New Mexico actors Shylo Molina (11) and Marie Wagenman (9) shine in the indie thriller Grace, written and directed by Anna Elizabeth James.
The film stars Kristin Davis (Sex and the City), Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend’s Wedding, August: Osage Country, Young Guns) and Greer Grammer (Awkward, The Middle).
Grace is about a bestselling female novelist (Davis), suffering from writer’s block, who hires an innocent young woman (Grammer) to watch over her twin children. As the novelist dangerously indulges in her new best seller, the line between the life she’s writing and the one she’s living becomes blurred.
Wagenman and Molina play Kristin Davis and Dermot Mulroney’s fraternal twins Alex and Sam Morrison. They are both represented by Carissa Mitchell of Mitchell and Associates Talent.
On set the young actors bring a natural feel to their characters by ad-libbing, which in turn encouraged their Hollywood co-star Mulroney to improvise with them.
Wagenman and Molina are shining examples of the talent and professionalism residing and on the rise within New Mexico, giving California creatives a run for their money.
Wagenman has appeared in numerous television shows and films. She has had a recurring guest role and a recurring co-star role in Netflix’s Chambers and Godless. She also appeared in AMC’s Preacher, NBC’s Midnight Texas, Netflix’s Longmire. Her films included Nicolai Fuglsig’s 12 Strong opposite Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Andrew Flemming’s Ideal Home, and Danny Boyle’s Stalked by My Ex.
Molina emerged on the scene in USA’s In Plain Sight, WGN America’s television series Manhattan, Epix’s series Perpetual Grace, LTD starring Ben Kingsley, and recently in Disney’s Stargirl. He has also performed Albuquerque’s stage with Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company.
New Mexico is making strides in championing its up-and-coming talent. Local and incoming filmmakers across the state are taking notice and making changes.
“Production was moved from Utah to New Mexico for the tax credits,” Wagenman says. “I think they’re really lucky to do that. There’s so many amazing cast and crew here.”
“This is my first main part in a movie,” says Molina.
Having had to cut his long hair for this role, Molina brings commitment energy and ambition to his work.
“I want to keep acting, but I also want to be an astrophysicist,” he says. “I’ve always been interested in space and going to Mars.”
“I want to go to Mars,” says Wagenman.
He has to take his twin, right?
Molina’s mouth stretches. “Well… I mean. Mars is only for the cool kids.”
“I am a cool kid.”
After a momentary pause: “Yeah, you can come. I’ll take you.”
Poised and eloquent, Wagenman seeks to “accept as many opportunities in my roles as I can to build my career. I love acting, but I also want to be a marine zoologist. My favorite animal is a sea turtle. But I want to be an actress for sure.”
When the cameras aren’t rolling, this dynamic pair put their high energy to excellent use by singing 80s and 90s top hits. They’ll smooth your spirit with their rendition of A-ha’s ‘Take on Me’ then spin the Spice Girls ‘Wannabe’.
Molina has performed in several musicals and he aspires to director one someday.
“I’m in a musical right now. It’s called Matilda. Opening night is on Friday, so come get your tickets.”
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is at the Musical Theatre Southwest from December 13th-29th 2019. Tickets.
“I’ve been in plays,” says Wagenman. “Mostly Shakespeare. I have performed in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and I was one of the narrators. I also like writing plays.”
Grace is full of talent on screen and behind the scenes, but why should audience’s check it out?
Wagenman: “Grace is a thriller that has some twists. For those of you who love twists will absolutely love this movie.”
Molina: “If you’re into scary and romance stuff then you should definitely go see it. It’s going to be an amazing film. We’ve practiced really hard on this.”
New Mexicans have every reason to be proud of these up-and-coming actors. Their professionalism, enthusiasm and unyielding gratitude for the work make them prime examples of the best talent New Mexico has to offer.
The child stars and their respective real-life parents, Shannen Wagenman and April Molina tout the talented filmmakers they’re working with on set, including writer/director Anna Elizabeth James, their co-stars Kristin Davis, Dermot Mulroney and Greer Grammer. Set teacher Daniel Williams, Craig, Lori Romero and Betty Lawson, Karen in makeup, Nicki, Ricki, Shannon, catering and background. “They are all very hard working,” say Wagenman and Molina.
Grace is the kind of production that shows off local talent. More notable New Mexico talent cast in the film includes Lora Martinez Cunningham, Melissa Chambers, Amber Pohl and more.
“If you watch Grace, thank you,” says Molina.
“It will be very good,” says Wagenman. “Trust me.”
Stay connected with New Mexico Film News for more on Grace
Behind the scenes photos by Tino Duvick, Broken Chain Photography. Story by Valerie Baeza. Special thanks to Jessica Szjaner for production access.