Knowing that my performance could have a positive impact on someone is very rewarding, whether it’s an escape from reality, a moment of laughter, or a piece of inspiration. I believe that when you deeply relate to a character, it can be an empowering and even transformative experience, and I hope I can be a part of that for someone.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors who look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps?
Know your ‘why.’ Your passion and drive need to be strong enough to sustain you through the inevitable challenges of this very competitive industry. Work on your mental health, self-image, and self-esteem, to help face the rejection. Get involved with the acting community and expand your network. Find a good acting teacher and take lessons. Get experience, however, you can—even if it means working for free to build your showreel and resume, and good headshots are essential! Try to make some progress every day, big or small, consistency is key. Be self-disciplined, and give it everything you got! Believing in yourself is crucial, as our minds often limit us to what we believe we can achieve. And lastly, take care of your body. Physical well-being can significantly impact your performance and overall success. I believe that success in this industry requires a holistic approach that nurtures both your mind and body. Your state, affects the state of your work, and the state of everything you do.
How do you manage your busy schedule with your personal life?
I try to be really mindful of how I spend my time. Self-discipline is key for me when it comes to maximizing my time and optimizing my life. I´ve found it helpful to become really clear on my priorities and identify common distractions and find ways to minimize them. I’m also mindful of what I say yes to, trying not to take on too much to avoid feeling overwhelmed. I always try to be proactive, ahead of schedule, and stay organized, which helps me feel on top of things. And then taking care of myself physically, mentally, and spiritually plays a big role in helping manage everything. The more optimized I am, the more optimized everything I do will be.
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Spread kindness like confetti”. I think the world would be a better place if everyone was just a little kinder to the people around them, to strangers, and to themselves! Kindness is free and everyone can do it.
What’s next for Charlot Daysh in 2024?
Next year I´ll be involved in a few exciting projects including: “Trickle and Flow,” a crime drama series, and “Noose,” a period-piece drama series that’s currently in development. Additionally, I’ve started working on developing some of my own projects.
What is your definition of happiness?
Happiness to me is living a life that is in alignment with who I am, my values, and my passions.
Best advice ever given?
You are creating your future in every moment, create wisely.
Do you support any charities?
Yes, I love being involved with charity work and giving back to the community in various ways. It truly is the most rewarding thing you can do!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
In five years, I envision myself balancing family life with my career. I hope to be working on projects that not only interest me creatively but also contribute positively to the world. Additionally, I would love to explore the different facets of filmmaking.
Favorite song? Why?
“Con te partiro” by Andrea Bocelli, it just so empowering, hits me right in the heart. This song is also special to me because it was playing while I was standing on a bridge in the Bahamas, watching a water show with my now-fiancé. Looking at him in that moment, I knew that I had fallen in love with him, even though we hadn’t yet expressed that to each other. We recently went to watch Andrea Bocelli live and it was such an incredible and emotional experience.
What do you think of social media?
I think it’s amazing in some ways and toxic in others. I think it all comes down to being mindful of how you use it, and having boundaries with it.
Where can we follow you?
You can connect with me at @charlotdaysh
Book: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
Quote: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Movie: Interstellar
TV Series: Friends
Favorite Food: Sweet potatoes
Travel Destination: Fiji
Sports Team: Whoever my fiancé cheers for!