Lifetime Movie Network ‘s thriller movie “Sins in the Family”, premiered on the channel on Thursday, November 2, 2023. We at Survived The Shows had the chance to chat via email with star Moniqua Plante and discuss the movie and her experience in the production. Check out the full interview below!
Can you tell us a bit about your character in Sins in the Family?
MONIQUA PLANTE: At the beginning Zara seemingly has it all—a successful career, a loving husband, a beautiful smart capable daughter. She is a loving, protective mother and that really becomes apparent when her relationship with her daughter is threatened.
What initially attracted you to your role in “Sins in the Family”?
MONIQUA PLANTE: I really liked that Zara is smart and capable and experiences a pretty intense emotional journey throughout the script. She’s loving, successful, smart and will do anything to protect her family.
What do you think makes the action in the movie so special and captivating?
MONIQUA PLANTE: The action sequence towards the end was shot under a bit of time pressure so the stress and intensity was quite real! We were all very invested and motivated to make it work in the short amount of time we had.
What do you hope audiences take away from watching “Sins in the Family”?
MONIQUA PLANTE: Well I hope the movie keeps them guessing until the end. It’s a fun ride and I do hope audiences will enjoy being on the rollercoaster with us!
What was it like working with the rest of the cast on set?
MONIQUA PLANTE: I had so much fun with the other cast members! I felt very lucky to have such great chemistry with Jay and Natalie especially. It made working together easy and the family dynamic felt very real and grounded because we genuinely liked each other and liked being around each other.
What can you tease about your character’s journey?
MONIQUA PLANTE: Well she seemingly has it all together at the beginning—living an idyllic life with a loving family and successful career. You’ll be in for an emotional rollercoaster ride as her life slowly starts unraveling.
What was your favorite scene or moment while filming “Sins in the Family”?
MONIQUA PLANTE: There’s a really heartfelt scene between Zara and Rose when we reconnect emotionally in the middle of all the upheaval. Natalie Sharp and I loved working together and that scene felt emotionally so real and raw. It was also so beautifully shot.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while filming “Sins in the Family” and how you overcame them?
MONIQUA PLANTE: I think the biggest issue was mother nature, it was sooo much colder than any of us were expecting! Shooting outside when it was -6 degrees and/or in a snowstorm was definitely challenging.
Can you tell something about your time as Natasha in the tv series “Nashville”?
MONIQUA PLANTE: One of the best experiences of my career. I’m a big fan of creator Callie Khouri, so the opportunity to work with her on this show was very special. I loved that Natasha was a character no one had seen before on the show—she was edgy, smart, very flawed, but also had a good heart. Originally, the character was only supposed to be in two episodes, but fortunately they expanded the role and I was written in for the rest of the season.
What is your favourite memory about your time as Natasha in the tv series “Nashville”?
MONIQUA PLANTE: So many wonderful memories! I loved getting to know the cast and crew, who were so welcoming and kind (and crazy talented!). Spending time in Nashville and getting to know the city itself. Working with Eric Close and being directed by Callie Khouri was a dream. Shooting the Country Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry was so special! Standing on that stage, being backstage, walking through the hallways and dressing rooms—being in the same place where so many phenomenal performers have been was truly magical.
Change of subject, What have been some of the most memorable projects you have worked on throughout your career, and why?
MONIQUA PLANTE: Nashville for so many reasons—the character was edgy and flawed and fun, and the show itself was phenomenal. Pillow Talk, a short film I produced and starred in, was truly a labor of love and won 14 awards including best actress and breakout action star. And another short film, Buttons in the Ground, also won quite a few awards, was a truly collaborative film experience. We all knew we were making something really special and the feeling between all of the cast and crew was like nothing I’ve experienced before. It’s a really magical little film.
Can you tease something about your next projects?
MONIQUA PLANTE: Well, the strike just ended so I’m excited to see what happens next. Looking forward to getting back to work! I’ve also been working as an audiobook narrator and one of my projects, All Night Pharmacy, made the Best of Audible 2023 list, which was really exciting. So I’ll be recording quite a few projects over the next few months as well.
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Chiara
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