The new Lifetime movie, Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story, will premiere on the channel on Saturday September 30, 2023. We at Survived The Shows had the pleasure of chatting with star Miranda MacDougall, who plays Barbara Weaver, about her experience in the making of Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story and what fans can expect from the movie.
Can you tell us a bit about your character Barbara?
MIRANDA MACDOUGALL: Barbara – as we know her in the film – is based on the real-life Barbara Weaver of Apple Creek Ohio who was (spoiler alert!) murdered at the age of 30 by her husband Eli Weaver and his accomplice Barb Raber. She was a loving mother, sister and daughter devout to the Amish faith.
What initially attracted you to the role of Barbara in “Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story”?
I’ve always wanted to play a character based on a real person. Of course, being not exactly a person of note until her tragic and untimely death, there was little to no information on who the real Barbara Weaver was. This made for an exciting challenge as I dove into as much research as I could about the Eli Weaver case and the midwestern Amish way of life.
I love that as actors we are afforded these opportunities to fully immerse ourselves in worlds so very different from our own. Specific to Barbara, I was attracted to her bravery and tenacity in the face of victimhood. She reminded me that dualities exist in us all, and that stereotypes are often just that. Barbara can be both a pious, sheltered Amish woman and still fight quite fiercely for her right to safety and love.
What do you think makes the action in the movie so special and captivating?
I think the jumping back and forth between timelines makes for a really captivating audience experience. We get to watch Eli and Barbara’s relationship progress with the kind of dramatic irony so deliciously specific to the true-crime genre.
What do you hope audiences take away from watching “Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story”?
Barbara grapples with the physical and emotional abuse she is experiencing in her relationship, and whether to assume or assign blame. The strict confines of her religious order make for an environment of gaslighting and disbelief – feelings we all can relate to on some level. I hope that this film offers audience members the chance to reflect on all systems of oppression, and how the silencing of women and marginalized folks can have such dire consequences.
What was it like working with the rest of the cast on set?
A dream! Luke, Kirsten, our fabulous director Stacy…we were certainly spoiled on both the cast and crew front. I’m always especially appreciative of a warm and playful cast dynamic when working with material that leans heavy and dark. It’s nice to know a giggle and a great conversation lies on the other side of an emotionally taxing scene 🙂
What can you tease about your character’s Journey?
I think you’ll be delighted to learn that through all her emotional strife, Barbara remains true to her genuine belief in real, all-encompassing love – perhaps she just learns to find it in other places…
What was your favorite scene or moment while filming “Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story“?
My first day on set, we shot the therapist scene in which Barbara seeks advice outside the Amish Community. Starting the process of inhabiting this character with such a complex scene made for a reflective rest of the shoot – I was able to take the indecision, confusion, guilt and bravery that Barbara experienced in that therapist’s office and keep it in my back pocket for the rest of my time in her shoes.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while filming “Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story“ and how you overcame them?
This isn’t so much a challenge as it is a “I may never eat pie again” realization. We suffered some wild weather the day we shot the barn scene in which Eli and Barbara meet over a slice of pie. We ended up having to reset many, many times due to wind, changing of light…all the fabulous obstacles that filmmakers will recognize as part and parcel of making movies! This said, I ended up eating…..a lot of pie. It was a great pie, don’t get me wrong! But just…Yeah. Too much pie.
Can you tease something about your next projects?
Some exciting things coming down the line! I’m lucky enough to oscillate between a few creative endeavors in my work as both an actor and a film writer/director. But! My next project actually sees me stepping in the booth and behind the mic. Can’t disclose much yet, but I’m looking forward to what feels like a “long time coming” kinda chapter. Follow along on instagram @miramac.
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Desirèe
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