The Better Sister: Unraveling the Thrilling Secrets Behind Its Captivating Characters!
The Reunited Sisters
This latest thriller revolves around a pair of estranged siblings, Chloe and Nicky, who find themselves reunited following the shocking murder of Chloe’s husband, Adam. As investigations into Adam’s death unfold, long-hidden family secrets may shatter the fragile connection they’ve formed in the aftermath of this tragic event. In the story, Jessica Biel portrays Chloe, while Elizabeth Banks takes on the role of Nicky.
Additionally, the trailer for The Better Sister suggests that it boasts a talented ensemble cast beyond its lead. Joining the series are Corey Stoll, renowned for his work in House of Cards and Ant-Man, Kim Dickens from Deadwood and Gone Girl, Bobby Naderi of The Beekeeper, and Lorraine Toussaint, known for her roles in Selma and Orange is the New Black. In this production, Dickens and Naderi portray Detective Nancy Guidry and her partner Matt Bowen respectively, while Toussaint takes on the role of a prominent New York publisher. Stoll’s character is Chloe’s deceased husband, Adam Mcintosh.
Joe Deckelmeier from ScreenRant sat down for a chat with Corey Stoll, Kim Dickens, Bobby Naderi, and Lorraine Toussaint from the thriller series “The Better Sister”. They shared insights on their characters’ traits and flaws, revealing how they worked harmoniously with showrunners Olivia Milch and Regina Corrado to achieve the perfect tone. Stoll also provided a glimpse into the unique experience of portraying a character predominantly depicted through flashbacks.
The Better Sister’s Police & Professionals, Explained
Cast Members Reflect On “Exquisite Writing & Well-Drawn Characters On The Page”
The intricate universe of “The Better Sister” is enriched by the characters surrounding Nicky and Chloe, such as Chloe’s boss and mentor, Catherine Lancaster. As portrayed by Lorraine Toussaint, Catherine is a complex character, described as elegant yet calculating, the queen maker. She is also vulnerable, petty, and vindictive. However, she exhibits maternal instincts and predatory behavior, making her a formidable figure. Moreover, Catherine resonates with Toussaint on a personal level, embodying various women from her past, family, and friendships. Indeed, Catherine is a powerful presence that demands attention.
Despite Catherine’s strong-willed nature, Toussaint noted that her deep affection for Chloe was her vulnerability. In investigating Catherine’s feelings towards Chloe, Toussaint found that she was incredibly possessive and protective. She has plans and expectations for Chloe, and anyone who interferes with these intentions or her nurturing of Chloe should beware. Indeed, Catherine is a force to be reckoned with, and one would not want to find themselves on her wrong side.
In “The Better Sister”, Catherine focuses on Chloe’s career matters, while Detective Nancy Guidry, played by Kim Dickens, and Matt Bowen, portrayed by Bobby Naderi, work tirelessly to uncover her husband’s murderer. Dickens found the role of Nancy appealing because she was a “spitfire” and a “troublemaker”. She went on to say, “I adored her. I thought she was incredibly complex and multi-dimensional. I appreciate that she’s passionate about her job…and her pursuit, in a positive sense. She’s determined to solve the crime and apprehend the culprit.
Bobby Naderi found it entertaining to portray Matt, who served as a sort of contrast to Nancy. He enjoyed the uncertainty, making mistakes, and trying to prove himself, even if he occasionally went astray. It was also exciting for him when he trusted his instincts, took action, and received either positive or negative feedback. Overall, he felt that Matt’s character made an excellent complement to Kim’s character, making the acting experience enjoyable for him.
Regarding the development of the Matt-Nancy relationship, Dickens commented, “It’s a tribute to the skill of the producers and casting directors who envisioned us together, given our past work, that we would make a harmonious pair, much like salt and pepper.
How Corey Stoll Brought Chloe’s Murdered Husband To Life
“That Conflict, That Anxiety, And That Relationship Is Coming From A Place Of Love”
The central plot of the novel “The Better Sister” revolves around the demise of Adam McIntosh. However, Corey Stoll had to develop his character thoroughly despite Adam not playing a significant role in the series’ current narrative. As he explained, filming a TV show usually involves working out of sequence, but this project was an exception, as it required a 10-fold increase in that complexity.
Stoll went on to say, ‘Everything is utterly mixed up,’ which made them cling even tighter to the storyline. Fortunately, we had a thoroughly planned script – not just for the plot twists and unraveling the mystery, but also for capturing the emotional truth and the dynamics between these characters.
Stoll additionally commended the showrunners, stating, “They welcomed collaboration wholeheartedly. If something appeared off or if we thought we were revealing too much… there was no resistance. They fully supported any great ideas we had.
Apart from making Adam familiar to the audience, Stoll additionally needed to portray Adam’s relationship with his son Ethan on the show. Maxwell Acee Donovan plays Ethan, who has received rave reviews from his fellow actors: “I believe that 95% of directing lies in casting, and they truly found the ideal actor for Ethan,” said Stoll, adding, “[He’s] soulful, and he’s virtually unable to deliver an insincere performance. It’s nearly impossible not to feel a sense of concern and the desire to protect him when working with him.
The situation made my complicated connection with him even harder to navigate, as the tension, worry, and our bond stem from a source of affection and concern, although it’s not being expressed in a constructive manner.
How The Better Sister’s Team Set The Actors Up For Success
“I Was Blown Away By The Whole Team”
Bobby Naderi and Kim Dickens similarly expressed their thoughts working with the team behind The Better Sister’s show. Bobby was impressed by Olivia Milch and Regina Corrado, stating, “The whole team left me astounded.” He further added, “They are not only incredible individuals but also exceptional artists. Every time they spoke to me, I felt they were genuinely interested in me, though it’s not about individual actors, but the ensemble and the sisters. Yet, the thoughtfulness they showed towards everyone on set, regardless of role… that, I will always be thankful for.
As someone who has reviewed many films, this one felt like a labor of love among family members. Olivia Milch, the writer, is David’s third child, and Elizabeth Milch also contributes to the script. Regina Corrado, whom I’ve worked with before on Deadwood, was part of the team too. This familial connection gave us a unique, grounded dynamic in our creative process. The writing quality, as far as I’m concerned, was nothing short of flawless.
As a follower, I found that some parts of the script reminded me of Deadwood, both in the language used and the way the characters spoke. The writers did an exceptional job that there wasn’t much room for improvisation. They were always present on set, ready to tweak or adapt anything as needed. It was truly a pleasure working with them. Their talents are undeniable, they’re so relaxed yet incredibly skilled, fun, and open-minded.
Also check out our interview with Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel.
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2025-05-28 18:58