In the Netflix limited series The Beast in Me, Aggie (Claire Danes) is still struggling to return to some sense of normalcy after the death of her young son and having trouble finding motivation to write her latest book. When Nile (Matthew Rhys), a powerful figure in real estate who many believe killed his first wife, moves in next door, Aggie knows this is a story she has to investigate.
Awards Buzz spoke with Natalie Morales, who plays Aggie’s ex-wife Shelley, about how her role, which is significantly less sassy than some of her previous parts, feels less connected to the action:
“There were more scenes with Shelley that were cut for time that explained more about how she was all part of it but probably didn’t necessarily keep you on the edge of your seat as far as who’s going to get killed but they were important and interesting. I think, also, not to defend my character or myself here, but I think that Shelley is a really important part of the story in as far as Aggie’s world because Shelley is the only person Aggie has. Once Shelley doesn’t believe her, that is a really shattering thing. It does feel like betrayal, I imagine, but in Shelley’s defense, why would you, how could you believe her? It sounds insane! This person has been insane before. I thought it was a really interesting way to write that, and that the character hopefully isn’t hateable because of that and you just kind of understand where she’s coming from.”
Watch the video above to hear Morales’ take on filming different genres, recurring vs. lead roles, and whether she has plans to direct again after an enticing double debut behind the camera with Plan B and Language Lessons back in 2021.
The Beast in Me is streaming on Netflix.
