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| Credit Dominique Murray |
A dynamic, dramatic actor, Kelsey Rhea is a true person to watch, not only in the horror space, but in all of TV and film. In celebration of her accomplishments, and to help celebrate Women in Horror Month, I talk with her about her genre beginnings, some of her most recent genre releases, and her upcoming projects.
Me: Hello and thank you for taking the time to do this. First off, where did you get the urge to get into acting?
Kelsey Rhea: Great stories have been a passion of mine since childhood. Books and films provided a place to escape, intellectual inspiration, and a window to new worlds. As an actor, I get to help tell stories that provide this opportunity for others.
Me: Were you always into genre films growing up? What films specifically got you into watching horror movies?
KR: More than a genre, I sought out movies that challenged how I thought about the world or transported me to another one. My mom not being a fan and preventing me from watching horror when I was a kid predictably led to my desire to explore the genre as a teen. The first horror film I remember watching was Scream. Blair Witch was also a big one for me.
Me: Is there any specific type of character you prefer playing?
KR: I love playing all kinds of different characters because it allows me to explore different sides of me and my personality. As an actor, I love a complex character who goes on an emotional journey. In Grind, which premieres in August, I play college professor, Emily Ritter, who is dealing with the loss of her wife and child. Through the course of what happens in this cosmic horror, Emily faces her grief and has to choose whether she is going to fight or to fold.
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| Credit Mark Cantu |
Me: How do you portray characters that aren’t like you?
KR: I look for some commonality that I can tap into. In the upcoming film, Perfect Soul, I play an ultra strict and fanatically religious mother. I’ve decided her motivation is her strong desire to protect her child, which as a mother, is something I to which I can relate.
Me: That brings us to one of your latest projects, the short "Swine and Dine." What can you tell us about the film?
KR: Whether my character is the victim or the villain is a bit in the eye of the beholder, which was really fun. Currently in post-production, Black Ave Films plans to submit to the festival circuit with a feature-length version in the planning stages.
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| Credit Brad Campbell |
Me: You mentioned "Perfect Soul." Is that a feature you’ve filmed?
KR: We recently filmed some proof of concept scenes, and the Indiegogo is currently live with some great perks. Based on a novel by S.J. Hermann, Acrostar’s production is set against a backdrop of religious reverence where the town of Perfect unravels as transgressions are revealed and historical roots take hold and wreak revenge. We will be filming the full feature later this year.
Me: Are there any non-horror projects you’d like to mention?
KR: Under the Bleachers, a modern and sweet, coming-of-age story, will be shown at the Garden State Film Festival on March 29. Blowback, which deals with the aftermath of a school shooting, premieres on April 23.
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| Credit Dominique Murray |
Me: What do you hope to achieve in the future for your work?
KR: Art is more important than ever. Often it can be what brings us together and what gets us through the day. Creating meaningful stories that matter is a privilege. I want to do that, regardless of genre.
Me: Lastly, being that this is Women in Horror Month, what special message do you have for any women out there looking to join in the industry in any capacity as you are one yourself? Thank you again for your time!
KR: Work hard and stick with it, and remember you never know where something will lead. Also, there isn’t a limited amount of success to go around. So support fellow Women in Horror, especially indie actors, whether that’s cheering them on social, financially supporting their films, or being a friend.
To keep up to date on all of Kelsey’s latest projects, follow her on Instagram @kelseyrhea07
This interview ran as part of our 2025 Women in Horror Movement series. Click the banner below to check out all the featured interviews in this series:
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