The Girl in the Woods: Reed Diamond professes his love of the horror genre

1428 ELM: You mentioned the Buffy vibe, and The Girl in the Woods has these great practical effects. Crypt TV does such an excellent job with creating their monsters. Was that something that attracted you to this project?

REED: I always love practical effects. I think they always have much more weight. I was attracted to this because all of the pieces were there, all of the elements were there, which is not usually the case. Then everyone involved with it is so vibrant, young and dynamic. I love the inclusivity. I love the excitement. Then [Hosea], I love this character.

I’m fascinated by protecting these ancient knowledges, that I have to maintain this group whose sole purpose on Earth is to protect humans from these portals to Hell or the netherworld. This sacred knowledge that not everyone can be privy to, and having this commitment to protecting the human race despite itself.

Then also, as a parent, I was so drawn to how he parents. On the surface, I think Hosea could be seen as quite harsh, or possibly even evil, but I think of that Johnny Cash song “A Boy Named Sue,” where it’s like he has to be tough on [Carrie] so she can survive and be tough. It comes from a place of love. And that’s how I approached him.

I often play, you mentioned The Purge, even on The Purge, I was drawn to the parental relationship where it was all about his evil still being out of some misguided love. But in The Girl in the Woods, it’s much more fully realized. He loves her, but he also has a responsibility to keep his community together, and he can’t outwardly show any preferential treatment. I found that fascinating and a fun thing to explore.

1428 ELM: I usually think with antagonists or villains, you don’t want to play it just as “evil” since these characters don’t believe they are the bad guy. You tap into that human side because they think what they’re doing is the right thing. And that tends to make a much more interesting character than someone who is just like, “Oh, I’m an evil guy.” 

REED: 100% yeah, no mustache-twirling! You have to think you’re a good guy. That’s the best. I mean Thanos—everyone thinks they’re the good guy.