Natalia Dyer is expanding her TV emprise onto the big screen. The 80s-inspired sci-fi thriller series “Stranger Things,” (where she plays alongside Winona Ryder and Millie Bobby Brown) first put her on the floodlight of Hollywood interest. Her latest project “Mountain Rest” was just released on December 7th, where she plays Clara, a teenager with wide-eyed ingenuity. The film revolves around the dynamics of female relationships within the family, and most of the cast and crew are female, which according to Dyer, set a different tone on set. “Females see things differently. They have a different perspective on things,” Dyer said about the project. This superb drama, streaming now, was directed by Alex O Eaton and co-stars Kate Lyn Sheil and Frances Conroy.
Untitled had the opportunity to catch up with the 21-year-old Nashville native in NYC where she was celebrating the premiere of her new film, Mountain Rest. In an exclusive photo shoot and interview with Tina Turnbow, Natalie eagerly graced our lens with her lovely spirit, captivating eyes and dope style.
Read more below from this sweet star on the rise.
Can you share some of the vibe, location, and chemistry on the set of your new movie”Mountain Rest”?
The location was incredibly beautiful and isolated up in the mountains of North Carolina, and it was a small cast and crew so it all felt very intimate and reflective. The cabin itself had such a vibe all on its own, almost otherworldly. It was unlike any set I’ve worked on.
What were the main factors that drew you into the project?
I think the first main factor was reading a story about three generations of women and how they relate. I haven’t read too many scripts with such a matriarchal tone. After meeting and talking with Alex and learning who else was going to be part of the project, I was on board.
What did you learn from the film’s heavy theme of death and strained family relations?
For Clara, there’s a naivety and innocence to what’s going on in her family. She’s at that age where it can be difficult to see beyond yourself, and she feels victimized by what’s going on around her. But by the end I think she’s learning to see things from a different perspective.
With the film now streaming on iTunes, would you say it’s a good one to catch in the intimate setting of your home?
I think that’s an ideal setting!
Mountain Rest is one of your first films. How would you compare the experience to working on a TV show? Do you love them both equally?
I would say yes. Every project is completely different, but I always learn something new!
Makeup and photography: Tina Turnbow using Juice Beauty
Hair: Gerald DeCock using Oribe Hair Care
Production: Liz Vap at FeralCat Production
Shot at The Django at The Roxy Hotel Tribeca