Samantha Mathis and Harrison Thomas star in “12 Desperate Hours” a new, original movie premiering Saturday, February 25 at 8/7c on Lifetime. We at Survived The Shows had the pleasure of chatting with Tali Rabinowitz about her experience in the making of the movie and what fans can expect. Check out the full interview below!
What’s the main element in Cherie’s character and the movie in general that fascinates you the most and drew you to join 12 Desperate Hours?
TALI RABINOWITZ: I’ve always been a huge fan of true crime so that element of being based on a real story initially drew me in. But what I thought was most interesting was how this movie allows you to gain perspective on someone you might otherwise write off in a certain way. Human beings are complicated and nothing is ever black and white and this story shows that. Compassion goes a long way.
Where are you and Cherie most similar and where most different as human beings?
Cherie really tries to see the good in people and she gives them the benefit of the doubt. Even when they don’t always deserve it. I really share that compassion and empathy with her. Where we differ only comes down to circumstance. I’m lucky to have an incredible support system that builds me up. Cherie wasn’t as fortunate to have that.
To all the fans looking forward to watching the movie, how would you describe 12 Desperate Hours in just 3 words?
12 Desperate Hours
What can you tease about Cherie’s journey throughout the movie?
Cherie really begins to find her voice as the film progresses. It’s not an easy journey for her but she learns that she deserves more and that’s an important lesson.
What’s been the biggest challenge, acting-wise, for you in portraying Cherie?
Sometimes with a character they make decisions you yourself might not make or feel. So your job as an actor is finding a way to connect to them and understand them, sometimes that can be challenging.
Talking about the environment on set, how would you describe your experience while filming 12 Desperate Hours and do you have any fun anecdotes to share?
I had lot of fun while filming 12 Desperate Hours. We were in a small town, with a small cast and crew. We only had a couple weeks to shoot so every day was down to the wire. It meant everyone had to work hard as a team to get it done. There is a real sense of comradery that comes from that. I made lifelong relationships. Part of the fun of the whole experience was our bonding time off of set. We had Cracker Barrel dinners and even went to an inflatable water park on a lake one weekend!
If you could choose any other character from 12 Desperate Hours, apart from Cherie, that you would have loved to play, which one would it be and why?
I’d want to play Denny. I think the role of Denny is such a complex and interesting role. Digging into to someone that feels so entirely different from yourself is a challenge for any actor. Harrison crushed it.
Did you take anything from set, any prop or piece of costume, to remember your experience as Cherie?
I took Cherie’s cardigan and her daisy earrings. All by accident. Oops.
Throwing back to the origins of your career, how did the passion for acting come about in your life?
I grew up in a creative family. At a very early age I was encouraged to use my imagination and try things. I was always making up stories with my sisters and playing dress up. My parents got our whole family into community theater so that’s when the acting bug struck. As I got older I started gravitating towards film and the way it could make me feel. Acting for me is a way to continue connecting and understanding being human and sharing stories. It’s a beautiful art.
What can you share about your experience on tv show American Rust?
American Rust was a really unique experience. It was my first major project and it was still during Covid! We shot the spring and summer of 2021. Every crew and cast member walked onto set like it was the first time because in some ways it was. No one had shot during a pandemic before so that settled any newcomer nerves fast. We were all in it together. It was really amazing to work and be around heavy hitters like Jeff Daniels and Maura Tierney. They were so calm and welcoming on set. It rubs off on everyone. I felt like I really got to absorb and learn a lot. The cast and crew were amazing and I made lifelong friends.
12 Desperate Hours, starring Tali Rabinowitz, premieres February 25 on Lifetime. Get a preview below!
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