Nicole Pastor
Nicole Pastor in Freelance
In the fast-paced world of thrillers, Australian actress Nicole Pastor is about to captivate audiences with her latest role in the upcoming psychological thriller, Freelance. Playing a video editor named Katie, Pastor’s character dives into a dark world that mirrors the challenges and grit of many freelancers. Yet, unlike the everyday struggles of tight deadlines and gruelling schedules, Katie’s life spirals into a nightmare as the job starts affecting her mental health. Nicole Pastor, in her candid conversation with Pario Magazine, reveals her insights on the new project and the powerful themes she navigates in Freelance.
The Dark Reality of Freelancing in "Freelance"
"She’s a freelance video editor... desperate for work, money, facing eviction," Pastor said, outlining the premise of Freelance. The character’s struggle with financial instability reflects a common narrative in today’s gig economy. As Katie takes on a mysterious, high-paying job, the stakes rapidly escalate, both professionally and mentally.
Pastor explained how the story gets progressively darker, saying, “Her life just goes to shit... she starts seeing visions of people from these videos.” This descent into psychological chaos not only provides an intense viewing experience but also underscores the fragility of the human mind when pushed to its limits. Nicole added that the film touches on significant mental health issues, drawing attention to the pressures that come with the job and life’s unpredictability.
“I’ve lived with anxiety and depression for half my life,” Pastor candidly stated, highlighting how she brought her personal experiences to the character. This approach, she shared, allowed her to deliver a performance that feels both authentic and emotionally raw.
Bringing Depth to Dark Roles
With the thriller genre often delving into emotionally intense subject matter, the actor’s approach to embodying these roles requires a deep well of personal reflection. “When it comes to the darker stuff... I just draw on personal experiences,” Pastor remarked, adding that she believes in “layering” her personal truth with the extremities that the genre demands. This blending of real-life emotion with fictional intensity allows for performances that leave a lasting impact.
Pastor shared that playing Katie in Freelance demanded emotional stamina. “At the end of the days that are really intense, I just go back to the hotel and cry,” she said. But these intense moments also serve as a form of release. “Performing, particularly with acting, is very therapeutic,” she explained. In many ways, roles like these give her a chance to revisit and process past experiences in a way that feels constructive.
Although the mental and emotional weight of these characters can linger, Pastor is not one to shy away from fully embracing these roles. “Nothing’s ever too much... I’m not afraid to be vulnerable,” she added, demonstrating her commitment to pushing the boundaries of her performances.
A Love Affair with Horror
Beyond her upcoming lead role, Pastor has long been a fan of the horror genre. “I rewatched Rosemary’s Baby the other day... I’m excited for Apartment 7A,” she shared, revealing a taste for classic and contemporary horror. Her passion for the genre runs deep, citing iconic films like The Shining, Halloween, The Exorcist and The Nightmare on Elm Street. Pastor said, “I feel like I’ve seen everything,” underscoring her deep connection to horror’s diverse narratives.
“I do also try to throw some comedies in there to balance it out, laughed Pastor. “I’m currently obsessed with Hacks.”
The premiere of Freelance at Australia’s iconic Monsterfest was a major milestone for the actress to be able to share the project with audiences. "We've been talking about this premiere... and it being at Monsterfest, which is iconic," Pastor said. Her excitement was palpable, even as she acknowledged the nerve-wracking elements of seeing her work screened for the first time.
Moving forward, Pastor has clear aspirations to collaborate on more significant projects. "Being gay, I'd love to work on more queer stories," she mentioned, expressing a desire to bring LGBTQ+ narratives into focus through her work.
Follow Nicole’s creative journey on social media @NicolepastorOfficial
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