Actress Krista Nazaire is a breakout star in “Hell of a Summer,” the newly released horror comedy that adds a fresh spin to the slasher classic. Nazaire shines amongst a talented ensemble of young actors, putting her comedic timing and horror skills to the test. We had the opportunity to talk to Nazaire about her passion for storytelling, on-set experiences, and what’s to come!

Ilana Slavit: What inspired you to pursue acting?

Krista Nazaire: As a kid, I was always captivated by the magic of storytelling. Whether it was devouring a series of books, binge-watching my favourite sitcoms, having (what felt to be) life-changing epiphanies after every trip to the theatre, or listening to my family’s tales of back home, I was mesmerized by the incredible journeys a good story could take you. My parents were incredibly supportive and allowed my sister and I to explore a wide range of extracurricular activities when we were young. I joined a theatre workshop program, and it was there that I discovered my passion for acting. The first play I ever performed was ‘Anansi and His Six Sons,’ a classic West African folktale. In this play, I got to play the role of a spider. I was amazed by this medium of art in which I could temporarily become anything— it enabled me to become a vehicle for storytelling. My time at that workshop was a transformative and life-changing experience. To this day, I believe that the art of storytelling is one of the most powerful gifts that has been bestowed upon us.

IS: What drew you to the film “Hell of a Summer?”

KN: Getting the chance to star in a horror film was always top of the list for me. I remember seeing the email heading for this audition and excitedly clicking on it upon reading the title of the film, knowing it would be a horror. But what really caught my eye was that it was written by two, very young actors— Billy Bryk and Finn Wolfhard. Not only that, but it was a horror-comedy! And they’ll also be co-directing it?! AND starring! Material like this doesn’t come by very often… matter of fact, this was a first for me. I was hooked once I read the script. I found myself laughing out loud during the comedic bits while holding my breath, on the edge of my seat, fearing for the characters during the scary parts. It only took a few pages for me to know that this would be a dream project to be a part of.

IS: How would you describe your character Shannon in “Hell of a Summer?”

KN: Shannon is the tough, no-nonsense one of the group. She’s very clear and direct in what she wants. There’s no beating around the bush with her…what she said is what she means! Shannon was such a fun character to bring to life because from the on-set, you might think she’s a tough cookie to crack. But as the story progresses, we get to see her interact with the many different characters in the ensemble and they each evoke a different dynamic in her. Like all of us, Shannon’s demeanour and tone changes depending on whom she’s talking to or what she’s talking about. But one of my favourite things about Shannon is that these changes are never a front. She’s not interchanging between different social masks to fit in as teenagers often do; they’re all versions of her authentic self. She’s unapologetically herself through every situation and interaction.

IS: What was your experience like playing the love interest to co-director Finn Wolfhard?

KN: I absolutely adore the contrast between Chris, played by Finn, and Shannon. Finn’s portrayal of Chris brings such a genuine and endearing quality to the character that influences the way that Shannon engages with him as opposed to everyone else. Filming Chris and Shannon’s scenes felt very unique from the others. It almost felt like we were making a different movie because of how sincere and wholesome their relationship is against the backdrop of a slasher. Finn was always such a great scene partner, so attentive and in tune. And then such an insightful and sharp director. It was incredibly inspiring to watch him seamlessly switch between the two.

I tend to think very highly of myself and my skills

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I tend to think very highly of myself and my skills ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

IS: What were some of your favorite moments on-set?

KN: My favourite on-set memory would have to be my last. The final day was a long night shoot, and the air just felt different knowing this experience was coming to an end. By the time we finished our final take, it was sunrise. We walked out of the cabin to say our goodbyes, and in the middle of doing so, we decided we should all jump into the lake. And so we did. Hand in hand, costume and all, as the sun was rising. It was so surreal and picturesque. But more importantly, it was so full circle. The very first time we stepped foot on the campground, Billy and Finn took us to the dock to jump in the lake. I remember us awkwardly jumping in one by one, some of us (me, I couldn’t get my hair wet) opting not to. But on the very last day that we would ever get to jump in that lake, we did. Altogether.

IS: As Hell of a Summer is a horror comedy, what are some films that make you laugh?

KN: Funny enough (no pun intended), I’m not much of a comedy person! It’s very unlikely that I would opt to watch a comedy if I’m the one picking. But I do find that I genuinely laugh out loud any time I watch hidden camera comedies. “Bad Trip” was hilarious, I had to rewatch it a few days later because I couldn’t believe how much it made me laugh. It’s also just so impressive to me that anyone can make a full-length feature with so many variables that hidden camera comedy brings. It’s ambitious but definitely worth the payoff!

IS: What type of films would you be interested in being involved with in the future?

KN: Honestly, I want to do a little bit of everything. But if I had to be specific, I would love to be a part of a bad-ass, action ensemble. Put my physicality to the test. I’ve always wanted to play opposite characters like Orphan Black or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

I’m drawn to female ensembles à la Mean Girls or Sucker Punch. I also really want to dabble in more horror. Slasher, paranormal, psychological, maybe even voice-over. I’m up for anything horror-related, always.

IS: Did you ever go to summer camp?

KN: I did go to summer camp, but not a sleepaway summer camp. It felt more like daycare, I guess… I would get dropped off, do activities, and then my parents would pick me up. Don’t get me wrong, I had a blast and made amazing memories. But it was totally different from the experience that sleepaway campers had. They’d come back to school after the summer with crazy stories and a whole bunch of new friends that only existed in our imaginations because of their tales.

IS: What are some of your favorite horror films?

KN: Some of my favourite OG’s are Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the one from 1974), Halloween (1978), and Bride of Chucky. Some of my favourite newer ones are Train to Busan, World War Z, and Hereditary. Oddity is my newest addition to the list. Had to give that one a special shout out because it’s the first horror (as an adult) that kept me up all night after watching it.

IS: What character would you be in a slasher?

KN: Oh my gosh. I LOVE this question. Wow, I’ve never thought of this in depth… For starters, I would love to say that I would be a final girl, but I really can’t say that confidently. I tend to think very highly of myself and my skills, so I think I would be the one to grab my friends (we are NOT splitting up) and hide or, better yet, stealthily try to escape until the killer finds us. Then I would make the snap decision of throwing the first blow and trying to disarm them. However… I know that doesn’t always work out the way you think it would in slashers. For some reason, in my mind, I would always win against the villain. Unless they were Michael Myers or Leatherface. Then I might be screwed.

Follow @kristanazaire on Instagram

IN Conversation with Actress Krista Nazaire in Neon's Horror Comedy 'Hell of a Summer'

I tend to think very highly of myself and my skills

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I tend to think very highly of myself and my skills ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I tend to think very highly of myself and my skills ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I tend to think very highly of myself and my skills ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️