Mirabelle Lee chatted about playing “Moriah” in Slapface, a new horror film now streaming on Shudder!
Alongside her twin sister Anais, young actress Mirabelle Lee is making her mark on the industry.
We chatted to Mirabelle about her role as “Moriah” in Slapface (released February 2022), as well as so much more.
Read on below for the transcribed interview or check out the video version on YouTube, linked below.
Although you’re still quite young, you’ve each done a variety of projects. Who or what made you want to pursue an acting career initially?
Mirabelle Lee: At first, I started off as a model when I was 3-years-old. I didn’t get into this industry like, “Oh, Mom! I wanna model, I wanna act!” Basically, my modelling agent saw an audition for a film called Blood Ties and were like, “I think the girls [Mirabelle and twin sister Anais] should audition for this.” Even though I’d never acted a day before that.
I went in, my sister Anais and I, and auditioned. We ended up booking the role and shared the part of “Janie” in the film, Blood Ties alongside Zoe Saldana. I was 5-years old around that time and didn’t really know what I was doing. All I knew was whatever I was doing was so much fun. I wanted to continue on doing it. Ever since then, I’ve been going on different auditions, booking different things and acting ever since. It’s been amazing.
You appear in Slapface, a new film coming to Shudder on February 3rd. How would you describe the project and your role?
Mirabelle Lee: Slapface is definitely one of the most interesting projects I’ve ever done. It’s a horror film, but it’s not just scary. It goes much deeper than that; tackling issues like bullying, abuse, grief & loss. So, that’s why I love it so much. My character “Moriah”, is so interesting. I think I had the most fun playing her because we were so different.
If I had to describe Moriah, she’s a bit two-faced. By day, she is Lucas’ bully where she’s chasing him through woods and throwing stones at him. Even spitting on him at one point. By night, she’s his girlfriend and they go on little dates together. It was very, very interesting to tackle their relationship, finding that balance between love and hate between them. I loved being a part of this project and I’m so excited that everyone can finally see it.
While Slapface is a horror film, what do you think makes it stand out within that genre?
Mirabelle Lee: I think what sets it apart is that it won’t just leave you screaming or clutching your seat, scared. It’ll also leave you crying. I know when my Mom told me that she watched it for the first time, she was super scared and double-checking over shoulder for The Witch to come get her. At the same time, she also had a box of tissues near her because she was crying over Lucas’ story and Tom’s story. Even Moriah’s story.
I think that’s what sets it apart from other horror films. Especially the ending, you’ll be on the edge of your seat and also have tears streaming down your face. That’s what I love most about it.
You’ve been a guest star on shows including Veep, The Blacklist and Madam Secretary. Do any of these experiences stand out in particular? And August, do you have a favourite guest star role?
Mirabelle Lee: I think one of my favourite guest star roles I’ve done is either The Blacklist or B Positive. On The Blacklist, I did that with my sister as well. We shared that tole and it was really cool because I got shot in a scene. It was an emotional rollercoaster filming it. but I love doing roles where I get to cry and be super dramatic. It’s the most fun for me, that’s why I loved doing Slapface so much.
I also love doing comedy roles, so, doing a guest star on B Positive where I played “Bella”, was really fun. It was typical teen rebellion but it was really fun. I got to do it with one of my friends. They’re very, very different experiences but each was definitely one of my favourites.
Is there any interest in pursuing other aspects of the industry – whether writing, directing or producing? Or, do you think you’ll just stick with acting?
Mirabelle Lee: I’m a very big writer, so I would love to write a script one day. Or, just help in the writing process of any projects that I would be doing. I love writing and I would love to be able to do that. I would also love to explore producing as well.
My main dream is to be an actress, but another one of my dreams but I’d also love to be part of the casting process or the producing process.
Aside from Slapface, what else can people expect from you in the future? Any upcoming projects?
Mirabelle Lee: I have an upcoming show that I’m working on right now, which I can’t say anything about. It’s super, super exciting and this is a dream project I’ve been wanting to do since I was a little girl. It’s really cool to see all the pieces come together and I’m really excited to announce it when I finally can.
Lastly, what would you like to accomplish with the rest of 2022?
Mirabelle Lee: For this year, I think I just wanna work on more projects and dive into new characters. Another of my New Year’s Resolutions is to get more involved in charity, as well. I used to live in Philadelphia and was very involved in charities there. I donated all the time.
Since I moved out to LA, I don’t know many of the charities here. I want to figure those out and find the ones I want to work with. That’s definitely a New Years’ Resolution that I want to work on.
