In a new exclusive interview on Blazing Minds ahead of the film’s Blu-Ray release from 101 Films, I got a chance to ask actress Corinne Strickett a few questions about her role in the award-winning British vengeance thriller ‘Derelict‘ from Director Jonathan Zaurin.
Q. Following a successful festival run, your film Derelict is now getting a Blu-Ray release. Can you tell me a little bit about what we can expect from the film?
A. I would categorise Derelict as a revenge thriller – gritty, dramatic, dark, raw, with real heart and emotion at its core. It works on many layers dealing with forgiveness, retribution, loyalty, violence, guilt and has, at his centre, a need to move on from the horror of what unfolds.
Q. You play Vera in the film. How did you get involved, and what attracted you to the character?
A. I have kept in touch with Jonathan Zaurin and LBS since 2020, when I auditioned for his previous film Wyvern Hill. He told me about this new project that he was casting (Derelict) and wondered if I might be interested in self-taping for the role of Vera.
Initially, the mother character was an alcoholic, and I had played similar roles in other films, soI found the character a familiar one. I was interested in the fact that she responds to her two sons in very different ways, revealing different facets of her own personality, and I found this an interesting dichotomy to explore. I also found the nature/nurture element important in Vera’s character, whether she feels responsible for the way her sons have turned out and the impending tragedy that she can see unfolding, but about which she can do nothing. My expression in the scene at the window I hope, encapsulates that feeling.
Q. What sort of preparation did you do for the role and are there any elements of the character which reflect your own personality?
A. For the self tape I did very little physical preparation. As she was initially an alcoholic character I remember getting straight out of bed, dressing gown on, no make up and just did the recording in one take. I sent it off and within 2 minutes Jonathan had replied saying I had got the part. This was definitely the fastest ‘yes’ I have ever had and he said it was the fastest ‘yes’ he had ever given!
In the actual film the character of Vera was changed to a woman who was ill rather than an alcoholic and I researched various conditions that she might have that would give her breathing problems. I also did an extensive back story on Vera and her life with the boys growing up. It is the way I like to approach all my characters to make them as rich and fleshed out as possible. I draw on parts of myself to find the characters I play and with Vera it was her stoicism, guilt, vulnerability and resignation that I engaged with.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments whilst making the film?
A. I really enjoyed the scenes with both Mike Combes and Pete Bird and I loved the quietness and the lack of fuss on set. It was a very simple crew on my shoot day – just Jonathan (DoP) and Ryan (sound). The scenes were all in the bedroom and despite dealing with quite dark themes, the general tone and mood was light and fun.
Working with Pete was a treat. He was so well prepared and completely in character during our scenes and his professionalism shone through. He was also a tiny bit scary in his character but he did make us all an exceptional lunch! What a multi- tasker.
Mike was just such a generous and kind actor to work with. Obviously playing the more gentle and sensitive character out of the two boys our interaction on set was much more quiet and again he was so professional and open to changes.
I really enjoyed being directed by Jonathan and his quiet, focused style. I understood what he was trying to achieve in the set-ups and I really enjoyed these calm moments. We also had a lot of fun which is always great when working together intensely.
Q. Did you experience any issues whilst making the film?
A. No. I was only on set for one day and I had a great time.
Q. What do you hope people will take away after watching Derelict?
A. Derelict works on many levels and deals with so many different themes. I would hope people would connect with this and appreciate the incredible achievement of making this film on such a low budget.
The acting, music, soundscape, cinematography, direction is of such a high quality. The film poses questions about motivation, character, actions and does not give straightforward answers which I always find intriguing and enjoyable and allows the viewer to actively participate. I would hope people would come away from Derelict feeling like they have experienced something truly human and impactful.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. We are taking – a comedy sketch show to Edinburgh Fringe Festival 18th-23rd August to pitch for an eight part TV series which is very exciting. I also have a feature film which is due for release this year, a BFI funded film short film which is about to do a festival run and four other short films about to be released including one which was directed by a BAFTA winning director. I have a couple of plays in the pipeline too. So a busy second half of the year!
Q. If someone is looking to get into acting, what advice would you give them?
A. Be clear on why you want to be an actor and what you want to achieve – do not do it because you want to be famous. Few are. It is a lot of hard work and requires you to be resilient and realistic. There is a lot of rejection and you have to learn that it is not personal and move on to the next project. I don’t take any rejection as a failure but I see every audition as an opportunity to act and show what you can do.
If you really want to be an actor do everything you can, get involved, make your own work, network and meet lots of people, keep learning, attend workshops and classes. Keep the dream alive. It took me many years to come back to it after drama school and this time it worked. But I have been dogged about it over the last eight years, met so many people along the way and I have put in the work. Above all enjoy the process. It really is a marathon not a sprint and there is nothing else like it!
You follow Corinne Strickett on Instagram and find out more about her acting projects on Spotlight.
101 films will be releasing Derelict on Blu-Ray in the UK and US on 22nd September. You can pre-order now using the links below:
UK – https://101-films-store.com/collections/pre-orders/products/derelict-2025-blu-ray
US – https://diabolikdvd.com/product/derelict-101-films-uk-blu-ray-region-b-preorder/
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
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